I recently visited this restaurant with a few friends and was genuinely excited to try it out. The location is very convenient, and I have to say, the food was delicious. That said, I don't see myself returning, as there were several issues that made the experience uncomfortable and disappointing. I hope the owners and team take this feedback seriously, as I believe the restaurant has potential with some thoughtful improvements.
1. Entry & Ambience: The restaurant opens at 11:30 AM, and we arrived around 11:40. One entrance was still locked, and there were no visible hours posted on either door. Inside, staff were still cleaning, and the space didn't quite feel ready for service. An old, large open trash can from the previous business (Fire Wings) was still in use and felt out of place, especially since this is not a self-serve setup. The floors looked freshly mopped, though streaky--possibly done in a rush.
2. Menu & Offerings: Physical menus weren't available; we were asked to scan a QR code, which triggered a security warning on my friend's phone. The digital menu also didn't match what's listed on their website. There were no tea or coffee options, which may not bother everyone, but was disappointing for us.
3. Cleanliness: Unfortunately, we noticed cockroaches in the restroom, which is deeply concerning. Additionally, the plates we were served on were visibly dirty. Water was served in copper cups and jugs, which were quite tarnished--these require regular upkeep, and using alternatives might be more practical if maintenance is difficult.
4. Hygiene Practices: While the staff wore gloves, we observed them using the same gloves while opening doors, drawers, and moving around the restaurant without changing them. This undermines the purpose of wearing gloves for hygiene.
5. Service: After our food arrived, no one came by to check on us. We had to wait a long time and eventually flag someone down to request additional items. The only other table present appeared to be experiencing the same lack of attention.
6. During Service: Just as we finished eating, a staff member began mopping the floors with a heavy dose of Fabuloso. The strong chemical smell overwhelmed the space, making it uncomfortable to sit and breathe, let alone enjoy our time. It caused headaches and eye irritation for several of us. Staff, including the owner who was seated behind us, saw our reaction but didn't acknowledge or address it.
7. Lack of Engagement: The owner was seated directly behind us and witnessed us trying to ask the staff for a contact email to share our feedback. While I could have initiated a conversation, it was disappointing that the owner didn't show any interest or concern in hearing about our experience in the moment.
In short, while the food itself was enjoyable, the overall customer experience needs significant attention--from cleanliness and service to basic hygiene practices and professionalism. read more