"I tried to make the best of it, thinking perhaps I had just made a bad choice or that the cook was having a rough day. However, my friend's breakfast was equally disappointing. She had ordered a breakfast burrito with the same homestyle potatoes (which also turned out to be French fries). After taking a bite, she found it just as salty and decided to send it back, opting instead for the classic breakfast like mine. She requested her eggs cooked over medium, but when her meal arrived, the eggs were folded over, with the bottom overcooked and the inside slimy and underdone. After sending it back again, the third attempt was slightly better but still not satisfactory. Another friend at our table had a similar experience, and we decided against further complaints.
After the third try, the cook (and the owner) approached our table. We made an effort to express our concerns politely and offered suggestions for improvement. However, the owner became defensive, insisting that she wakes up at 4:00 a.m. to bake the biscuits and make the jam. I complimented the biscuits and sausage gravy to keep the conversation positive, but she abruptly left after hearing our feedback. The waitress then mentioned that we seemed negative from the moment we walked in. Honestly, if we had any bad feelings before arriving, we would have just left. Why would anyone want to spend their money in a place they deem subpar right from the start?
Our bill came to around $70 for three simple classic breakfasts. Although the rude owner waived the charges for all three meals, the key takeaway is that small businesses need to value customer feedback. Running a restaurant is challenging, and it's crucial to listen to customers' suggestions for improvement. We are generous tippers, but not for rude treatment! I can say with certainty that when I’m in the mood for breakfast or brunch next time, Norm's won't be on my list. It's extremely disheartening, and it seems like the owner is one of those individuals who takes offense no matter how feedback is delivered."
