Perkins American Food Co. — Restaurant in Lawrence

A bit strange. I had chicken strips, spinach, and herb rice pilaf. Chicken strips were tender and good, a little dry. Spinach was good, as was the rice pilaf, though there were no herbs in it as the menu said. I asked whether they had pecan pie (my favorite, but it was not on the menu). I was told sorry, but no. Linda and I ordered carrot cake but were asked to pick our second choices in case they were out. We were told it was an item they were discontinuing, so they might be out. We agreed that if there was just one slice left, I'd have that and my sister would have her second choice item. We both settled for our second choices in desserts because carrot cake was all gone. While eating, Linda commented on their bad music selections, which I agreed with her on and had been thinking the same myself (Do people really enjoy listening to the Cowsills and the Village People's "YMCA" while dining?). Just after paying my bill, I looked in the dessert case and was aghast to see a slice of carrot cake still there AND TWO WHOLE PECAN PIES! I should have stayed to find out what the deal was as to why we were told they had neither of those, but we left as there were others in line to pay their bills, still trying to figure out whether it was the waitresses fault, whether they were "reserved" for someone else, or just displayed as samples that...

I have been to Perkins a couple of times and the customer experience has been good. But today, when me and my wife went Perkins in the evenings for some Onion Rings and Mozzarella sticks and coffee. Our attendee 'Vivian' started with some sweet talk but in more than one instance, told us something pretty unwelcoming. After we decided the drinks and sampling starters, we decided not to order any main course as there were limited vegetarian options. She made a passing comment "Thank you, that saves me some trouble" on that. Then after we ate, she put the bill on our table and mentioned 'whenever you are ready as usual'. I have been to Perkins earlier and I know that payment can be made in the table like in any other eatery/restaurant. She was hardly waiting one more table, but kept us waiting for sometime. Then after making it distinct that she wanted us to wait, she came to the table and said "I know you had kept your card for payment but the payment is to be done on your way out". So we went out and paid, and asked the person there if that is the case. She said that the payment is accept both at check-out as well as at the table. Seems pretty strange to me and I wasnt so sure why she wanted to cold shoulder us for no reason. Hope the management see this comment and verify if Vivian is rude to similar other customers of minority...

I used to go to Perkins as a kid and I remembered it being a “family feel” type place. It lost that, over the years.. I never really ate there after that.. BUT …🤗 Saturday, my friend and I went, as he loves Perkins and eats there often. I was completely, blown away, by how much it’s turned around. The service was top notch and she was amazing! Ke-ita, was outstanding! She remembered everything, went above and beyond! Really took the time to care about use and made sure that we had everything we wanted and perfectly. I couldn’t believe it.. she would always look over and check to see if we were happy or if we needed anything. The food was really outstanding! I ordered the eggs 🍳 Benedict and crispy hash browns! It was the best I’ve had! The English muffin had a nice crispy edge and just melted into the ham and benedict.. man!! I really appreciated that “old family feel” and the new manager has made it just that! He’s really turned this place around and knows what it takes to make things how it should be. The place was packed like it used to be years ago. I will be back! Worth every penny! I’m so happy to have been treated with that old time vibe and to have enjoyed a great meal. A+ what a wonderful...