The Grafted Root Eatery — Restaurant in Grand Blanc

Edited in response to owner reply:

First, thank you for clearing up my confusion about your supply chain. I did believe everything there was organic. I’m of course disappointed to learn that it isn’t, and now can no longer excuse the price point knowing this new information. We really believed that we were getting mostly organic which is why we have continued to come by, even after getting inconsistent service.

Second, I think it is important to recognize the purpose of google reviews—they aren’t to skewer a person online, they are to alert a potential customer to whether trying out a new place is a good idea. I found your restaurant three years ago through google reviews. Marketing 101- as an owner it doesn’t pay to get defensive in review responses. What it does instead is alert your potential client to your service standards. Something to keep in mind.

Given that the two things I’ve mentioned really come down to safety, I’m going to clear up any confusion about what I said here.

#1 wait time: I understand that some days are very busy. I am even understanding of long wait times on those days. To be clear we didn’t have much of a wait time Mother’s Day. We were in and out in under an hour. The time that we waited two hours to eat cold food was pre covid, on a Sunday around 10am. We’ve been back three or four times since, as the five or six times we’d been before that were pretty good. As I wrote to you on the note that I left on my receipt (with full tip btw,) my main issue wasn’t actually even with wait time or cold food. I took issue with the safety concerns of packing so many tables in that you were breaking fire code. Which is listed right on your wall- you were way over capacity for the space. Thankfully your tiny kitchen didn’t have a fire or we would have really been in a pickle.

#2 undercooked meat: I am a person that prefers a med rare steak. I eat sushi. I am generally not squeamish about an artfully prepared piece of meat. That said, I don’t mess with undercooked chicken or undercooked pork. And, there is a reason for that…it’s called food borne illness, which in the case of trichinosis for example, can be fatal. I cook regularly at home and we eat pork sausage sometimes, I know that steamed it can look lighter inside than the outer edge. This piece of sausage didn’t look like that- it was RED pink, the interior meat still looked like wet raw meat and the juices were running differently than they do in a piece of cooked sausage. Even my husband, a man even less squeamish than myself, wouldn’t touch that piece of pork.

My response to you at the bar was at the end of our meal- we were literally just waiting on the check at that point. By then I was able to tell you we were good because we were- I had already let the waitress know I couldn’t eat that pork as served and she removed it from our bill no questions asked. You could see it sitting uneaten on the plate it was served on, cut in half to check for doneness. What was there left to say?

Regardless of all this information, I think it is most important to recognize that I’m not just some out of town one off with a bad attitude. I have been to your restaurant MANY times since it opened years ago and have received inconsistent service exactly as stated previously. Unfortunately, it seems you’ve missed the point of a google review- to get some feedback, make corrections in house, win a guest back all by getting a view into what your guests would tell someone else about your place. We had planned not to come back prior to you saying not to, but had I seen this review and your response three years ago I probably would never have been by in the first place. A better response from you in this instance could have honestly just been, ‘it sounds like we didn’t meet your expectations. We hope we get another opportunity in the future.’ Everybody can’t have a perfect experience every time, but repair can go a long way to getting another...

In this day and age I’m shocked at how businesses like this are still in business. I originally visited because my son (6 years old) needed to get breakfast before a meeting I needed to attend. So I was excited to try as this was in my neighborhood. I am going to preface that I’m a black female which shouldn’t matter but it provides context for the review. Upon arrival I was told that the only seating was at the bar or outside. So I asked again because I saw 2 tables with no one seated in them and I asked why I couldn’t sit at either of those tables. She told me they were for a party of 5. However at the table right next to it…. was a table with 4 chairs and there were only 2 ppl seated at that table. So I glanced at her, looked at the table of only 2 ppl but with 4 chairs again and told her we would sit at the bar. .Definitely not conducive for a 6 year old but I didn’t want to sit outside. Very bothered by this because typically you seat based on a first come basis. I asked if they were reserved and she said no. The waitress was very polite but it still felt very unwelcoming in this establishment. We were the only black people there and felt the stares upon walking in. The owner was preparing food right at the bar where we were sitting and never even spoke however I noticed her making a point to speak and greet all the other people around us. While we were there 2 gentleman came in and she was overly friendly and escorted them to their seats. I should’ve left but again I needed to make sure my son got something to eat so we ordered….no kids menu and was told to order a la carte. Which is fine. I ordered 1 pancake and 2 pieces of bacon total was $17.00 and I tipped $2.00. The food was just ok ….nothing to rave over. So he ate his food and I tipped subpar based on not being able to be seated properly. Keep in mind the entire time we were there (total 25 mins), the tables I was told I couldn’t sit at remained empty for the “hopeful” larger party that never came. As we were leaving I noticed the owner( literally standing in front of me) showed the waitress what I tipped and my waitress said “that sucks”. It was very unprofessional for her to do that. And based how I was treated I’m surprised she even expected a tip. Needless to say I wish I read the reviews before coming here as I would’ve seen this treatment for someone who looks like me is typical for this establishment. Shame on this...

Discover The Grafted Root in North Michigan: A Must-Try Farm-to-Table Gem

Looking for a wholesome, local, and farm-to-table brunch experience in Northern Michigan? Look no further than The Grafted Root. This cozy spot offers a diverse weekend brunch menu packed with house-made, organic, and fresh ingredients that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Start your meal with their House-made Cheddar Biscuits and Sausage Gravy, served with two eggs cooked to order. Or if you’re in the mood for pancakes, indulge in Suzy’s Choice—a delightful plate of pancakes topped with butter, eggs, and your choice of bacon or sausage (pork or chicken). Prefer something savory? Try the Frenchie’s Dilemma, where a thick slice of French toast meets eggs and your choice of John Henry’s bacon or sausage.

For pancake lovers, the Original or Buckwheat Pancakes served with butter, powdered sugar, and optional add-ons like blueberries, banana slices, or chocolate chips will hit the spot. If you’re after something more traditional, The Basic with two eggs, home fries, and toast is a satisfying option.

Looking to build your own meal? The menu’s Build Your Own section offers plenty of customizable choices, from home fries to fresh fruit and cottage cheese.

For the health-conscious, The Grafted Root serves the Best Steel-Cut Oats Ever, plain or topped with fresh fruits, nuts, and homemade applesauce. The Grafted Root Style Oats come topped with mixed dried fruit, walnuts, and brown sugar for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Looking for heartier options? Don’t miss the Omelet of Choice, where you can customize it with your favorite veggies and cheeses, served with home fries on the side. Pair it with the Greek Salad or the signature Grafted Root Salad, featuring avocado, mixed greens, and house-made ranch dressing.

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking for fresh, locally sourced food, The Grafted Root is the perfect destination for brunch in Northern Michigan. Don’t forget to stop by for their rotating Soup du Jour or their decadent Spinach & Artichoke Dip.

Enjoy a relaxing, farm-to-table experience in the heart of nature. The Grafted Root is perfect for anyone seeking good food with local, organic, and seasonal ingredients. Plan your next trip to Northern Michigan and make The Grafted Root a...