Anne's Diner — Restaurant in Port Huron

Journalistic review of Anne's Diner.

First off I would like to start with saying I'm the head chef of The Memphis Pub been in the industry a long time, and when I'm off the clock I like to put money back into my industry. Next the atmosphere, the look they are going for (retro 50's diner) they nail. From the red seats and chrome countertops to the classics playing in the background.

Next the service, this is where I found issue, it wasn't terrible but it wasn't the most friendly ever. Both servers were less than cordial (heavier set brunette, skinner blonde) the cooks were yelling out to customers as the servers were taking their orders, and unless invited to a conversation the cooks and customers should never talk.

Next speed of service, it was a bit on the slower side but everything was cooked perfectly, I'd rather wait a bit and get a better meal out of it. That's no problem the quality made up for the time. Only problem I had was the burger patty on my jalapeno burger was unseasoned but the sauce used sort of made up for it, my fries were also unsalted. After reading the tension in the room I decided to order to go and no silverware, salt pepper were provided to compensate for the blandness.

Lastly I ate there on memorial day so I always give a meal time to wreak havoc on my insides before I write a review, the aftermath tells a story nothing else will. That being said all good in that dept so I'd say the cooks are using proper food rotation and sanitation procedures.

My after thought, slightly above average food that would be phenomenal if seasoned and cooked as carefully as my last meal there was. Great environment hampered by cranky service that makes you not want to sit there and take it all in. The cooks are skilled trust them and let them season there food just tell them to quit yelling across the dining room, the service... Well they'd be in the doghouse for sure if they worked in my pub that's all I'll say about that. My recommendation eat there but order carryout plenty in advance to side step the bad service much...

Today was one of the few times I have eaten at this facility. The food was good (not great, but not bad).

What really needs improvement is customer service, better management. I called three times requesting the owner. It was not until I stated I was trying to speak to her before I wrote my google review. Well imagine my surprise when all of a sudden Ann (The owner) was available.

We had a brief conversation about my concerns I did offer to have her call back when she had more time.

Now I record all of my phone calls for business purposes. They Ann and the employee checked the cameras and stated they didnt see or hear the employee being rude or making gestures.

In all reality I will not be spending my money their. The owner found it perfectly appropriate for her employee to ignore me, and speak to me disrespectfully. All because she wanted to visit with her brother who was hanging out at her job.

I did also notice he attempted to pay but the waitress refused payment stating she took care of it. If this is the way you feel is professional business practices that is your choice.

I will be sharing this experience not only here but on yelp as well. Now I spoke to the owner (Ann) who said "she must have not been that bad you left a 4.00 tip.on less the. 30 dollar to go order.

I tip based on principal. I tip because of the wage issues with the service industry because I feel sympathetic for wait staff. That is no longer the case since "Colonial Resturant" has corrected my thought process on this matter.

Essentially their thought process is simple I tipped so they gave good service. Eventhough I called and complained to the contrary.

The owner found it perfectly acceptable to let me walk away with this bad experience. When I stated myself or my associates would not eat their any longer. A simple "that's your choice" was given.

So that was my experience. I will also say the place is run down and not as clean as it could be. Here is hoping my message to the health department gets...

The Colonial Restaurant is the typical dive type diner. When you enter, the door has built up grime on it from other people's hands touching it. It is obviously never cleaned. The last time I was there, the front door was propped open to let fresh air in. It did, along with flies.

The interior décor is filled in old records on the wall, along with 1950s car type things. Their food is marginal at the best. The patty melt sandwich was so bland and tasteless. The burger was not seasoned in any way. The French Fries weren't grade A cut, but smaller pieces, such as grade B fries.

The plastic squeeze ketchup bottles, and with the salt and pepper shakers have a greasy feel to them. Also, never cleaned on a regular basis.

They have raised their prices in the last couple of years to a point where it makes sense to go elsewhere. Most of the employees that work there are somehow related to the owner, and this doesn't allow for selecting the best staff. I tend to avoid this place for the following reasons. Poor food quality, dirty environment, and prices out of line for a diner.

These people need to call Robert Irvine from the TV show, Restaurant Impossible. I think he might be able to help guide them into how to make their food more appealing, and a new restaurant style and gain a better...