This review is for Mason Wilson the “manager” on duty at 5:15pm on 12.19.24 at Countryside. Yesterday around 1pm my colleague called to make a reservation for that night. He was told by a gentleman who answered the phone that either they can’t/don’t make reservations but he would ask the manager on duty. When he got back on the phone he said the manager said we could come. Fast forward to 5:15pm and I am the first to arrive. I told the hostess that We had about 13 ppl. She asked if I had a reservation and I explained the above call. She verified no reservation was made and said she would talk to the manager. When she came back she said they already had large reservations and wouldn’t be able to accommodate us. I called back my colleague and told him what I was told. I asked if he remembered the name of the guy who answered the phone and he said no. He did specify this time that he asked to reserve for 9/10 people. When I went back I asked to speak with the manager. I didn’t see the point in telling her to tell him and so on. He was standing right there at the time. I explained that I reached out and that it was actually for 9/10 people. His “professional” response was… so which is it because a minute ago you were saying 13 and now you’re saying 9/10. I explained that I wasn’t the one who made the reservation that’s why I wasn’t sure the amount. He said the worker asked for 9/10. I said so you remember the call? And he said yes and I told the worker we are unable to accommodate. I said well the guy who made the reservation is saying he was told we can come. He said if I would have said that then I would have put it as a reservation and we would have never said that we don’t make reservations cause we do. I said ok. So can we can just move 3 tables that are open together. He said no they already had too many reservations. I said ok well can’t we just sit 3 separate tables near each other like regular parties. He went on a tangent about reservations again and even if he did do that we would have to wait over an hour for food because we would have to wait for all the reservations to get their food first. I said that doesn’t make any sense. He said with an attitude what part doesn’t make sense. I explained if we were three separate parties at the tables we wouldn’t be waiting for all reservations to be fed. Especially since other reservations weren’t even here. He said there’s no way they can accommodate us with a definitive tone. Mind you the entire time at least 6 tables to my right were open. Nobody was waiting to be seated. And the very large party was still seating. I was very unhappy with his attitude, unwillingness to work with us in any capacity despite the miscommunication between him and his employee, and that he Never attempted to find a way to make it right. His only focus was telling me no and making sure he came off “right”. I walked back up to him and said I’m sorry can I just have your name. He said why do you want my name. I said cause I’d like to share my experience. He said so you just want my name to leave a bad review. I said I want to leave a review of my experience and I’d like your name. He told me I didn’t have an experience. I said thats fine but I would still like your name. He said he wasn’t going to give me his name. So I walked to the front desk to ask the hostess for a business card. He then followed me to the desk and said I don’t know why you’re doing this when I have done nothing but try to help you. I said I’m not trying to hear anything more. You’re a manager here so you should have a business card right. He said yes. I said I would like one of your cards. He said he isn’t going to give me one. I said I can figure it out myself then cause I have the right to leave a review. His response was and I have the right to refuse service to anyone I want and I’m asking you to leave the building. This man’s “customer service” is completely unacceptable. My colleagues and I have done many outings here for years but that will cease moving on because of him. I will be writing to...
Read moreI have dined at many places in my life—small mom-and-pop cafés, five-star luxury steakhouses, hole-in-the-wall diners that somehow serve the best pancakes on Earth—but none of those experiences, not a single one, could possibly compare to the sheer brilliance, the unparalleled magnificence, the absolute masterclass in hospitality that I encountered at BJ’s Restaurant thanks to two phenomenal human beings: Erik and Aiden.
Now, when I say phenomenal, I don’t use that word lightly. I mean it in the truest, most literal sense—these two didn’t just “do their jobs” or “serve our table.” No, no. They transcended the very concept of service and entered the realm of artistry. Dining with Erik and Aidan in charge of the guest experience is like watching a symphony orchestra perform at its peak or seeing a Broadway actor deliver the performance of a lifetime—it’s something that leaves you moved, inspired, and perhaps even a little changed as a person.
Let’s begin with Erik. From the very first moment he approached our table, I knew we were in good hands. His presence alone carried a calm assurance, the kind that instantly makes you think: Ah, this is going to be good. Erik has that rare quality of being both professional and personable at the exact same time. His smile was genuine, his tone warm without being overbearing, and his timing impeccable. When he described the menu, it wasn’t just a list of options—it was a guided culinary journey. He painted a picture so vivid of the deep-dish pizza and the Parmesan-crusted chicken that I half expected a spotlight to appear above the food when it arrived. And the recommendations? Spot-on. I trusted him immediately, and he delivered with perfection.
Now, Aidan—what can I possibly say about Aidan that would do him justice? If Erik was the calm, steady captain of the ship, then Aidan was the wind in the sails, propelling the whole experience forward with energy and enthusiasm. His attentiveness was almost supernatural. I swear, it was as though he had some telepathic connection to our table. Need a drink refill? Aidan was already on it before the glass was even empty. Have a quick question about the menu? Aidan materialized at the exact moment you turned your head, as though summoned by thought alone. And yet, he did all of this without ever feeling intrusive—he managed to walk that razor-thin line between attentiveness and overbearingness with the grace of a tightrope walker.
Together, Erik and Aidan created an atmosphere that was nothing short of magical. They worked in perfect harmony, like a well-rehearsed dance duo, each anticipating the other’s moves, complementing one another seamlessly. At one point, Erik delivered our food with the kind of precision and care that made it feel like a fine-dining experience, while Aidan swooped in moments later with extra napkins, sauces, and a cheerful, “Anything else I can grab for you?” The coordination was flawless—it was like watching two masters of their craft perform a duet.
If I could give Erik and Aidan a standing ovation right there in the middle of BJ’s, I would have. If I could carve their names into a plaque of “Outstanding Hospitality Legends” and hang it on the wall, I’d volunteer to do it myself. If I could write this review in skywriting across the entire city, I’d be on the phone with a pilot right now. Because that’s how strongly I feel about the level of excellence these two brought to our table.
In short: if you dine at BJ’s and have the fortune to be served by Erik and Aidan, consider yourself among the lucky few. You won’t just have a meal—you’ll have a story to tell, a memory to treasure, and perhaps a newfound appreciation for the...
Read moreI went to BJs with the family Sunday afternoon for lunch. We were seated at table next to a window. I couldnt help but notice several gnats flying over and around out table. My wife and I eventually ended up killing a few as we had plenty of time to wait for our food. Both my wife and I orders were pretty simple; 2 burgers no appetizers and a meal for out little one. His food came out within 10 minutes! Unfortunately our food was an exception. We waited almost an hour! A manager came by and blamed the delay on a new cook.. I still dont understand what that’s supposed to mean? It’s two burgers! Its not like we ordered a soufflé. Come to find out the manager’s comments were false and our plates had been given to another table. Rather than serving our food to us and creating a new order for the complaining party, they just passed ours to them. I dont know her name but she’s an older woman. The ONLY positive part about our dining experience was Scott, our server. He was fantastic and I knew it wasnt his fault. Its unfortunate that the service surrounding his hard work can and probably has impacted tips at some point. My wife and I thanked him for being as helpful and accommodating as possible given the circumstances. Servers like Scott are why restaurants succed. Managers like the one mentioned are...
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