This was the worst experience I've had so far in a restaurant. The server Alex was the most rude person I've had encountered in a restaurant. He was unfriendly, not a smile, and doesn't have the right manners and I believe he doesn't belong in this type of business or at least need to learn more about customer service.
The moment he approached me on my table, he already lectured me about sitting at my spot without his knowledge and because of that reason, he said he did not see me. He said he was alone. The thing is, another server sat me down before he came into the picture & he was unapologetic. And even if f I did sit down, if no one is in front to greet you, how would you even know if there is no sign " please wait to be sitted".
It was a very very small area where we are and the morning was just starting. There were 3 small groups of customers (that includes me) in a very small area where they all concentrated their customers because it was an early morning and it was impossible for anyone not to see anyone in that very small area.
When he took my order, I asked about an item in my order which was always included in my past orders but apparently, he said I can only have one option. I have been ordering the same order with different IHOPs (Lakewood & Norwalk) for years. I love their steak and eggs and it comes with hash brown, eggs, & pancakes. I always skip the pancakes and replaced it with white toast. This time, he said it doesn't come with hash brown. He said it's either pancakes or hash brown. So I can't have white toast. For a customer who regularly orders that once a week with different branches of IHOP, I think I know what I want to order and what comes with it. It's either the other branches are wrong in what they put in my plate in the past or they are just nice and go along with my order because it's just a small thing. They want to please me as their customer. Besides, this was just the second time and I went to this Cerritos branch and I had no problem with my order the first time. Now, it's suddenly changed? Do you need to inform the other branches about this change or this waiter needs to be re-educated about the menu and what and how they can accommodate their customers requests?
I was greatly disappointed and when I tried to give my input/suggestion after he took my order about the earlier incident, he did not even wait for me to finish and cut me short and gave his excuse and reason which I don't need to hear at that time. He need to learn how to listen and validate how their customers feel about their experience if they want them back. He doesn't need to agree with me but at least apologize for he made me feel with my experience as a customer. I was so frustrated and disappointed and left, again, without even an apology. Most people just want to have a quiet, pleasant, dining experience and that's not what I got Thai morning.
I hope the management will give attention to this. read more