I work about 3 miles from Diggers in Suwanee and have visited 15 times in the last 6 months. Considering I travel away from Suwanee every other week, this means I am generally there at least once per week while in-town. While it is pricey for a lunch, the food and service has generally made it worth it. Per my credit card statements (thank you, mint dot com), I have spent $277.46 at Diggers. As of 7/1/2011, I will not be returning.\r
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Party of three, two ordered the special (apple sauce grilled chicken with broccoli) and one ordered a grilled chicken meal that has generally been quite tasty. All 3 meals were overcooked and not flavored nearly as well as normal. The two specials were sent back and we were charged for the salads and broccoli (even though we only got to eat one stem before they were taken away). Thus, we paid $7.50 + tip for a side salad. The 3rd meal was equally overcooked and lacking of the flavor that is normally there, but I was hungry so I ate and paid for it (after complaining to the waiter). We sat there waiting for the manager to come talk to us, which never happened. I could tell the waiter was new so I was not too upset with him specifically (even though he never apologized when bringing us the check) - obviously they need to work on training their waiters on how to handle these situations.\r
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After we paid I went to the bar and asked to see the manager. The bartender said ""sure"" and then continued to count money in her register, clean off a table, and check-out a customer - all while I stood there. Realizing she had no intention to go get the manager, I walked into the kitchen, myself.\r
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The manager was leaning over the counter and looked back at me. I asked to see the manager and he let me know that was him. He did not turn around to talk to me or seem to care in the least that I was there. I began to explain the situation and he said, ""did April* come talk to you?"" I alerted him that April did not come talk to us and that is why I had to come find him for myself.\r
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During my conversation I alerted him that we are regulars and generally love the food, I just wanted to let him know that something was way off that day. I had already paid so I obviously wasn't looking to get something for free. His response to me was, ""well at least we know it was an unusual thing - so that's good."" Excuse me? A customer just had a bad experience and you tell him that it is all good because it is unusual? My coworkers and I (average $70/lunch there total) will not be returning.\r
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In this down economy, restaurant owners will need to realize that customer service is even more important than the food.\r
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* I think April was the name, not certain. I wonder if the bartender that ignored me was April.
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