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| - Well, that was certainly an experience. Hubby & I are Olive Garden regulars (like once a week) & dine at various locations in the valley. We typically sit in the bar because the service is extra prompt & the bartenders are always on point with service. Well, we went in on the evening of 8/21 & were served by Crystal, the baryender. I would never throw someone under the bus like that normally, but it was truly that awful. She literally hated us. It was so incredibly awkward, it was hard to sit through. She gave us zero service to the point where a server/bartender assisting in the bar had to close our tab & getting to go items from kitchen after seeing us sitting there for so long unattended with her a few feet away. She was right there during this entire time so it certainly wasn't like she was too slammed to acknowledge us for the almost 2 hours we sat in front of her. I mean, think about it...how hard do you have to try to avoid someone sitting at the bar right in front of you even if you are busy making drinks? We certainly weren't rude to her or deserving of how she treated us. In fact, we are regulars! We are actually the easiest type of customer! Well after being there for 2 hours, being ignored and clearly not wanted, I felt Olive Garden owed me money, but we paid and even tipped an undeserving 10% (normally we do 30%). Afterall, we sit in the bar to be in and out in a quick fashion with spot on service. Also, on a side note, as we left a woman at hostess stand (not in uniform so presumably a manager) thanked us for coming in and while she's saying that, I look to make eye contact & reciprocate only to see her speaking to us while looking in the kitchen. Who provides training for these people?! I normally wouldn't nitpick that greeting, but after the incredibly awkward, unwelcoming 2 hours I just had, it sealed the deal for me. Needless to say, Crystal truly ruined our evening and there is no excuse for it.
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