Bob Evans at Colony

[TheDude]

Does anyone think the customer service has changed since it opened?

[rubicon]

I have tried this place twice and both times walked away sadden that it does not live up to the name as a Bob Evans

[Villageswimmer]

We've been there three times and found the service to be excellent. I like the modern decor as well. I haven't been there in a month...perhaps things have changed.

[Challenger]

We've been there three times and found the service to be excellent. I like the modern decor as well. I haven't been there in a month...perhaps things have changed.

They have gone downhill over the past month or so. Cannot compare to the service at their 466 location

[Villager Joyce]

We have always left smiling. The BEfit breakfast is healthy, fresh and tasty.

[graciegirl]

I made this comment to a friend visiting just last week;

I don't think I have ever seen better customer service ANYWHERE in my life than at Bob Evans on 466. Many of their servers are in their sixties and seventies. And their hostesses too.

[bagboy]

I made this comment to a friend visiting just last week;

I don't think I have ever seen better customer service ANYWHERE in my life than at Bob Evans on 466. Many of their servers are in their sixties and seventies. And their hostesses too.

I agree! And we did go to Colony once and the waitress was very good. I don't recall ever having bad service at any Bob Evans.

[VApeople]

We went with a group of ten people yesterday and had very excellent service. We will definitely go back.

[Aw Man]

Does anyone think the customer service has changed since it opened?

We've had great customer service at Bob Evans Colony.
However, during the dinner hours, we've experienced extremely slow service from the kitchen. Even the wait staff gets flustered as it seems forever to get their orders.
Have talked to Manager on Duty 3 times about it, but the problem continues.
Have not experienced this problem during breakfast or lunch visits.

[Dynsol]

We go to location on CR466. Find the one on CR466a has very poor services!

[John_W]

We've been going every week since the Bob Evans on 466A opened. A couple of months ago I noticed 'Michael' the waiter was working. If you remember him from the 466 location, he was always the outgoing and funny waiter. He would always tell you how his day was going before you asked. About three years ago he disappeared and we asked where he had gone, and we were told he went to the Ocala location.

Now at 466A we are in Michael's section and we asked him first, where have you been? He said he had to leave the 466 location because of another employee, but didn't give details, only that there was a lot friction. He eventually ended up at the Silver Springs location and there he met the best manager he ever worked for. She became the manager of this new location and he said, I'll follow her anywhere. We just so happen to be seated by that manager that day and the week before as she acted as the hostess. She's the taller, blond hair woman in her 40's, and is really great. You can tell her anything, and I usually do say what I'm happy with or not.

Since we've eaten at the new 466A location about 20 times, I would say maybe twice we were't thrilled. One time I thought it was a little cold inside. Another time I thought my scrambled eggs were a bit runny. Otherwise, my wife and I love this new location and will continue to go. I did mention to the manger that we have never waited more than 2 or 3 minutes, and most times not at all, while the 466 location waiting is the norm. She said, that is because she believes in quick turn-over of the tables and doesn't like when they sit dirty and believes in taking orders fast. Which I had to admit, the waiters and waitress are very prompt and I've only waited more than I expected once for my food.

I just realized, my picture in the avatar was taken at the new Bob Evans by a neighbor and his phone. You can see their logo in the background.

[CFrance]

We've been going every week since the Bob Evans on 466A opened. A couple of months ago I noticed 'Michael' the waiter was working. If you remember him from the 466 location, he was always the outgoing and funny waiter. He would always tell you how his day was going before you asked. About three years ago he disappeared and we asked where he had gone, and we were told he went to the Ocala location.

Now at 466A we are in Michael's section and we asked him first, where have you been? He said he had to leave the 466 location because of another employee, but didn't give details, only that there was a lot friction. He eventually ended up at the Silver Springs location and there he met the best manager he ever worked for. She became the manager of this new location and he said, I'll follow her anywhere. We just so happen to be seated by that manager that day and the week before as she acted as the hostess. She's the taller, blond hair woman in her 40's, and is really great. You can tell her anything, and I usually do say what I'm happy with or not.

