Canyon Cafe — Restaurant in Frontenac

I’m highly disappointed in this place of business. I called this restaurant for a server position. I am already currently employed elsewhere but just needed a summer job. I communicated that with the “manager”. I asked if they needed any servers for the lunch shift and they said yes. They said, I could come in and fill out a paper application and per the manager, he would interview the same day. I drove 21 minutes to this location to fill out the application. I dressed completely professional as well because I knew I’d be interviewed. After I completed the application, a white woman took my application to the manager. (She was very mean spirited and unprofessional, I wish I’ve taken all of their names) the gentleman, I’m assuming the shift managers), did not bother to get out of their seats to greet me. They told the other server to tell me they weren’t hiring. I feel discriminated against. I am well versed and well articulated when I speak. Some would say, I sound “white” over the phone. When the managers seen that I was a black girl, they didn’t greet me and they had a message relayed to me that they weren’t hiring. I’m disappointed in this place of business. I recommend that no one of color tries to come here for place of employment because they won’t even acknowledge your existence. I will be reporting them to the BBB and hopefully get in contact with...

Had not been to Canyon Cafe for several years. It is on the other side of town and not near any of my normal destinations. However, I had a recent opportunity to revisit one of my favorite restaurants.

Physically not much has changed. An outside dining area, inside bar and seating. The restaurant is open to the Frontenac Plaza Mall. Restaurant design is rustic.

Service was prompt and good throughout. Attentive without being overbearing. The menu is relatively brief. I started with a cup of their chowder. It is full of flavor, delicious, should have ordered a bowl. Opted for the street tacos, my dining partner for the fajitas. My old standby the buffalo meatloaf is on the chef's special rotation and wasn't available that night.

With the short menu concentrating on a few key ingredients the food was presented rather quickly, had barely finished the chowder when it arrived. The street tacos were excellent, full of flavor. My partner's fajitas smelled wonderful, to be honest she ate far more than she normally would.

In a moment of weakness ordered the sopapillas. Puff pieces covered with honey and cinnamon, served with two scoops of ice cream.

My only negative is the noise level in the restaurant is quite high, some additional acoustic treatment would be a definite...

I rate the experience based on the initial reception when asked to be seated. I was asked where I wanted to be seated outside or inside. My preference was outside due to the beautiful day. Expecting colleagues, I asked if there was concern with outside seating (allergies, bugs, etc) could we move to the inside. The male who greeted me told me NO... I looked around at the empty cafe and clarified... “ you mean if we choose outside seating we’re stuck and don’t have the option to move inside?”... I was told a stern yes by this male greeter who was wearing dark sunglasses... he then ignored my concern asking for the next guest... I’ll say I was quite disturbed. One of the female servers came to me and apologized agreeing that this was not right... I then waited and asked for the general manager who I later learned witnessed the unfortunate event. I sat at the bar waiting for the person who abandoned me altogether to return... the general manger appeared and before I could say anything he apologized and said who talked to the rude greeter about how he handled the situation. At that point I didn’t want to eat there, but due to my guest I decided to stay. The service turned out to be ok and food good, but I will never forget...