As Chuck-A-Rama's executives explained at Thursday's press conference, they felt they were within their rights to cut off anyone they thought was abusing the system by obliterating existing supplies.

But upon reflection, they realized they could have gone about it in a more diplomatic, customer-is-always-right way, instead of saying, "I'm going to cut you off" and calling the cops.

"While we serve over 2.5 million customers each year, we are concerned when even one of our customers has an experience that is contrary to our customer satisfaction goal," the company's statement read.

So they apologized.

The result: Isabelle and Sui were offered gift certificates for future meals at Chuck-A-Rama, if they want them.

Which undoubtedly means another run on the roast beef. In Dr. Atkins' America, nothing's safe, except potatoes.

---

Lee Benson's column runs Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Please send e-mail to benson@desnews.com and faxes to 801-237-2527.