Since we've eaten at the new 466A location about 20 times, I would say maybe twice we were't thrilled. One time I thought it was a little cold inside. Another time I thought my scrambled eggs were a bit runny. Otherwise, my wife and I love this new location and will continue to go. I did mention to the manger that we have never waited more than 2 or 3 minutes, and most times not at all, while the 466 location waiting is the norm. She said, that is because she believes in quick turn-over of the tables and doesn't like when they sit dirty and believes in taking orders fast. Which I had to admit, the waiters and waitress are very prompt and I've only waited more than I expected once for my food.

I just realized, my picture in the avatar was taken at the new Bob Evans by a neighbor and his phone. You can see their logo in the background.
Egad, I thought that was your granddaughter. They have got to make these avatars bigger!

[dbussone]

I made this comment to a friend visiting just last week;



I don't think I have ever seen better customer service ANYWHERE in my life than at Bob Evans on 466. Many of their servers are in their sixties and seventies. And their hostesses too.



Don't you just love to see a bunch of kids doing well? [emoji41]


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

We ate there yesterday and the server was very nice. The service was pretty typical of The Villages in that it was a bit slow but that's not unusual.

The food was great and when we needed more water or napkins the server was right there for us.

I didn't find it any different than the BE on 466.

[kansasr]

Does anyone think the customer service has changed since it opened?

Why yes, I have seen different service people from my first visit!

[fred53]

466a service has been great!

[Villageswimmer]

We've been going every week since the Bob Evans on 466A opened. A couple of months ago I noticed 'Michael' the waiter was working. If you remember him from the 466 location, he was always the outgoing and funny waiter. He would always tell you how his day was going before you asked. About three years ago he disappeared and we asked where he had gone, and we were told he went to the Ocala location.

Now at 466A we are in Michael's section and we asked him first, where have you been? He said he had to leave the 466 location because of another employee, but didn't give details, only that there was a lot friction. He eventually ended up at the Silver Springs location and there he met the best manager he ever worked for. She became the manager of this new location and he said, I'll follow her anywhere. We just so happen to be seated by that manager that day and the week before as she acted as the hostess. She's the taller, blond hair woman in her 40's, and is really great. You can tell her anything, and I usually do say what I'm happy with or not.

Since we've eaten at the new 466A location about 20 times, I would say maybe twice we were't thrilled. One time I thought it was a little cold inside. Another time I thought my scrambled eggs were a bit runny. Otherwise, my wife and I love this new location and will continue to go. I did mention to the manger that we have never waited more than 2 or 3 minutes, and most times not at all, while the 466 location waiting is the norm. She said, that is because she believes in quick turn-over of the tables and doesn't like when they sit dirty and believes in taking orders fast. Which I had to admit, the waiters and waitress are very prompt and I've only waited more than I expected once for my food.

I just realized, my picture in the avatar was taken at the new Bob Evans by a neighbor and his phone. You can see their logo in the background.


Maybe some of these details aren't meant for public consumption. Perhaps divulging names/descriptions of staff members and conversations that may have been considered confidential could hurt someone?

[justjim]

Bob Evans is definitely high on my breakfast list. We ate at the 466A Bob Evans 6 or 7 times this past winter and it was an excellent experience each time. The staff took good care of 14 of us golfers the middle of April my last visit there. The wife and I are easy to please so take it for what it's worth.

[John_W]

Egad, I thought that was your granddaughter. They have got to make these avatars bigger!

There was a time I had a mustache for 35 years and the last 10 years of which it included a full beard. It wouldn't of been too hard to figure it out then but I'm clean shaving now ever since the 70's called and asked for their mustache back. I guess otherwise from what I see at the squares and at MVP everyday, you're not use to seeing a man with a head still covered with hair, and it's not white or silver, but dark brown. I'm also not overweight, or have a big stomach, now that I'm retired I work out most days to make up for many years of goofing off and I'll be 67 in July. So thanks for the backhanded compliment.

