How many times do you give a restaurant a chance when every time, the service is erratic and scarce. My wife and I have been eating at Outback Restaurants for years, but it wasn't until we moved near the restaurant in Surprise, Arizona that we noticed a consistent problem with getting good service.
On previous visits, we asked for the manager, who was terrific and tried to correct things, but we once again returned and the results were exactly the same. Not good. Downright unacceptable.
The food was standard Outback OK. Don't get me wrong, but when I sit down, I expect to be greeted and start the experience off right. Usually, when we go to this restaurant, there is almost never a person at the front to welcome you. Unacceptable, There should always be someone to greet you. Waiting more than a minute for someone to seat you should not happen. This is too common here.
Twice we have told the server that a problem had occurred previously and even with advance knowledge of our bad experiences, we expect corrections to be made. Not the case. They have too few servers on the floor almost always. Guessing there must be employment issues.
The restaurant was not busy this time. My wife prewarned me not to complain, so I obliged. There were only two other couples in our area. After waiting a time frame that was unacceptable to get our order, I shrugged, held out both hands and asked where our food was. Simple response should have been "Let me check on it." but we got "Your food is being cooked" with no apologies for delay. Whaa?
One other thing. I know we are in the age of digital electronics, but if I see another restaurant put iPads on the table, thus deferring service even more, Give me service, not a password. I see self-service again and I shall go Out Back and scream. I go to a restaurant expecting good service. This is the complete opposite.
Yes, we probably will give them another chance, but why can't we get a meal when they do not have our table abandoned or seated near the bathroom?