Staff must be upset with the owners and trying to destroy this business. They're doing a great job:
Food: Look at images of a Cornish Pasty when your food arrives and send your food back immediately if it doesn't resemble this. Really... It'll help them. Ours - all of them - looked like they took the contents of a dirty diaper, wrapped it with canned biscuit dough and dunked it in the toilet overnight, microwaved it, and scraped it off the bottom of the microwave and threw it on a plate. Most cooks here make at least $60K a year... Walmart starts at $30/hr (that's $60K). They should be embarrassed. They should watch some YouTube cooking videos.
Ambiance: Uncomfortable seating at the least, lighting could be better. Every single candle was out. The worst part: over an hour of slipknot... At volume where we had to shout to be heard, right next to each other. I watched dynamics of other tables... Anyone in a group of more than two people had isolation across the table. But back to Slipknot... Really? Owners, listen to Slipknot... Does it make you happy, hungry, wanting to stick around and spend more money? It does not. More mine down the drain. Less tips for servers. They need to curate and restrict the music.
Service: No server uniform dress code, female servers playing right into the patriarchy, we all had pity for them, as it's a rocky start to a life adhering to these unacceptable norms. With Flagstaff server base wages that will be $16.50 an hour in a few months, and over $18.00 twelve months thereafter, it is time to move to self-seating, tableside mobile ordering and payment, including alcohol, where owners will reduce payroll by 50% per location, turn tables 30% faster, be able to pay $80K for excellent cooks (and need fewer of them), and just need food runners and bartenders. Everyone benefits... Owners, remaining staff (higher base pay and far less stress), customers.
Disclosure... I'm a retired hotel, restaurant and bar owner of over 20 years. Now help with some industry stuff, helping 8 restaurants in Flagstaff move to tableside ordering and payment now... Here's how it'll go down... Restaurant A moves to this model and Restaurant B does not. Restaurant B can't pay kitchen staff and runners and bartenders as much, lose staff. Restaurant A can even lower menu prices and eliminate tipping so they get more customers while increasing profits, Restaurant B ends up being 50% more per cover, loses customers. Restaurant A thrives... Restaurant B goes bankrupt... Restaurant A opens 2nd location where Restaurant B used to be.
Hope this helps... Change and change fast or just fail fast... Right now Cornish Pasty is run quite recklessly, speeding down the street, about to explode in flames Anne Heche style. I don't want this, I want everyone to succeed... I'd love nothing more than quality food, fast and easy service, and truly enjoyable ambiance. This is why I spent so much time writing this, so please please please use this to make changes,...
Read moreIn summary, it was a rather disappointing experience: many items were missing from the menu, I was told to expect a 30-minute wait for food, but it took about 70 minutes for it to arrive. When the food was finally brought to the table, I was informed then that an item I had ordered was no longer available. The food was lukewarm at best, and the service was poor. A friend had recommended this place to me, it may have just been a bad day for the restaurant. However, based on other reviews, this may not be an isolated incident. If you decide to give it a try, proceed with tempered expectations and an open schedule.
I arrived in the early evening, and it started with the hostess informing me that a majority of items were unavailable. She encouraged me to take a photo of the menu with the struck-through items and the number of remaining items. When I placed my order, the server mentioned that it could take up to 30 minutes for the food to arrive because the restaurant was "busy." In the end, it took just over 70 minutes for the food to arrive, according to the receipt. While waiting, my server never came to check in, refill my drink, or provide any updates on the delay. The server only came to my table four times: to take the drink order, take the food order, bring the food, and bring the bill.
When the food finally arrived, the server informed me that the sides I had ordered, which were available at the time of ordering, were no longer available.
Given the amount of time that passed, I had high expectations, assuming they had made my pasty from scratch and just pulled it out of the oven. Unfortunately, those expectations were quickly dashed when I took my first bite and found the food lukewarm. The flavors were mostly there, but it wasn’t hot—any of it. I even tried searching for a hot piece, but at best, they were lukewarm.
The kitchen staff and server should not shoulder the majority of the responsibility here. Everything starts at the top and works its way down into the culture of the restaurant. The owners should take a serious look at the examples they set and the standards they uphold if they want to ensure a consistent food and service experience for their guests and maintain the long-term success of their restaurant.
That said, those searching for a novel meal should carefully consider whether they want to visit this place. While it may have been an off day, there are enough recurring issues mentioned in other reviews to warrant caution. Proceed with tempered expectations and an...
Read moreMy recent visit to the Cornish Pasty Co in Flagstaff, AZ, was nothing short of extraordinary, deserving every bit of its five-star rating. From the moment I stepped inside, the atmosphere enveloped me in an eclectic embrace, featuring church pews for seating, funky wallpaper adorning the walls, a vibrant mix of punk and rock music filling the air, and the industrial chic of exposed ducts. It’s a setting that effortlessly marries comfort with a dash of edginess.
Opting to sit at the bar, I was treated to a mesmerizing display of culinary artistry. Watching the staff expertly fold each pasty, alongside glimpses into the kitchen where dough was being made, weighed, and rolled, was a captivating experience. This front-row seat to the dedication and skill behind each dish added a special layer of appreciation to my meal.
The drink selection was equally impressive, boasting an incredible variety of beers and ciders, along with perfectly crafted cocktails. It’s a testament to their commitment to quality and variety, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
For a vegan, the menu was a dream come true. The vegan options were plentiful, but the Vegan Guinness Stew and Vegan Cubano stood out as personal favorites. Each dish was a masterpiece of flavors and textures, leaving no doubt of the creativity and care that goes into their vegan offerings.
Complementing the exceptional food and drink was the attentive staff. Their eagerness to recommend favorites and ensure a great dining experience was the cherry on top of a memorable visit. It’s clear that the Cornish Pasty Co values not just the quality of their offerings but also the satisfaction and engagement of their guests.
The Cornish Pasty Co is a must-visit for anyone in Flagstaff, AZ. Whether you’re vegan or not, looking for a cozy spot with a unique vibe, or in search of culinary craftsmanship and diversity in your meal choices, this place has it all. I left with a full belly and a smile, already looking forward to...
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