Village Inn Restaurants review: Service, plate pick-up

Went to VI on Tower and Hampden in Aurora, CO. on Wednesday December 8th. Myself and 2 children. Arrived at 4:14pm. There were 3 tables occupied. Server was Anthony who was very prompt to acknowledged us quickly and take our order. It took 20 minutes to get our grilled cheese, patty melt and order or fries. Half way through our meal, Anthony told us he was taking his break but another server would take care of us. This was perfectly fine. The other server did come over within 2 minutes to make sure we were ok. More people began to come in. The manager seated and took 2 orders which was great. We finished our dinner and pushed our plates aside and waited. The hostess did nothing but stand by the register. The manager looked over at us several times, but never approached to help. Never saw the other server. After 25 minutes, Anthony came back from break and asked if everything was ok. I told him "no". I complained the situation and he was apologetic. I don't at all blame the server. While Anthony was getting our "free pie", the people that were serviced by the manager, ate their dinner, had plates cleared, ate their pie and left. At 6pm, we were finally able to pay our bill and leave. Almost 2 hours with a 4 and 6 year old was interesting to say the least. Another couple seated behind us were upset about the service also - they complained and had there bill complimentary by the manager.

I use to frequent this restaurant, but if this is the level of service Village Inn is now providing, perhaps the restaurant should close. As a customer service advice, I would say the hostess could have pitched in to help clear plates or bring water and certainly the manager should have been more cognizant of her customers rather than talking in the corner.