Applebee's review: substandard service vs racism

Antioch Applebees on a Friday night is a hub hub of activities and the wait is long and expected.. We, afro-american family (3) adults (2) children family experienced substandard service. We waited approx. 15 minutes for a server, when (P) arrived she reported that it was her first day, her assignment was on the other side of the room not at our assigned table, and was sent to help us as somebody had told her we had been waiting a long time. We requested that the children would be served first, we waited approx 15-20 min. She returned with another server (B) who gave us our requested hot water with lemon, placed it on the table narrowly missing 2 year old toddler. When I and mo. confronted her she reported she was 'just going to push it away' We again waited approx. 15 -20min. for our meal, I eventually got up and spoke with greeter (J) by that time meal had arrived. New groups of people sat on tables to the right and left of us..guess what happened? You guessed right! They got served immediately with a smiling server service and drinks. I spoke with manager (K) who commiserated and gave us a free dinner opportunity. It was my birthday celebration..needless to say I will not go back there again. Was it racism? substandard service? you be the judge!