No, they don't really offer poor service, but their tolerance for jackassery is a lot lower.
If you're rude to the owner, you're toast. "The customer is always right" does not apply. Maybe you're wrong, and they'll tell you to your face. "White wine? With your steak, sir?" can be absolutely dripping with disdain.
I think it's better that way. They can be more honest and not have to pretend they actually like you. The way they treat customers they don't know might border on hostile, but they will go to great lengths to accommodate their regulars.
If you're rude to the owner, you're toast. "The customer is always right" does not apply. Maybe you're wrong, and they'll tell you to your face. "White wine? With your steak, sir?" can be absolutely dripping with disdain.
I think it's better that way. They can be more honest and not have to pretend they actually like you. The way they treat customers they don't know might border on hostile, but they will go to great lengths to accommodate their regulars.