I used to bring my kids to Kids Empire all the time, and it was always a nice place to visit…read more Unfortunately, things have taken a complete turn, and it's honestly disappointing to see.
Since the new manager, Heather, came in, the atmosphere has changed drastically. From what I've personally experienced and witnessed, her attitude toward both staff and customers comes across as rude and unprofessional. I've also overheard conversations in which she speaks negatively about her own employees, and as a customer, that's not something you want to hear from someone in a management position.
What makes this even more disappointing is that the rest of the staff seem great! They are friendly, approachable, and pleasant to talk to. The employees are attentive to the children, and I appreciate that the facility is kept clean. I want to give credit where it's due because the staff members I've interacted with seem to be doing their part. My concerns are specifically about management and the atmosphere it creates.
I've also noticed that some of the facility's features and maintenance seem to have gone downhill. When the mascot comes out, the lights are supposed to turn off and the disco lights are supposed to come on, but that no longer seems to work the way it used to. I'm also unsure why the bathroom always seems to be out of order. These may seem like small things, but they affect the overall experience when families are paying to come and enjoy themselves.
Good management should create a welcoming environment, treat employees with respect, and make customers feel comfortable bringing their families in. Instead, the atmosphere feels completely different from what it used to be. The previous management brought positive energy, and it is sad to see a place that families enjoyed become so disappointing.
I'm also confused about the management decisions. There were already people working there who seemed capable of taking on leadership roles, and I genuinely wonder why someone who was already part of the team wasn't considered for the position. I can't say for certain why the decision was made, but I do think companies should be transparent and fair when choosing who gets leadership opportunities. I would hate to think that race or any other irrelevant factor could influence those decisions.
It's especially frustrating because this was somewhere I genuinely enjoyed bringing my kids. A business can have a great facility, but the way customers and employees are treated makes a huge difference. Management sets the tone for the entire establishment, and unfortunately, the change has not been a positive one.
I also believe employees should be careful to understand their workplace policies and know their rights. A good workplace should make people feel respected, supported, and comfortable coming to work, not worried about how they will be treated.
I hope corporate takes the time to look into what's happening because I would hate to see a place that so many families enjoyed continue to go downhill. Kids Empire has the potential to be a great family destination, and I want to see it return to the positive environment it once had. The facility has good things going for it, especially the cleanliness and the staff who pay attention to the children, but the management and overall atmosphere need serious improvement.
