Applebee's review: Demeaned and disrespected comment

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to formally report an incident that occurred on January 29, 2026, at the Applebee’s located at 5055 Calhoun Memorial Highway, Easley, SC 29640.

A female friend and I dined at this location around 2:00–3:00 PM. We were served by a female server named Hannah. The restaurant was fairly busy due to the lunch hour, and overall, the food was satisfactory.

As we were leaving the restaurant, we turned to Hannah and thanked her, letting her know she had done a great job. In response, she looked at us and said, “Have a good day, KIDS.”

I am a 53-year-old Black man, and my companion is a 51-year-old Black woman. Being referred to as “kids” in front of a crowded dining room was humiliating, disrespectful, and completely unprofessional. This comment made us feel demeaned and disrespected, especially given our age and the context of the interaction.

Words and tone matter, particularly in customer service. While some may view this as harmless, it did not come across that way to us. It left a lasting negative impression and overshadowed what had otherwise been a positive dining experience.

Additionally, I am part of a group of approximately 20–25 men who regularly use restaurants for group dinners and business-style meetings. Due to this incident, we will no longer consider Applebee’s locations for these gatherings unless we are confident that customer respect and professionalism are being taken seriously.

I am requesting that this matter be investigated and that appropriate disciplinary or corrective action be taken. I also ask that staff at this location be reminded of the importance of respectful language and professional communication with all guests.

Please provide a response acknowledging this complaint and advise what actions will be taken. I would appreciate receiving a case number or follow-up regarding this matter.

Thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,
Kendall Blake
[protected]@aol.com