Steak 'n Shake

Reading the reviews on here was very sad.
So many complaints about it being dirty.
It wouldn’t be so dirty if you picked up after yourselves.
The workers aren’t the ones making the place dirty. They can’t help all of us at once.
They have to worry about dine-in, to-go, drive through, web and delivery orders.
You aren’t the only one ordering.
and they do what they can to help out. If you need something ask for help, your mind can’t be read.
And yeah some things are going to get messed up let them know what you need.
But anyway the Food is absolutely amazing! And they were very kind.
I love getting the frisco melt and a cheese fry with a shake!!

Last night was my 2nd time ever at a Steak n Shake.
The first time was in Jefferson City, MO while traveling and was so impressed with the food, the service and the different type of food menu that when arriving back home in the KC area that I told a friend who had also never been to a Steak n Shake that we should go to one of the local stores here. I went to the Steak n Shake website to look up options for locations and there are 4 listed.
Turns out 3 of the 4 stores are closed permanently.
Still determined to take my friend, we drove 35 minutes to the ONLY one left in KC which was located off Barry Road. We walk in about 8:30pm and it was pretty busy.
This store only had KIOSK ordering which I guess has become the trend so they can reduce staff, which the one in Jefferson City was not like that but ok.
We were prompted for a tip which bothered me for a fast food chain, but whatever.
So, we order off the KIOSK and it was 30 minutes before we got our order.
I questioned how they were able to service the people in the drive thru so quickly if it was taking this long for just simple dine-in orders. While waiting for our order, we look for a booth to sit and ALL of the empty tables were dirty.
It was clear they were understaffed, so I went up to the counter and finally was able to get someone's attention and offered to wipe down a booth if they would give me the cleaning supplies.
The guy said they weren't allowed to do that and finally he came out and wiped down a table- sort of. The rag was not very clean and after a cursery wipe, it was at least better and free of food debris at least visibly, so we sat down to wait for our order. While waiting for our food, we noticed the restaurant was clearly in decline.
Wallpaper peeling from the walls, ceiling tiles were water stained and several other repairs in great need.
It started becoming clear to me why so many of the stores were closing if this store was anything like the others. Finally, we get our order.
I very much regretted the tip I was forced to give at the KIOSK when placing our order and really wanted that tip back.
We both ordered the 5 way dishes and a large onion rings.
I paid extra for extra onions and cheese.
There were no trays and so I got extra napkins to lay down so our food would not come in contact with the table that was not that clean.
There was no marking on the 5 way that I had paid extra for the cheese and onions which was frustrating.
Either they didn't put extra on as paid for or it was so little added that we couldn't tell.
So, we ate our food.
The food was ok, well cooked but by this time already pretty tired and frustrated at the poor experience. We drove back home very disappointed.
I apologized to my friend who I had really wanted to introduce to a Steak n Shake.
It's really a shame for a restaurant chain that has been around since 1934 to be on such a decline.
It's clear this has been a staple for a long time.
Such a shame to see this decline.
The website is out of date showing 4 locations open when there is only 1 in the KC area.
And, the one that is open is clearly on its way to be closed as well.
I thought perhaps this chain had difficulty bouncing back from COVID, but there are clearly much deeper issues at play.
I suspect a lack of leadership at the top that understands the values of which this chain was founded.
Very sad.

We love Steak n Shake but don't have them at home.
Went through the drive thru for a quick dinner.
They service was great, food was hot and ready quickly, no complaints