jinat zaman
Google
If I could leave zero stars, I would.
Our recent experience at The Cheesecake Factory in Bethesda, Maryland was deeply disappointing, both in service and value.
To start, we were informed they were running out of bread—a staple at The Cheesecake Factory. I asked the waiter if something could be offered in place of it. He later returned to say they were making one final batch. We eventually received some bread, but not long after, I observed additional bread being brought to other tables. This inconsistency raised concerns about transparency.
Next, I inquired about substituting steak for the chicken in the Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp dish and was told there would be about a $10 upcharge(26.95 to 33.90). I agreed. When the dish arrived, it was shocking: a few small, dry pieces of steak over plain white rice with a bit of sauce. That was it. I took two bites and couldn’t justify continuing. I expressed my concerns to the waiter, who brought over the manager.
I want to be clear—our server, Jr., was professional and kind throughout. He did his best under the circumstances. The issue was entirely with the manager, Brian, whose service and attitude were frankly nauseating. When I explained the problem, Brian said, “Because it’s not on the menu, you get what you get.” That response is completely unacceptable. If the restaurant knows how to apply an upcharge for a substitution, they should also know how to deliver a dish that reflects that value in quality and presentation.
This experience felt like a complete disregard for customer satisfaction and respect for hard-earned money. I’ve dined at Cheesecake Factory locations across the country and never had an experience like this. Unfortunately, this visit has left a lasting negative impression.