Floyd's Diner James Bay — Restaurant in Victoria

As someone who always checks reviews before applying anywhere, I felt it was important to share my experience. If you’re considering working here, I’d encourage you to ask a lot of questions about training and expectations upfront. I don’t usually leave reviews, but I’m sharing my experience in hopes it leads to more transparency and respect for future staff. ❤️

I had a disappointing experience working at this diner. I was hired with the expectation of being trained, but the training was minimal and unclear. My first shift involved shadowing a host, and my second consisted of assisting at the bar. After a two-week gap with no communication, I returned for my next shift and had to ask what my role was. I was told again to shadow the bartender, so I stayed behind the bar as instructed.

After the shift, I received vague feedback (only after asking if I could improve) about taking “too many breaks” (I had three quick bathroom breaks in seven hours and asked before eating a granola bar), having “too many drinks” (I brought my own tea bag and just refilled it with hot water and the other staff were consistently making drinks for themselves), and not cleaning enough tables, despite being told to shadow a bartender and never assigned floor duties. I was then reassured that I was doing well and that things would come with time. Having trained others myself, I understand the importance of staying open to feedback and to not become defensive, so I didn’t argue and was ready to adapt to their lifestyle with the new feedback I was given, but I left feeling that I hadn’t adequately advocated for myself.

I was then fired over the phone after that shift by a manager who hadn’t worked any of my shifts. She cited a customer complaint I was never informed about and told me I “wasn’t self-directed enough,” though I was never given clear responsibilities in the first place. She also mentioned I had spent too much time behind the bar, even though I had been explicitly told to shadow the bartender and was simply following instructions. Ultimately, she said I needed more training than they were prepared to provide, which felt especially unfair, considering the lack of proper training or consistent direction I was given to begin with.

What was the most difficult was feeling like decisions had been made behind closed doors without honest communication. I showed up, stayed friendly, followed instructions, and genuinely tried to do a good job. It wasn’t enough, because the structure and support just weren’t there.

Everyone deserves a fair chance to learn and feel supported at work. I hope that becomes more of a priority here moving forward. I’ve learned from this experience. I hope...

Visited a while back in the Summer. For the uninitiated this is not a quick grab some breakfast and run type of place. It is fair to say it is the exact opposite of that. Line-up outside was about 20 minutes but it was a warm sunny day and so nothing really to complain about. A couple of times a staff member came out and offered those in line some coffee while they waited which was a very nice gesture that I have not experienced elsewhere. Once inside it was very busy and crowded but not to the extent that you would feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable. But the negative of that of course was that service was a bit on the slow side and even slower when it came to receiving the food you ordered (about 20-30 minutes). But if you are not in a rush you can just sit back and enjoy the overall experience - there is plenty of interesting decor, some really good humour on the menus, and good assortment of patrons that made for some entertaining people-watching. If all else fails you can talk to those who came with you to eat! Because this was a weekend in the middle of the Summer visit I assume that in off peak times the wait will be far shorter. But an extra Summertime bonus is that right next door, on a Saturday morning I believe, is the outdoor James Bay market geared to serve the locals that is well worth visiting. All this of course is geared to those in no particular hurry. The restaurant is located a few minutes pleasant walk away from all the downtown tourist attractions or if you arrive by car there is plenty of street parking in the neighbourhood. I realize I have not yet mentioned the food, which I guess is kind of odd for a restaurant review. That is because thinking back to a couple of months ago, it is the overall experience that made visiting there so enjoyable. The food was certainly very good, portions were large, and there were all sorts of breakfasts to choose between, far more than I have seen at any other breakfast place. There was not a lot of contact with the service staff because they were very busy running back and fore between tables. Nevertheless they were welcoming and friendly and helpful and were working darned hard for their money. The biggest compliment I can give is that this will he my go to breakfast place when visiting Victoria...

I’m a lucky guy whose family was able to come down and see me for lunch today. We planned to grab some food and then take my daughter to meet the draught horses down the street. Considered a few places but was happy to see there was no line today at Floyd’s. Was seated immediately and provided menus by the hostess. Our server came over soon after to take our order of two sandwiches and an eggs Benny.

25 minutes later, the server showed up to say that unfortunately, a table with 10 people had ordered just before us, so the food would be a bit longer. She then made a joke about how she hoped we “were on island time and don’t have to be anywhere soon” (nope… I’m on my lunch break and just hoping to spend some time with my family that doesn’t include waiting for food in an empty restaurant.)

Fast forward to 45 minutes after ordering and our food finally showed up. It’s fine. Nothing special, but certainly not worth $22-$25 per plate.

Given how long it took, I ended up having to eat quickly and leave my family to finish up their lunches and pay. Walked past three staff just standing around near the door, not a single “see you next time” or “thank you.” Just chatting amongst each other.

My wife was kind enough to let me know that there was no further apology, and that she was given the full bill with nothing offered to compensate us for the wait.

I understand that businesses have operating challenges, but blaming other customers for delays and charging premium prices for sub-par service and food...