[CFrance]

There was a time I had a mustache for 35 years and the last 10 years of which it included a full beard. It wouldn't of been too hard to figure it out then but I'm clean shaving now ever since the 70's called and asked for their mustache back. I guess otherwise from what I see at the squares and at MVP everyday, you're not use to seeing a man with a head still covered with hair, and it's not white or silver, but dark brown. I'm also not overweight, or have a big stomach, now that I'm retired I work out most days to make up for many years of goofing off and I'll be 67 in July. So thanks for the backhanded compliment.
It was actually meant to be a forehanded compliment. you're obviously taking great care of yourself, and it shows.

[John_W]

Maybe some of these details aren't meant for public consumption. Perhaps divulging names/descriptions of staff members and conversations that may have been considered confidential could hurt someone?

Tell me these names and descriptions so I can play along. It's obvious Michael has never waited on you. He's an entertainer and it's fun to watch someone who enjoys his work as much as he does. When he worked at Silver Springs location he drove everyday from Wildwood. When he divulged the details of his moving around, I never considered that as private conversation since there was four of us listening. If you see Michael, he works the middle of the restaurant area next to the counter, he talks so the whole section can hear. Like I said, he's an entertainer first and a great waiter second. Maybe your critique of my Bob Evans critique needs critiquing.

[Jdmiata]

No problem with this place at all. Try the steak and eggs for $9.99.

[graciegirl]

We go to location on CR466. Find the one on CR466a has very poor services!

The day after I posted how wonderful the wait staff was, we went to Bob Evans on 466 and had truly terrible service. Waited for 45 minutes to have order taken and served three things incorrectly. The old manager is gone. I hope the new company that bought it doesn't mess it up completely. I have loved eating at Bob Evans restaurants for years.

Sigh.

[ditka41]

We have enjoyed the new Bob Evan's on 466A from it's "Soft Opening" several times a month. When it initially opened, they had extra staff from several surrounding BE locations to guide the new employees. Naturally, service was fantastic and got it off to a great start. Once the permanent staff was more trained, service become more like what reasonable people would expect, or slightly slower, but the food was still excellent.

Fast forward to this past Tuesday evening, around 7:30PM: Half the tables were empty. We were the only ones standing by the desk, and waited 10 minutes to be acknowledged. After being seated, no server appeared within the first 15 minutes, although a server had plenty of time to just stand and converse with a couple within three tables of our location while totally ignoring us. Finally a polite server showed up and was very apologetic for the long delay. ----Turns out that she had not been advised that the section in which we were seated was her responsibility. ----Our food was very slow in coming out of the kitchen. So yes, overall "service" has declined severely over the last few weeks in my opinion. However, that could have been just a glitch for that evening. I would say the wait staff is competent and friendly. However, MANAGEMENT should be concerned, and either be replaced or get the ship back on course quickly.

For those who always ask, yes, I wanted to see someone who looked like management as we left to let them know. If any management was there, it was not noticeable and I did not care to stay any longer. We will return again next week and hope to be more satisfied. If not, that's "Strike Two" and a letter goes to corporate. Bob Evans in general is too good to not care when a new location is not headed in the right direction. I know "Villagers" love to complain about everything, but this does need some level of management's attention. We appreciate them being here and want them to succeed.

[graciegirl]

We have enjoyed the new Bob Evan's on 466A from it's "Soft Opening" several times a month. When it initially opened, they had extra staff from several surrounding BE locations to guide the new employees. Naturally, service was fantastic and got it off to a great start. Once the permanent staff was more trained, service become more like what reasonable people would expect, or slightly slower, but the food was still excellent.

Fast forward to this past Tuesday evening, around 7:30PM: Half the tables were empty. We were the only ones standing by the desk, and waited 10 minutes to be acknowledged. After being seated, no server appeared within the first 15 minutes, although a server had plenty of time to just stand and converse with a couple within three tables of our location while totally ignoring us. Finally a polite server showed up and was very apologetic for the long delay. ----Turns out that she had not been advised that the section in which we were seated was her responsibility. ----Our food was very slow in coming out of the kitchen. So yes, overall "service" has declined severely over the last few weeks in my opinion. However, that could have been just a glitch for that evening. I would say the wait staff is competent and friendly. However, MANAGEMENT should be concerned, and either be replaced or get the ship back on course quickly.

