Ducky's — Restaurant in Fort Wayne

Unattended, unlocked, and unprofessional.

Came here for brunch after checking the restaurant’s website, which clearly listed 11 a.m. as opening time. When we arrived, the doors were unlocked and more than one group of us walked in but there were no employees anywhere. No greeting, no staff, no sign of activity.

We called the phone number multiple times with no answer. Out of concern (since the restaurant was wide open, stocked bar and all), I even called their security company. Eventually someone returned my call to inform me they were closed for a two-day manager retreat.

This was frustrating and unprofessional for a few reasons: • If you know in advance you’ll be closed, post a sign on the door and lock it This wasn’t an unplanned closing. • Not everyone follows your social media. especially visitors from out of town. • Leaving your business unlocked and unattended is both a security issue and extremely confusing for customers.

I expected at least an apology, but instead was told “we put it on social media.” That is not an acceptable way to run a business that serves the public.

We came downtown specifically to eat here, and the lack of communication and accountability completely soured the experience.

At minimum, respect your customers enough to provide accurate information where they actually look , on your door and your website. Don’t act like calling us back was a big favor; we were the ones doing you a favor by letting you know your business was wide open and unattended. The dismissive way we were treated certainly didn’t make me want to return...

Showed up today just before 11am (website showed that as opening time) and the place was empty!! I mean not a sole around!! I was getting fearful someone may have had a medical event and looked around cautiously for a person lying on the ground. Despite calling out, calling the phone #, and looking around, there was no one there and no explanation for why. My friend called the security company to let them know it was unlocked and unattended. We didn"t want to leave until it was secure (we both have retail experience). My friend got a call back from the manager who acted like it wasn't a big deal and said it was posted on social media that they were closed for two days for a retreat! I'm sorry but wouldn't a sign on the door be helpful for those who don't check social media for establishment hours??? We walked out and the guy on the phone said it was now locked...so we checked and we were still able to walk in! No "thank you" for letting me know my business was not secure, no "I'm sorry" you made the trip and we were not open, no appreciation.....if it were me, I would have profusely thanked the people for saving my business from who knows what....and offered for them to come back on the house. Pathetic is what this was!! Unreal. I'll think twice about spending my money at a place that really doesn't seem to care....wonder how their service is if the manager...

We were here for a weekend brunch shortly after they opened for the day. Server was incredibly friendly and helpful but a bit lacking in attention. We had to ask for more water, additional drinks, and plates to be cleared for table room. Drinks were well made and tasty, with a bit of a wait for them to come. Took 15+ minutes to get a mimosa and Bloody Mary. Food was amazing also took a while to get but server was very communicative about that. Try the pistachio pancakes or chicken and waffles if they have them when you’re in, you won’t regret it.

Reason for 4 stars Two areas for improvement 1- seating 2- noise

Seating was a bit tight. Seems to be a theme in the restaurant where your chair is nearly touching the chair of the table next to you, a bit uncomfortable to be so close to others. The proximity of tables doesn’t help with the noise. It felt almost as if we were competing with the tables around us to hear what was being said at our table. Which brings me to 2 Noise.

It is a duckpin place that has good food and drinks. The bowling is very loud. Our table happened to be near the booths for the bowling so it’s possible we got an amplified version of the noise.

All in all will likely be back and look forward to...