We visited this Applebee's ten months ago. At that time we said we'd never go back. Then, the food and the service was lousy. My thought was manager needed to work with staff. However, we gave it a second chance and my opinion has changed. I don't think the manager needs to work with staff. I think the manager needs to be replaced with someone that will work with staff.
There's a reason there are so many negative views regarding service. To begin with our server had no clue what was on the menu. She didn't know where to find the side dishes on it or what or where the soup was listed. We're guessing she was put on the floor not knowing what the restaurant served. She wanted to take our order without us knowing what our choices were. We were pretty frazzled just dealing with her. Finally we suggested she get someone who did know. So she finally ran off to find someone else to help (i.e. server #2).
Order was finally taken as we had opted for the 2 for $25 choices. This time the food was mostly good. Most places you're offered dipping choices for onion rings, etc. Not here. We asked for ranch dressing to dip and was told we got BBQ sauce or they charged an extra 50 cents. Not the idea so much of the amount but never have ever had an upcharge for a ranch dip replacement.
We waited for what seemed like a long time for our onion ring appetizer. When it did come we were sure it had sat in the kitchen for a while. Our meal arrived almost on top of the onion rings. The meal was cooked perfectly but the service was so lousy it was hard to have a good attitude.
We were asked how it was by server #2 after we were finished. Server #1 never stopped to check and the question by server #2 was as she was walking by. I'd say it was a little late to do much about it if the steak wasn't cooked right.
Tracking down a server to get their attention so we could get our tab was another issue.
So, now we're saying again, never again.