Big Bens Family Diner

At this rate Big Ben's will be closed within months.

After driving by Big Ben's Family Diner numerous times we decided to stop in and give their breakfast a try. We were greeted by the owner Tracey, who also happened to be our server. We were seated and offered coffee right away. So far so good. We ordered 2 Coffee's and a water as there were 3 of us in our party. When Tracey returned with our beverages we placed our breakfast order which consisted of: 1 Western Omlette - $7.99 2 Breakfast specials - $4.99ea The Western Omlette was nothing special, the onions, green pepper and ham were not cooked at all. I think I was given exactly 10 homefries aswell. No problem though as portion sizes vary by restaurant. The two breakfast specials met our expectations of a $4.99 meal. Upon receiving our bill we see the following items: 1 Western Omlette - $7.99 1 Breakfast Special - $4.99 1 Breakfast Special - $4.99 1 Coffee - $1.59 We notified Tracey of the apparent mistake on our bill in the amount of $1.59 for a coffee that should have been included in the breakfast special. Tracey argued with us over $1.59 and said that because one of the people in our party had ordered the breakfast special and got a water instead of a coffee that we were only entitled to 1 coffee at no charge. We attempted to reason with Tracey over the ridiculousness of the situation and were met with nothing but silly analogies such as: "If someone at another table not associated with us ordered a breakfast special and didnt want their coffee, she couldn't give it to us for free." WELL OBVIOUSLY THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH OUR SITUATION. Tracey basically said to us that if we wanted the coffee for free we should have had the other person order it instead of a water. This all became very comical at this point as she was adamant that she was going to get that $1.59 out of us as "Those are the rules, and the rules have to be followed."(Tracey is the owner and makes the rules). Tracey just kept repeating to us that there were rules that had to be followed. I asked her if she understood what customer service was, to which she replied "We have great customer service here." This was extremely laughable considering the situation. At this point we decided that Tracey and her husband needed the $1.59 more than we did, so we paid our bill and left never to step foot in Big Ben's Family Diner again. Tracey I hope that you learn from your mistakes and try your hardest to keep your tiny customer base happy as they are the ones who provide for your family whether or not you care to realize that. In the words of another reviewer of your establishment "What good is a nice looking dining room if it's empty." Another thing to keep in mind. A happy customer may tell a friend or two of a positive experience, but you can be assured that if a customer has a negative experience they will tell everyone they know.

I have to start by stating that I rarely review any service that I receive, however in this instance I feel I must. I also wanted to beat a fellow diner to the punch. This morning while ENJOYING my breakfast of Eggs Benedict, I overheard a fellow diner grumbling to her server about her Eggs Benedict & how they were not prepared properly -so she ordered another breakfast as she was not enjoying them. Eggs Ben = english muffin, poached eggs, ham & hollandaise, in my book & that was what I had & I would guess she had the same. The owner (Ben, I presume) came out to speak with her & offered her a 50% discount since she did not enjoy her 1st choice - a nice gesture I thought, but SHE refused. I sat & read the paper (compliments of Big Bens) enjoying my coffee & was appauled by this ladies behaviour upon paying her bill. She ranted at the poor server about being charged for the breakfast & stated that she was going to be placing a bad review here & that she would never come back. I am sure they, along with her fellow diner will be glad of that. If I was her dining partner I would have been embarrased by her childish behaviour. This is a great place to dine & everyone is very nice & accommodating to their diners.

Stopped in to try breakfast. Ordered celery bread to have as an appetizer, it was the smallest piece i've ever seen. I actually laughed. Our breakfast took 45 min and the place was not busy. Our eggs looked like they were cooked in water and the peameal bacon tasted like it was microwaved. It was terrible. Briefing though the menu I found thier prices very expensive. Would definately never go back. As we were walking in a lady came out screaming about paying 8 dollars for 2 eggs and toast. Almost turned around and never went in. Maybe i should have listed to what she was saying.

Went to Big Ben's for Halibut on my Birthday...

Went to Big Ben's for Halibut on my Birthday!!! Was well worth the price and the food was ohhhh so good! The kids said the wait was a little long but once they started eating I didn't hear another word. Kids these days once they have worked in a restaurant they think they know it all! Keep up the good work Neil and my wife says breakfast was great too...... JR

The new restaurant is both regal and very...

The new restaurant is both regal and very spacious. We have enjoyed a number of meals including a sampling of new offerings. The service is excellent with the value of the cuisine being well in line for the establishment. Eager to please and willing to fine tune each and every entree, this will keep us coming back. If I am looking for the lowest cost meal, than I would be sacrificing a very lovely ambience. Kudos to Neil and Tracy in the superb job they have done in transforming this property.