Wonderful Wanda's — Restaurant in Chandler

We've lived in the area for four years now and finally decided to try this place out this morning. The wait took a while, which we get, it's Father's Day. However, once we got seated, it became the most stressful breakfast I've ever encountered. One of the waitstaff was literally running around like a chicken with her head cut off, barking orders at the other staff who was doing their best at keeping up with the throng of people there to enjoy breakfast. One of my sons (6 years old) doesn't like breakfast food, so when he attempted to order chicken tenders, and we were told (by the barky waitress) that the fryers weren't on and he could only have breakfast, we totally understood. Makes sense! I attempted to order him a grilled cheese as it doesn't require a fryer, and she downright refused and left our table, saying "figure it out"! My son is really upset at his point because he's hungry and tired from waiting, and they can't seem to make him a grilled cheese. I have a feeling if I'd ordered him a "breakfast sandwich on toast with only cheese" it wouldn't have been a problem, but for some reason, a grilled cheese for a six year old was too much to ask. He ended up eating toast, and I made him a grilled cheese when we got home. We ordered an Eggs Benedict (pretty good, not nearly the best I've had) and husband ordered a burrito (we could have made the equivalent at home, just as well). The other woman who brought our food was very delightful, nice and accommodating to the best she could be.

While there, I observed a family (also with a very young child, about 2) who was brought their food, and spent about four minutes trying to gain the attention from anyone working (all the while, everyone avoided making eye contact with this family) there because they did not have utensils to eat with. The woman from that table eventually got up and went to the back to ask someone for silverware. We love supporting small businesses and are always looking for new ones to try out, but unfortunately, this one, we will not be...

I've been going to Wonderful Wanda's for years as going out to breakfast is often one of my favorite things, especially so when I do so with my brother. We've gone to different restaurants for years (Denny's, iHop, various other local stores) and yet they have now basically been entirely replaced by Wonderful Wanda's.

A small and cozy spot, Wanda's has an entirely relaxing experience and very much feels like your little home away from home. The food is excellent and, even though I am a MASSIVE creature of habit when it comes to ordering what I like (If I had a dollar for every South of the Border burrito I've eaten I'd have many dollars) the frequent and unique specials always have me trying new things. The coffee is also great and I wish I could just take a whole pot of it home!

A short while after I started going to Wonderful Wanda's a change in ownership occurred and I have to say it was the best thing that could have happened. The new owner, Brandy, is one of if not the most friendly restaurant owners I have ever met and she makes my brothers and I always feel not only at home, but takes special care of us each time we go in. Normally I'd say this might just be an exception considering we are frequent regulars but I witness her and her staff treat each and every person who comes into the store as special guests.

I could probably write an essay about how much I love this place as I generally go once a week, but if you are ever in the area of Chandler, Arizona I highly suggest taking a spot in, visit Brandy and the gang, and have a wonderful breakfast or brunch.

Oh, and while I have only ever tried it twice the lunch is also GREAT!

TL;DR Great food, great people, my favorite...

Where to start? Sigh. Our server brings the check. $40.00 even. I give her my debit and she runs it, then returns to the table. She charges me $41.60. ??? I ask what that's about. She explains that we were charged a "non cash payment fee". Double sigh.

To the owner: You're a joke. That service fee for CC transactions is YOUR business cost. Not the customer's. Yours. Raise your prices if necessary to cover it, but DO NOT nickel and dime your customers AFTER you've presented their bill. FURTHERMORE, if you're concerned about raising your prices, simply serve great food. People will still fill the seats. But you don't. You serve mediocre food at best.

My burrito had a dry, hard tortilla. That happens when your staff doesn't seal the tortilla container and air gets to them. The contents of the burrito were bland. My fresh fruit cup was slimy because you buy frozen fruit (blueberries). Gross.

Your attempts to be profitable by cutting corners and passing costs to customers are remedial management mistakes.

Do better. Until then, 1 star because I'm required to give you something. But don't worry, we'll never be back to bother you again.

Edit: Remedial management mistake #2: Calling a paying customer who took time to review your questionable practices and bland, stale food, "Petty".

If your margins are so tight you can't pay your own CC fees, rethink your life rather than charging a fee AFTER you've presented the check.

But hey, at least we didn't get food poisoning like many others who've left reviews. Yet.

Stay small. You've earned it.

On to those who...