First Watch — Restaurant in Lee's Summit

Used to love this place! Probably been there 7 or 8 times in the past three months. I would have given it high ratings - except for my last experience. I take my daughter on Saturdays, for a "mommy and me brunch". On Saturday, 8/14, we went and were seated in the back part of the restaurant. There were no other tables around us, one couple sitting in a booth behind us. There were FOUR servers who were doing their closing work, wiping tables, sweeping floors and staring at us. NO ONE offered us water or took our order. But, they were all staring at our table and were basically like "Not my table"! Fifteen minutes past, my daughter complained she was hungry. They could all see we were becoming agitated, while no one was helping us. I had to go to the hostess stand, and ask if we had a server. NON of the servers who were watching us brought us anything, or had the stewardship to find out who could help us. The server, at the hostess stand, apologized and walked back with me and became our server. She had tables in front of the restaurant. She said the servers were being cut and there was confusion??? You would think if they hear a child saying she is hungry, that someone would step in and help. At least give us water and find someone to help! Two of the servers were literally three feet away from the table, just sweeping away. It seemed they were sweeping the same area, over and over, just to appear busy. I've worked in three restaurants, and know this was just unacceptable service. One manger walked by and gave us a puzzled look (didn't help us). One manger was in the kitchen and never stepped in. We were definitely in her view. After we are I drove off, I saw both mangers taking a smoke break in the parking lot. I guess they were more concerned with that, that running...

Read the whole thing because I highly recommend going to places that fix their mistakes with kindness and logic. I came in for a pick up & didn’t know until I got home that the order wasn’t fully correct. I was missing ingredients+a drink (I assumed it was a juice box for the kids meal which was on me for assuming instead of asking), the potatoes were undercooked, and the eggs were overcooked. I have a sensitivity to nightshades that are raw because they contain compounds like solanine and other glycoalkaloids which I am extremely sensitive to. I unfortunately didn’t realize the potatoes were uncooked until I took a bite & my mouth began to swell up & my mouth became raw/sore. When I realized I couldn’t eat the Farmhouse Hash that I had ordered, I called and spoke to an amazing manager who was very kind. I told him I wasn’t able to come in because I have a family event that I am getting ready for & I wouldn’t be able to come in for a refund until Wednesday. He told me he could refund my card but I had paid in cash which complicated it. This manager went out of his way to correct the mishap which I greatly appreciate because most of the time when I send an undercooked nightshades back due to an intolerance, I’m looked at like I’m making it up or being too difficult when it’s an actual health issue for me. I know he couldn’t see my face swelling but he believed me anyways which felt reassuring that this is a safe location to communicate my special requests as far as food sensitivities go, without being made to feel like I’m taking up too much of their busy day. He’s sending something via mail which helps with my extremely busy schedule next week. This was a great experience to have someone handle a problem with...

Today was a horrific experience this morning at the Lees Summit, MO NW Pryor location. The server we had today was rude, lacked professionalism and was overall dismissive while serving my family from the very moment we sat down. I don’t know her name as she didn’t give it but she’s black with dreads in describing her. Now, I’m black myself and I don’t believe race had anything to do with it but considering the same tables she served in her area had mostly white patrons, her “tune” changed with them. My family was never asked if we were doing ok, if we needed anything and when trying to get her attention she nonchalantly rolled her eyes. I should never have to “hunt” down a waitress to get anything. The basics of the service industry are simple, work diligently with the general public with kindness if you want to earn tips and a good rep.

First Watch is always on point with the service but today truly left a bad taste in mouth. If I ever decide to return I’ll make sure not to sit in this young ladies section. The manager on duty today shrugged it off as it wasn’t a big deal and she stated: “oh she’s just struggling today.” I’m the first to give grace but when a waitress has the attitude I observed today then that grace is out of the window. My suggestion is train her on customer service and or have her consider other career options. Again, truly disappointed today.

Part. 2. 8/4/2023 So, coincidently the same waitress I mentioned in my previous post, I had her today. To no avail, she wasn’t rude this time but the service was the same as before. Again, she’s probably a great waitress and does an awesome job but maybe it’s me. Who knows. I will say, I won’t return to this location. I’ve been let down for...