For those who always ask, yes, I wanted to see someone who looked like management as we left to let them know. If any management was there, it was not noticeable and I did not care to stay any longer. We will return again next week and hope to be more satisfied. If not, that's "Strike Two" and a letter goes to corporate. Bob Evans in general is too good to not care when a new location is not headed in the right direction. I know "Villagers" love to complain about everything, but this does need some level of management's attention. We appreciate them being here and want them to succeed.

You realize that Bob Evans has been bought by another company in the last six months. I will never understand how a new company buys a thriving business and changes it.

[justjim]

The day after I posted how wonderful the wait staff was, we went to Bob Evans on 466 and had truly terrible service. Waited for 45 minutes to have order taken and served three things incorrectly. The old manager is gone. I hope the new company that bought it doesn't mess it up completely. I have loved eating at Bob Evans restaurants for years.

Sigh.

"The old manager is gone". The difference between good and poor when it comes to a restaurant is the manager. You can take that to the bank.

[Challenger]

We have enjoyed the new Bob Evan's on 466A from it's "Soft Opening" several times a month. When it initially opened, they had extra staff from several surrounding BE locations to guide the new employees. Naturally, service was fantastic and got it off to a great start. Once the permanent staff was more trained, service become more like what reasonable people would expect, or slightly slower, but the food was still excellent.

Fast forward to this past Tuesday evening, around 7:30PM: Half the tables were empty. We were the only ones standing by the desk, and waited 10 minutes to be acknowledged. After being seated, no server appeared within the first 15 minutes, although a server had plenty of time to just stand and converse with a couple within three tables of our location while totally ignoring us. Finally a polite server showed up and was very apologetic for the long delay. ----Turns out that she had not been advised that the section in which we were seated was her responsibility. ----Our food was very slow in coming out of the kitchen. So yes, overall "service" has declined severely over the last few weeks in my opinion. However, that could have been just a glitch for that evening. I would say the wait staff is competent and friendly. However, MANAGEMENT should be concerned, and either be replaced or get the ship back on course quickly.

For those who always ask, yes, I wanted to see someone who looked like management as we left to let them know. If any management was there, it was not noticeable and I did not care to stay any longer. We will return again next week and hope to be more satisfied. If not, that's "Strike Two" and a letter goes to corporate. Bob Evans in general is too good to not care when a new location is not headed in the right direction. I know "Villagers" love to complain about everything, but this does need some level of management's attention. We appreciate them being here and want them to succeed.

I have previously posted my similar experience at 466A about two weeks ago. The place was half full at about 6 pm. Stood at the entry desk for what seemed like a very long time without acknowledgement , Finally we were told that there would be a fifteen minute wait. We were the only people in the lobby and decided to leave. No manager in sight and very few employees that we could see. We are BE fans and have had some really nice meals, but something has changed recently.

[buzzy]

You realize that Bob Evans has been bought by another company in the last six months. I will never understand how a new company buys a thriving business and changes it.

Good point, Gracie. In a normal acquisition, an acquiring company would look at 6 mos to 1yr gross receipts and analyze consumer patterns. If they are in the same (i.e. restaurant) business, then they can compare the acquisition to their own corporate business model. Based on the comparative analysis, they may choose to change practices right after re-opening. This assumes that anyone in this business has half a brain. When it comes to serving a captive audience of retirees, I don't think they give a darn.

[jojo]

Our golf group of eight had lunch at Bob Evans at Colony last Friday at 11:00. We were seated and beverages served immediately. Everyone was happy with their choice - food was served warm. No problems. I loved the pot roast sandwich albeit not the healthiest choice. But I had vegetable soup also.

