This was one of the most interesting restaurant experiences I've ever had, so I'm going to dive right into my story to explain.
My brother-in-law and I are big burger fans. We regularly scope out the best burger joints in the GTA to appease our carnivorous appetite. Two weeks ago we decided to give a local place a try and ended up taking his vegetarian sister (my wife) along for the trip.
When we arrived there were two people working (one front staff member, one cook). We ordered two burgers, Mac n cheese and Nonna's fries plus two waters. We carefully chose our seats and quickly gathered some condiments as we excitedly waited for our meat.
About ten minutes later, two cokes were brought over to us which of course we turned back because we ordered waters. We also watched as the waitress bring an incorrect order to the table next to us. As the tension built, the waitress informed us that they couldn't make Mac n cheese. We quickly substituted this dish for an order if poutine which we were reluctant to do since we already ordered Nonna's garlic fries. The burgers arrived and they were good, but I've had better. To give you some perspective it's a notch below "The Works." We still enjoyed it but are slowly as we waited for our fries.
After eating half my burger, fries arrived but they were neither garlic fries nor a poutine. Meanwhile the table next to us (who ordered before us) was still waiting for his burgers.
Finally both orders of fries arrive. We frantically eat away whispering about the odd experience we just had. However, the 'chef' then comes out, humble and extremely sad, and slowly apologizes for our experience. Turns out his chef did not show up this morning so they were ver understaffed. I've never seen this in a manager owner before but it takes a lot if courage. It shows the character that they have. I will be back on another day to take another stab at it.