Shannon S.
Google
We visited Switchback Grille while on vacation at Zion National Park after having two great experiences next door at their Italian sister restaurant. We were looking forward to ending the evening with a cocktail and dessert, and intentionally chose to sit at the bar to avoid taking up a dining table.
Unfortunately, our experience with the bartender, Stephanie, was disappointing. From the moment we sat down, she appeared visibly frustrated and immediately asked, “You’re not going to be eating food, are you?” before expressing how overwhelmed she was and that she doesn’t normally work in this restaurant. Throughout the evening, she continued to complain loudly about her work situation, the management, and even made questionable comments about serving something the wrong wine because they would not be able to tell.
The atmosphere at the bar felt uncomfortable and unwelcoming, which was surprising given the otherwise wonderful reputation of this establishment.
That said, I genuinely believe Stephanie has the makings of a great bartender—she’s energetic, outgoing, and clearly capable of connecting with people when she wants to. With that in mind, I’d offer the following constructive “tips”:
• When you’re frustrated, take a breath before speaking—your tone sets the entire guest experience.
• Avoid venting about management or coworkers in front of customers; professionalism builds credibility and trust.
• Your role is to make guests feel seen and comfortable, not to carry the burden of a rough shift out loud.
• Honesty, kindness, and composure go a long way in hospitality. People will always remember how you made them feel.
• And finally, tipping is often reserved for those who go above and beyond—grace, attentiveness, and warmth make all the difference.
We truly hope this feedback helps, because with the right attitude, Stephanie could easily turn things around and become an asset to the Switchback team.