Snooze, an A.M. Eatery — Restaurant in Centennial

Welp ... here we go again. (At least at this location; the others seem fine with this.)

Guide to Ryde is a gig work support and rights community centered in Denver, so part of our job is to evaluate the places that gig workers, such as food delivery folks, have to pick up from. How food delivery works in a new paradigm, so this is both to get locations to do better, as well as give folks a voice in situations where they're often powerless or perceived as less than deserving of respect.

When one of our community leaders pick up from locations, we look for several things, such as how well they communicate with us, how organized they are, how respectful they are in their interactions with us, and several other factors. We get that it's busy, and notice how well you manage our part of the job when things are slammed. We appreciate when the food is ready to be picked up, or when the person responsible to manage the pick-up process works well with us and stays on top of things for us. And of course, we also appreciate that these things to both ways, and encourage our members to be respectful and appreciative even when they need to check in a few times.

Because, in the end, we're basically servers on wheels, and responsible for a number of endpoint relationships, including the customer.

With this location -- and again, it could have just been the super young, host working this morning and it could have been a bad day, but we don't typically do this after only one experience -- the problem is that they often don't realize that last point. We. Are there. To help. Them.

We're also burdened with having to manage cost and time, where long waits in either direction can bring half our hourly income.

Sometimes the issue is that the person on staff looks down on gig workers (which is odd, as the pay is likely about the same if not better). Other times, it's about being part of a trend of being sassy with gig workers because of annoyance with having to do "extra work" to accommodate them, and so on.

I'm not sure what the exact cause is, but this particular "last straw" host had an air of all of those things. And then when they get to the point where they're clearly annoyed at you checking in after a long wait, then intentionally ignore you (or deliver food around you), or leave it sitting on the counter at the bar to "teach you a lesson", then it's time to go ahead, call the customer to let them know to follow up, and remove ourselves from the situation.

This location has some other issues that might play into this, but workers need to know and understand that hot food in good time helps not only us, but them and the business they work for. And that all other personal issues, projections, and problems need to be worked...

As has become custom for me these days to kind of document places for people of color to avoid (apparently, living in Denver it's a little unavoidable), this location can unfortunately be one of those places.

In my experience, like I had just a few minutes ago before writing this review, it's usually the host that's the issue, or where you get the hostility from. Sometimes, they probably don't even know that that's where it's coming from on their end, or they'll think it's their "instincts" about a person. It's the lack of understanding that systemic issues start with the social, and that's giving them the benefit of the doubt.

Occasionally, like any place, they'll hire someone of color who they presentable for the host stand, but even if they aren't a little bit the same (happens), most of us are probably in the kitchen.

And in the end, it's not even about seeing other brown folks in a space -- you can't control that kind of stuff, and there's no need to. It's often just that one person you see when you first walk in ... who often has the the power to seat you, or notice you, or hand you your to-go, or whatever it is ... who leaves that pretty unmistakable impression. Then after that, it's so hard to shake, that the rest of the experience is just tainted. It's rarely some super-obvious red flag, like a Confederate one or something, but more often disrespect, unearned hostility, fear not really based on anything you've done, and of course unneeded pushback if you happen to get really uppity and stand up for yourself (the right to ask for respect is one of the core rights of status).

And again, Denver and its suburbs doesn't have enough people of color to really give people the experience to correct this kind of behavior, to have enough personal contact to hear that it happens, and usually you feel pushed out of spaces before having a chance to correct that, anyway.

Which is probably why I've felt the need to start documenting these experiences lately. Because too often, you just shrug it off...

If you’re searching for an exceptional breakfast or brunch spot in Southglenn, Snooze A.M. Eatery should be at the top of your list. This vibrant restaurant combines a welcoming atmosphere with a menu that’s both inventive and comforting, making it a standout choice for locals and visitors alike.

One dish that truly exemplifies Snooze’s flair for flavor is the OMG French Toast. This isn’t your average French toast—it’s a decadent masterpiece. Thick slices of brioche bread are stuffed with mascarpone cheese, griddled to golden perfection, and then topped with fresh strawberries, toasted coconut, and a drizzle of vanilla crème and caramel. Each bite is a harmonious blend of sweet and creamy textures that will leave you exclaiming, “Oh my gosh!”—hence the name.

Complementing the indulgent French toast is their fresh-squeezed orange juice. Pressed from ripe, juicy oranges, this beverage is the epitome of refreshment. Its natural sweetness and vibrant citrus notes provide a delightful contrast to the richness of the OMG French Toast, cleansing your palate and invigorating your senses.

Beyond the stellar food and drinks, Snooze A.M. Eatery offers attentive service and a lively ambiance that enhances the overall dining experience. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to recommend dishes or accommodate special requests.

In summary, Snooze A.M. Eatery in Southglenn delivers on all fronts—exceptional food, refreshing drinks, and outstanding service. Whether you’re a breakfast enthusiast or just looking to treat yourself, don’t miss out on their OMG French Toast and fresh-squeezed orange juice. It’s a culinary experience that truly lives up...