Denny's — Restaurant in Roanoke

I was a regular here for the past several months, and for the most part, things were fine. I almost always had the same server, who was friendly and consistent. However, besides the cooks, most of the other staff weren’t as welcoming. I’ve been asked personal questions about my job multiple times, which I found uncomfortable.

One of the last times I visited, the dark-haired server, who I had interacted with before, approached me in a way that felt invasive, asking what I was doing there. She’d often be on her phone or outside, and when I came in, she told me to seat myself but then disappeared outside for over 10 minutes without telling anyone I was there. This had happened before, but I never said anything. This time I spoke up because it felt intentional, and it was wasting my time.

My regular server’s response, “she can be a piece of work, can’t she?” wasn’t what I was aiming for. I just wanted to clear up any confusion and let her know I wasn’t sneaking in or being rude by not notifying anyone when I arrived.

On my final visit, I was ignored for a while, and when I finally got my usual hot chocolate, it was cold with whipped cream still solid after 30 minutes. I tried to let the staff know, but no one responded. Eventually, my regular server came over, smiling, and asked if there was a problem. At the same time, a cook came out, glaring at me, and after I told her the hot chocolate was cold, he leaned over the booth across from me with his arms on the seat, making the situation feel even more uncomfortable. When I mentioned it was cold, she brushed it off by saying it must’ve been made with cold tap water. Despite this, I was still charged for it.

After nearly seven months of being a regular customer, always tipping generously, and never being rude or unkind, it’s disappointing to have dealt with this level of unprofessionalism. It seems like the issue may have been that I wasn’t overly talkative, but sometimes, all you want is a quiet moment to read in peace. This experience really ruined...

Ordered double cheese burger and fries. And glass of water.48 minutes it came to table. Two tables there when order placed 3 adults one child.. cheeseburger was crunchy and black on one side fries somewhat warm. Not asked if everything ok for 30 minutes. Waitress too busy running outside to check tables. My guests pancakes were burned on one side brought to table good side up.eggs were perfect. Finally, waitress came over inquired about food sent burger plate back and burned pancakes.she said you'll have to take to the cook. He came out showed him cakes and burger asked him would you eat this for what you pay for this? He nodded no said ill fix it. And asked for hot fries since they were cold.. pancakes came back ok the burger came back not burned but was swimming in grease. Grease would run down your arm when you hold it up to bite it. Fries were not replaced same ones brought back redipped. In other words same ones dropped back in fryer and re heated. Had bad food experience over 3 years ago at same location Orange Ave location. I figured it had to be better. Well no so I'll wait another few years if there still in business to return and try it again. I understand due to covid and staffing problems service will suffer but only 4 customers in restaurant when we arrived and one doordash order while there 2 girls in the front of the house and 2 people (cooks) in the kitchen. There shouldn't be that long of a wait. Table of 2 came in there food had a problem came up to bar and looked for waitress and hostess to let them know about his dissatisfaction. To the franchisee, your strength lies on your staff your business will suffer if you have sorry people running your house. I know what I'm talking about was in restaurant business for 45 years in all positions front of house and back. Hire cooks that take pride in their craft. If they...

I'm a retired restaurant hospitality professional of 46 years. Back in the day I worked for Denny's for several years (my first job, and first managerial position) I had errands to run and decided to stop in for lunch (for old time sake). I hope the principals read this review. Although everyone was helpful, some professionalism is needed. The counter next to me was un-bussed for my entire 1.2 hrs. stay. Dish racks are filthy. Cabinets, floor drains, and ceiling tiles are worn and dirty. I sat for 10 minutes without being greeted. It took 15 minutes to take my order (Superbird, Onion Rings, and Coke). Drew in the kitchen was professional and seemed to have a couple of trainees. The food was good once it arrived. A gentleman came from the back a couple of times and noticed I was sitting there a long time without an order and brought it to Drew's attention. Drew replied with "it's working" and prematurely bumped the ticket by 5 minutes, which was already at 17 minutes. The server that finally gave me a menu had a trail of stars tattooed over her right eye (no name tag). She was assisting a doordash driver with an order that was probably ordered at the Salem location, then got involved with sidework. Dawn seemed to be the manager. She was warm towards staff and a customer, but very little FOH presence. Drew called her to the line when he had 8-10 tickets at once. She appeared with a cell phone to her ear. Ashley(?), my main server was pleasant. BTW, the staff needs to refrain from using terms of endearment, I was called sweetie, honey, and baby by three different servers. It's kind of a turn-off and somewhat condescending to a 69 year old man. Anyway, this feedback is not intended to cause trouble for anyone, I just see a lot of opportunities and wish this brand to...