I am writing to express our profound disappointmen...
I am writing to express our profound disappointment regarding a recent experience at your Cottonwood location on Sunday, June 15th, at approximately 2:20 PM. As regular patrons, particularly on Saturdays, we have always valued your excellent service, making this past Sunday's encounter all the more shocking and unacceptable.
Upon arrival, we were informed by the male host with black curly hair that our wait for a table for two would be about 20 minutes. During this period, between 2:20 PM and 2:40 PM, we observed a significant number of tables opening up—over 14 people departing from upstairs, and the host repeatedly calling out for a party of five that was clearly no longer present. While we understand the operational challenges of seating and staffing, and recognized the presence of open tables in the dining area that may have required additional server allocation, our frustration began to mount when a couple with a child (a party of three) who arrived at 2:40 PM was immediately seated.
My partner inquired with the host about this discrepancy, and he attributed it to a "space issue for three." However, upon looking into the dining room, it was evident that over six tables designed for four people were currently occupied by only two individuals.
At approximately 2:50 PM, the host offered us outdoor seating. Despite the temperature being around 100 degrees, we politely checked the option but declined due to the heat. Our simple and direct question to him was: "Why are only two people being seated at tables designed for four, while we, a party of two, are left waiting?" Rather than addressing this reasonable query, he abruptly stated, "I'm getting my manager."
What followed was an even more unsettling interaction with the female manager, also with black hair. Her very first words, spoken in front of other patrons, were a baseless accusation: "We don't raise our voices in a family restaurant." I immediately clarified that no one had raised their voice and calmly reiterated our core question: why we had been skipped and not seated. Her response was dismissive; she asked, "What are you here for?" When I replied, "For lunch," she simply suggested, "You can sit at the bar," and the curly-haired host twice interjected that "it's going to be a while to be seated."
This entire experience was deeply disheartening. To be treated with such disrespect, to have our legitimate questions about unfair seating practices met with rudeness, accusation, and evasion, is simply not what we expect from Porcupine Restaurant. As long-time regulars, we are genuinely appalled by this level of service. We sincerely hope that senior management will investigate this incident thoroughly and take appropriate action to ensure that no other patrons endure such a frustrating and unwelcoming experience.We would be glad to speak with you as we are very respected honest couple and this was horrendous treatment .
