Actually, the folks who ran that little message are probably getting paid for downloads of those browsers. No doubt there was a "convenient" download link accompanying that message. 

If you're running IE9, your browser is plenty "modern", and uses HTML5, as you know.

...  the person who did their site needs a good kick, punters will just go elsewhere.

Do you have a link Guy ...

Dr Guy, I wonder if you contacted that restaurant and told them about the message that was popping up, if they even knew it was happening. 

Ya think (on the paid for others)?  I am SOOOOO disappointed.  But I guess they will try to make a buck any way they can.

As it is, Chrome and FIrefox wasted some money - since I already use both.  I just happened to be searching on IE (I cannot even tell you why since this is coming from Firefox) at the time.

As far as "modern", I know.  So yea, now that you burst my mirth bubble, your explanation sounds very logical.

Sure do.  Do you like French food?  http://www.thecaribbeancourt.com/#MaisonMartiniqueRestaurant

Another good clue!  The web writer just has it in for IE! Actually a better one than Doc JBHL - the restaurant probably does not know a browser from a cookie!

I contacted them - but only to buy a gift certificate.  Given they are not in the IT business, I will pass on the notification.  As Taz pointed out, it is probably their web writer and they have no clue.

Still (and thank you for the clues one and all), as an old fart, I did find it funny. And yes, I do remember when IE was the joke of the browser world (mid 90s).  The circle of life.

IE10 is supposedly out next month.

... By the looks of it, just an IE hater who thinks it's ok to flash an alert window. Not a good first impression.

A simple message at the bottom of the page would be far better ... although I don't think the person who 'coded' this page really cares.

Tried the link....

Hillarious !!

Then I'd not order dessert there, mate. 

Snowy, I haven't found any problems using IE9... not sure why you liken it to shooting yourself. For pure speed and certain extensions, Chrome is better though.

some place in Australia that was in the news lately does this also. this must be a copycat IE hater.

Does it really matter what browser you as long as you're happy with it. I'll stick with IE8 at least until I find a way to disable the HTML5, then I may move up to a newer version.

oh, and sent this to each of the businesses,

have you approved your web person's distaste for MS Internet Explorer. Opening up your site in IE# receives a pop-up window that states one should drop IE in favor of some other browsers.

by the by, your site is accessible with IE#, so...?

Should I even ask why?  That's bizarre.

I don't like animated/video advertisements. I've heard that HTML5 is a flash type of software that does the same thing. I disable flash.

some dev just don't like ie for standards issue. they won't go out of their way to support ie in that they won't fix things if it's down to ie doing things differently.