Harvey's — Restaurant in Waterloo

Unfortunately after several visits here with slow service and then tonight’s visit sadly I’d suggest trying somewhere else. Used the drive thru and was told it would take a few minutes and asked to pull into one of the reserved spots. After waiting for nearly 15 mins I went inside which was irritating as the whole point of drive thru is so you can stay in car for many reasons. After a minute or so someone came out with the order before I was able to speak with someone . I expressed my disappointment with the wait time which was given a simple “sorry”. Got home to find the one meal was incorrect and a minor error of the wrong dipping sauce. I called the restaurant to discuss and was told I could come back right now for a new burger… I expressed that it had already taken a good amount of time and I was back home already so that wasn’t an option. I asked if they could take my name for when/ if I decided to come back… she said no but you can come tomorrow… I appreciate the attempt however after the lengthy wait for the food I wasn’t feeling like much negotiating was needed. I think perhaps some training in customer service and organization might help this...

I have nothing against Harvey's.... Well, I do, they've nerfed their burgers, but that's another story.

This review is primarily focused on one occasion with the staff at this location.

While I was eagerly waiting to enjoy my burger and poutine at a table, this Indian guy, the manager I assume, stood towards me for a few minutes. Had no idea what he was doing, but it felt awkward to eat with some dude standing uncomfortably towards me.

Finally bothered to look up, and he was also looking up..... at the TV, which was conveniently mounted right above me. I asked him if he was about to watch something. "It's for you", he replied in a joking way.

AHAHAHAHAHA no.

Yeah that's not funny. I told him I didn't need TV but don't think he heard. He didn't even think of apologizing, let alone recognizing that he was in my personal space. The guy not only continued to configure the TV, but also brought along his wife, or Indian friend, or whatever to stand towards me. Great. They obviously wanted to watch TV.

I didn't finish my poutine and left...

I grew loving Harvey's burgers, their slogan, "Harvey's makes a hamburger a beautiful thing," rings in my mind each time I go to my Canadian burger chain of choice. I like their app, and their service is always top-notch too. I appreciate that they give you an estimate as to when your meal will be ready when ordering online. The thing I am wondering about though is whether that charbroiled delight is being rushed at little, the zest of the perfectly charred burger seems to have been lost in recent years. This robs the burger of its distinctive character and taste. While my burger today was expertly cooked, that perfecting char seemed lighter, less, and a shade disappointing. Maybe it's just me though, please post your own experience. Maybe I need to ask for a more charred experience, but I cannot through the app. It's still a good burger, it's just not the great...