Regina, I started from fresh when I got OFB (meaning I reinstall and did a fresh start) and on downtown lots the Sims will simply rush to the podium and ignore everything else that is fun around them. They don't even play dartboard or run to the karaoke machine like they use too!
Since all Sims line-up at the podium you cannot interact with them.
With Eddie'S fix, it is better, but still there is a lot of Sims going to the podium but after they ate once, they will do something else so can actually interact with them and some will completely ignore the podium and will rater play bowling!
Is fix for the expresso cart that are place on community lots works great too.