[ditka41]

I had no idea they are under different ownership just a few months after their opening. Must be one of those great corporate moves in which I am happy to no longer be a participant. Will still go again next week and hope they have improved. In any cased, a few bad experiences at this location will not keep us from trying other BE's as we travel. Can't believe a corporate change will make all the individual locations undesirable. How could a "captive audience of retirees" could be deemed as unworthy of good service, considering most of them enjoy good food and service at least as often as when we were working? I do understand how a bunch of old guys sitting all morning eating a donut and expecting free coffee could easily be less than appreciated anywhere.

[Happinow]

We are frequent eaters at Bob Evans at Colony. We usually go for breakfast, but sometimes for dinner. Last week we went about 4:45. The restaurant was not busy. We waited at the front desk for a few minutes, which seems like a long time when you're waiting. Finally someone came and took our name and put it on the list. The list???? There was hardly anybody in the restaurant!

There was one couple at the bar so we decided not to wait and went there to eat. The couple next to us said they got tired of waiting to be greeted so they also sat at the bar. Moments later a third couple sat down as well. The serving area behind the bar was very hectic. It took our server a bit to greet us. The couple who sat down first hadn't had a drink or their order taken yet. After about 10 minutes, the server went to the other end of the bar where the last couple sat and asked them for their drink order. The couple that was there first couldn't believe it as they had been seated the longest without a drink order. As the server got started, we interuruped her and said that the couple at the other end of the bar were there first, then us, then the last couple. She quickly moved to the other end of the bar and began taking drink orders.

She was flustered at best and it took a long time for us all to receive our drinks and she forgot the coffee for the first couple. We got our food first, then the first couple got theirs next and the third couple ordered chicken noodle soup. They waited a bit the server came out and said they were out of soup but she would get more. She apologized to them for the wait. They waited probably 15 minutes more and again the server apologized for the wait saying it would be out soon. The server apologized again then went into the kitchen to talk to someone back there about the soup. Apparently she wasn't supposed to go back to the kitchen to talk to the cooks and the girl that was in charge of putting the food on the trays told her not to do that again......and we all heard it. Once again, she apologized to the third couple at the bar who were waiting for the soup. After a bit, the couple got up and left and they didn't pay for their drinks. The server felt badly and continued to be flustered. Unfortunately, another gentleman sat next to me and he waited about 15 minutes just for a drink!!! He also wanted soup....thankfully not chicken noodle!! We ate and got our check and left.

Everyone at the bar was talking about how messed up this whole dining experience was. It really was a stressful dinner and I had to feel sorry for the server. She seemed overwhelmed. I felt embarrassed for her. I was glad to be out of there. It certainly has changed since they opened and not for the good. We are fans of the restaurant and will continue to go but probably only for breakfast as that seems to run smoothest.

[Jdmiata]

Mixed bag. Was there this past Saturday after golf. At least 8 empty tables but we had to wait 20 minutes to be seated. Why ??????
Food and server were great though.

[crash]

Mixed bag. Was there this past Saturday after golf. At least 8 empty tables but we had to wait 20 minutes to be seated. Why ??????
Food and server were great though.

This is most likely caused by not enough wait staff. They will leave tables empty if they are short staff rather than have the server cover too many tables.

[SALYBOW]

we have always been served well.

[MikeV]

We've been there 3 times since it opened and will probably avoid it if we can. We have not been pleased with the food or service.

[msfooter]

We've been there 3 times since it opened and will probably avoid it if we can. We have not been pleased with the food or service.

Not pleased with the food either - ordered a chicken fried steak that took 35 minutes to be served. After a couple of bites, all of the breading had fallen off. I could have used the bare steak for the bottom of my tennis shoe. Oh, yes, very tough and could not finish. I'm done.

[LittleDog]

Generally I have been satisfied with the food and service. What bugs me is that they tend to put scallions on many dishes which I don't want to eat. They must have gotten a good deal on scallions.

John

[kcrazorbackfan]

Wife got soaked playing today; so she needed comfort food; went to BE at Colony and had our meals (chopped sirloin w/ veggies) right at 10 minutes after we sat down (which was immediately). service was great and food was good.