Shocking decline in service and food quality at Wimpy Engen Umfula – Never again

My family and I are extremely disappointed by what used to be one of our favourite breakfast spots — Wimpy at Engen Umfula. For years, we drove all the way from Randburg to enjoy Sunday breakfasts here, even with so many options closer to home. Sadly, our visit on 1 February completely ruined that tradition.

We checked out early from Dikololo specifically to have breakfast here before visiting Harties. The restaurant was almost empty when we arrived, so we expected quick and efficient service. Unfortunately, it was the complete opposite.

From the start, service was poor. The waitress appeared distracted and unprofessional, repeatedly bumping into my fiancé’s chair as if she wasn’t fully aware of her surroundings. After ordering drinks and then food (we were a table of 7), the delays began.

The first meal to arrive was for a child at the table. When the Vienna/Cheese Griller was cut open, oil literally dripped out of it — already concerning. After waiting about 20 more minutes, we had to ask where the rest of the food was. The waitress went to the kitchen window, and we clearly saw staff displaying a “they can wait” attitude. Only after another staff member returned from the bathroom were our plates brought out — with one meal still missing.

When the food finally arrived, it was ice cold. Not lukewarm — cold. Completely unacceptable and inedible.

After waiting another 5 minutes for my father’s missing meal, he got up and asked for the manager and for his order to be cancelled. We then waited again. Instead of a manager, someone who appeared to be a dishwasher or kitchen staff member approached us claiming to be a supervisor. We insisted on speaking to the actual manager.

It took about 10 more minutes for the manager to appear, as staff had to go look for him outside. His appearance and manner were unprofessional, and his attitude was even worse. While my father calmly explained our frustration, the manager stood there with a clear “don’t care” attitude and offered no solution, no apology, and no effort to fix the situation or replace the cold food.

We were so disgusted and disappointed that we paid the full bill and left all the food. To make matters worse, when I went to the bathroom and returned a few minutes later, our table was still standing exactly as we left it, with dirty plates and food — despite the restaurant not being busy.

This used to be a well-loved stop for many families traveling from Johannesburg. Now, it feels like a neglected, poorly managed establishment with staff who have no pride in their work or care for customers.

We will not be returning, and it’s heartbreaking to say that about a place we’ve supported for years.