We have been patrons of Steak 'n Shake for many, many years!
In all that time, I regret to say this particular location is THE worst I've ever experienced while dining at any Steak 'n Shake restaurant.
After reading the other reviewers comments, I concur that the problem HAS to be management related. My last two previous visits here were almost identical in the types of problems I'm going to write about here.
Once inside, I had over a 5 minute wait to be acknowledged or even greeted, even though several servers saw me. They did nothing, as they walked right past me.
I finally caught the attention of what I believe was the manager, in a pink shirt. From behind the register, he asked if I was being helped. I replied no and I've been standing here for quite a long time. He seated me.
After being seated, I had another 5 minute wait. No one came to welcome me or to take my drink order.
I had to catch the attention of a server that was sweeping. She walked towards the kitchen, with hardly a word to me and I could hear her tell someone I was waiting.
At 11:30 pm, the place was not busy, only 7 small tables of people eating.
5 tables had not been bussed, plenty of soiled plates, glasses, napkins, etc.
The floor, in general, was very messy, including an A1 bottle on it's side, strewn napkins, a partial hot dog, and scatterings of french fries.
My two top table was very wobbly. There was a wad of napkins under one leg in an attempt to stabilize it, to no avail. Good thing I don't get seasick..
There was a big greasy spot on the seat, right where I was to be sitting. I had a server bring me some napkins and I wiped the seat clean.
A young woman approached and announced she would be my server and would be taking care of me.
Her name was Destiny. Once Destiny took over, things went well, surprisingly, since moments before I was ready to walk out!
She took my drink and food orders promptly. She correctly brought out my drink and cup of chili first, as I requested.
Then she delivered my burger and fries.
The food was fairly typical of what you'd expect from ANY Steak 'n Shake. I had no issues with Destiny or my food.
Destiny was the ONLY saving grace about this visit, as I was certainly ready to walk out before she took over.
This situation really bothers me, for a whole lot of reasons.
First, in January, I had occasion to write a stellar review of another Steak 'n Shake location, the store located in Trinity, Florida. I had a wonderful experience there and I wrote quite highly about it!
That review is here on Yelp if you'd like to read it!
And mainly because the problems at this Melbourne location appear to be ongoing, in spite of multiple complaints and issues from other patrons' reviews. It appears as nothing is being done to rectify the issues.
In closing, I'm writing this unbiased and honest review in the hopes that my hometown's Steak 'n Shake can become The Best one around!
And, after completing this review, I will be contacting the corporate headquarters, via the phone number listed on my receipt, to voice my concerns.
Let's see if anything changes. I hope it does.