Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
4.2 ★
3,122 Google reviews
$
501 Gordon Dr, Sioux City, IA 51101, USA
My son and I visited for breakfast and placed our order. After approximately 25 minutes, our waitress informed us that the restaurant was running behind, that complimentary muffins were being offered to customers, and that there would be a significant delay in getting our food.
When I asked how long the wait would be, she said she would check. Upon returning, she explained that they would be starting our food in approximately 30 minutes. I clarified that this meant we could be waiting another 45 minutes to an hour before actually receiving our meals, and she confirmed that was likely. At that point, I explained that we did not wish to wait that long.
I then asked to speak with a manager. The waitress said she would get one, but returned shortly afterward and told me that no manager was available. She provided our receipt and instructed us to pay for our drinks at the front counter. She also explained that the kitchen was still working on an order for a busload of students that had been placed earlier.
My concern was not simply the wait time, but the lack of communication from the beginning. Had we been informed when we were seated that the wait would be this long, we likely would have chosen another restaurant rather than spend our time waiting for food that had not even been started.
When we reached the front counter, I asked who the manager on duty was. The cashier informed me that there were actually three managers on duty. I questioned why none of them could take a few minutes to speak with a customer about a concern. Another employee responded that they were very busy and that the managers could not come out to speak with me.
I paid for our drinks, requested a receipt, and left disappointed with the entire experience.
I understand that restaurants can get busy and that unexpected delays happen. However, customers deserve to be informed of significant wait times before ordering, especially when the kitchen is so far behind that food will not be prepared for another 30 minutes. Equally disappointing was being told that no manager was available, only to discover that three managers were on duty.
A little communication, transparency, and customer service could have made a significant difference in this situation. Unfortunately, the way this was handled left us feeling that our time and concerns were not valued.
Photo of receipt, as proof of service.
Peanut Butter pie to go...
10/10
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