terrible service over and over and over- how does this happen?

[Anonymous]

There is a place in our neighborhood (okay - I'll just say it - Cafe Pizzaiolo) where we go frequently because (a) we really do like the food and (b) it's child friendly and (c) it's the only place within walking distance of our home. What I don't understand is that the service is uniformly terrible. The waitstaff is actually very nice but everyone's orders are always wrong, and everyone's food takes forever to come out. Literally every time we go there it's a joke because it happens to us and at least 3/4 of the tables around us. Of course, the joke is on us because we keep coming back, but I would really like to see this place succeed and do it right! I just don't understand why every single night is an "off night" ? Why can't these people get their act together?

[Anonymous]

Because people keep going there. They have no incentive to change unless business drops off.

[Anonymous]

Have you ever brought this up with a server or manager? Tell them how much you enjoy the food and anything else they do well (atmosphere, welcoming kids, whatever fits) but that as a regular customer, find usually find the service scattered. This doesn't mean they'll listen or change but at least you've let them know and they might notice if you decide to visit less often.

[Anonymous]

What's the deal with their pizza? Is there cinnamon in the tomato sauce? We've only had it once for takeout and were very underwhelmed.

[Anonymous]

Hah! OP, which Pizzaiolo location? Haven't had a wrong order, but sometimes a bit slow.

[Anonymous]

Either get carry out or don't return.

[Anonymous]

If bad service recurs, there is only one reason: absence of appropriate systems. Getting the food right and on time is very much a product of military-like rules and procedures in the kitchen, and not much of a cooking artistry. Not seating over X people in any given 15-minute interval, not allocating enough people for silverware polishing and washing, not placing glassware in easy and accessible locations, badly prepared mise, etc. Someone who runs this place hasn't spent much time preparing for service.