Red Lobster — Restaurant in Columbus

My husband and l have dined at this location for about 5 years. The last couple of years it has really gone down hill. I don't expect to much,friendly server and hot food and l will give a good tip. But last night l was done and l will never return to this location. Saturday night around 8:30pm. we waited 20 minutes for a seat which is typical at this restaurant and then waited another 10 minutes for someone to greet us. This waiter doesn't greet us just asks what we would like to drink. I tell him two lobsteritas but we were ready to order. He seemed taken back by this, l mean we were sitting there for 10 minutes. I asked him if l could substitute shrimp for crab legs, which I've done at this location and other locations with no problem. He abruptly said no you can't do that. My husband mentioned to him that l was able to do this substitution last time we just had to pay extra.The waiter just replied "no substitutions". Ok, so he asked what two sides l wanted and l looked him funny and said broccoli and rice because I had already told him. He snapped at me and said"no, the rice is included so l need another side. I was really upset at this point because he was being so rude.l finish ordering and l ask for some garlic bread. He comes back with our salads 10 minutes later but no silverware ,bread, and no drinks. He did run to get silverware and the margaritas but l had to ask for bread again and he gave me this annoyed look. He asked if we would like water which he should of asked in the beginning. So, he leaves and we notice the margaritas are straight up juice. I don't know if the machine was broken but l was fed up at this point. We waited for him to return another 5 minutes and finally flagged down another waitress to ask for the manager. The waitress asked who are server was and l said l don't know he didn't introduce himself. Right, in the middle of this conversation the waiter pulls up and starts arguing with the waitress about how the table was his and that he had everything undercontrol. She couldn't even get in a word edge wise. I interupted and said l wanted to see the manager. He got all concerned and asked what was the problem. I told him he was not personable and it took 15-20 minutes for salad,margaritas,bread ,and water. Plus, our margaritas was juice. I said we are ready to go. He says "so you don't want anything you ordered?" About 3 times he repeated this and my response was"yes". The waiter said if it was about time that l needed to understand that l gave him the order all at the same time. Which l don't understand what that had to do with anything. I mean you put salad,bread,water,and silverware on a tray . Obviously the main course would come later but l shouldnt get appetizers in fragments.I just replied I'm not arguing with you. He said let me get the manager. We waited another 10 minutes and we just decided to leave. We told the manager goodbye on our way out. I think she knew we were the couple complaining because she had a smug look on her face , like this happens alot. I guess my thought is if your paying $100 or more on food you expect the best and that was McDonald's...

One thing I noticed is there isn't another Red Lobster for another 25/30 minutes from this location. I am take my selfcare time very serious and decided to spend my hard earned mother as a single mother looking for my self care time at Red Lobster. I am a former alumni of Red Lobster for 15 years. My son also worked for Lobster. I am very familiar with the Red Lobster standard and culture. I noticed the bartender working hard to serve the bar while 4-6 employees stood around, blocked the aisle, talked about getting off, and talked loudly and inappropriately in the entrance lounge bar area.

Sanequa was extremely pleasant, professional and helpful while chaos was surrounding.

I noticed the bar was busy, so I went to the restroom. There were 2 girls blocking the aisle, I did say excuse me, however through the loud talking I wasn't heard and then approached about not saying excuse me. I then asked to speak to the manager and was immediately and openly taunted by every employee there at that time. They said things like " You don't have to give her anything !" " I'm off the clock so I'll do whatever I want " " I don't know who she thinks she is she can get it" " Go ahead and tell the manager"

I was completely appalled and intimated by this aggressive behavior and questioned if I was at "Red Lobster" or IHOP after hours. I spoke with Deborah Doherty concerning this situation and she was immediately approachable and showed excellent conflict resolution approach. She was excellent in making me feel heard and appreciated. I stressed that I was upset because this was the only Red Lobster near and I was sure to spend at least $70. It's important during these times that business isn't turned away because of unprofessionalism. Red Lobster has always carried a high standard I hope will continue.

I still believe this staff needs adjustment in this particular branch & needs addressed, however I am grateful "Dee" professionally heard...

Starting out positive, my app and drink was tasty which warrants the 1 star. BUT MY GOD!!!! The hostile atmosphere, the lack of professionalism, and overall nonexistent customer service skills was beyond tasteless! My sister and I came during what appeared to be a non rush hour (multiple open tables, no wait time, empty bar) cause I craved some lobster dip and were treated like we weren’t welcome or wanted for that matter. The hostess tried to seat us at a dirty table with the rainbow haired server right behind us complaining about us being placed in her section as if we weren’t right there! I didn’t want to sit somewhere where I clearly wasn’t wanted, not to mention dirty anyway. We request to be seated elsewhere and get moved to another dirty table! For laughs I flicked at the crumbs on the booth and just headed towards the bar. We sit and we’re told it would be a minute and our remaining experience consisted of the servers, bartender, and even manager arguing loud as can be. One server made things awkward by hollering about her drink being stolen, aka the drink that was just placed in front of me that I waited 10 minutes for. Both my sister and I have worked as servers and are dumbfounded at the deplorable, low class behavior we witnessed from these employees. Honestly I was expecting ghetto behavior because of the side of town and area I was in but not to this degree. If this is how the Red Lobster franchise does business now I see why it’s struggling to keep up with all the new seafood boil spots. I normally always tip 20% because again I’ve worked in the food industry, but I refused to reward such piss poor behavior or semi entertain the idea that any part of our experience was acceptable (still left a “pity” tip at minimum since we got bare...