First Watch — Restaurant in Solon

First let me state--I loved this First Watch location in Solon, Ohio on Kruse Drive. I have been going to that particular location for years. My experience there has been nothing but STELLAR UNTIL.....these past few weeks. Let me explain. I often go to First Watch early in the morning. Upon my arrival, I am usually THE ONLY ONE THERE for a good while! They do not take reservations and they allow you to pick where you wish to sit. I do appreciate that small customer service gesture. Often when I arrive --I am greeted by one of the same two host. Something changed! About 2 or 3 weeks ago --I went to the Solon First Watch early in morning per my usual. Upon my arrival, there was no other customers in the restaurant which is the norm that early. So, I anticipated I would be able to pick out one of the two favorite booths I enjoy sitting at. But this time I was told by one of host the one booth I picked was taken even though there was no other customer in the restaurant but me. Although my feathers were ruffled-- I let it go and simply picked another booth. While sitting there--I saw two more customers walk in together waiting to be seated. When the same host greeted them --they asked to be seated at the same booth I requested. However, they too were told the booth wasn't available. Then one of the two customers ask for clarification about which booth was available. They proceeded to select the other booth in front of the one they asked for initially. Keep in mind- it is now a total of 3 customers in the whole restaurant. Shortly after the two customer and I were served our meals-- I saw a beautiful elderly lady walk in. She headed right over to the booth the one host stated was unavailable. While I was observing--I noticed the other two customers watched the lady sit at the booth we were told was unavailable. After witnessing that--based on the interaction between the elderly lady and the host--it appeared they knew each other well. So much so, they could have been relatives. Fast forward to today (10/24/2024)-- I went to Solon First Watch early in the morning. When I walked in--I was the only customer. This time it was the other host typically there when I arrive. When I pointed at one of my favorite booth to sit at-- I was told again that very same booth was taken. Only this time I stated "First Watch does not take reservations and it has always been first come first served as long as I've been coming here". As a result of my comment, the host proceeded to walk me over to the booth I requested. She then proceed to say to me "Well if the the lady that always sits here arrives just to find her booth is taken --she's going to be yelling at me for 3 days". I asked myself--Why is she making this my problem? Is the lady the owner or again a relative? There was no other customer in the entire restaurant. I stated again, "It's first come, first serve and she's not here right at this moment. Right? The server/host said the following: "Well that lady has been coming here far longer than you have"! When she stated that--I felt every bit of her words. I was stunned and found it to be extremely rude. I am paying customer just like the elderly lady. Heck, I am consider a senior citizen myself. But none of that should matter. However, I interpreted her comment as -- I have not frequented the restaurant long enough to have the privilege to sit in the same booth as the lady does. Bottom line is my money is just as green as that lady's money. Yes, I could have sat anywhere else in that restaurant but if the practice in the past was to pick your own seat then that's the practice. It's the principle and the unnecessary snide remark that provoke this review. Nonetheless, I will take my...

This LOCATION deserves no stars. It was my second time going to this location. The first trip was not great but did not Think much of it at that time. But it was a bad experience again today and truly Disappointing service!! Never coming back to this location. After waiting for 45 minutes, waited again for another 30 minutes on the table and the server never came to check if we needed anything. I asked for whole grain toast instead of English muffin but she did not pay attention. Then the food was served by another server who never got us the syrup. I asked someone else for the syrup but she never came back. Meanwhile our server never showed up even though she was extremely busy chatting with other customers. After my son finished one pancake, I got up from the chair and asked another server for syrup. Who serves pancakes without the syrup??? And then even with reminders, no one cares to bring it in. After we were done eating the junk, finally our original server showed up and asked if we needed anything. Really!!! Now she comes. But Wait!!!! The best part is coming now. While paying, when I wrote on my receipt, "disappointing service" for table 3, the cashier got upset, did not care, snatched the receipt from me and moved on. She did not even have the courtesy to ask me about my experience or even apologize. It is a big deal that the customer is writing something on the receipt. Since there is no dearth of good breakfast restaurants around Solon, I Will not be coming back to this location EVER!! I would rather cook at home.

NEVER GIVING THEM ANY...

I have to write a new review for this restaurant. They deserve a 5 star review. And posting not a wonderful review I was contacted by management and was assured these issues would be corrected. Man were they ever. I have been back quite a few times now and each time food was great spot on and wait time was perfect. I have nothing but great things to say about first watch. Thank you for making the changes I look forward to going to lunch at First Watch. Work in Solon so I go out to lunch several times during the week. We love first watch the food is very good. However something is always wrong with our order. Example honey pecan salad one of our favorites comes with warm dressing, avocado on the salad and a piece of ciabatta bread. Simple enough right. Last four times we have ordered it something is wrong. No avocado, cold dressing, or no bread. The very last time the dressing just was not right. Service is slow not because of the servers because it seems to always be under staffed. The servers are working hard they just need more help in general. Its probably the same with the kitchen staff. We keep trying again but it just takes to long when you are on a lunch hour and have to be back on time to work. Great place but I really don't think it will stay open if major changes are not made. Would love to give this place a 5 star rating but not able to at this point. Please get it together we really do want to...