"Penny-Wise and Dollar-Foolish"
I have been a customer of Cameron's for about twenty-five years. For most of that time, I was a huge fan and would rave about it. In that time, I have seen both positive and negative changes. The new renovations and expansions have made the once-narrow deli much nicer in terms of space, variety and ambiance. Much of the food continues to be quite good (great macaroni salad).
Unfortunately, what prompts me to write this review is a deceptive business practice that I have repeatedly experienced as well as spotty service. One of the "hallmarks" of Cameron's is their "rare" roast beef, which they now proudly display for all to see front and center where customers order sandwiches on its own stand. On *at least* four occasions in the last year (most recently this past weekend), I have ordered roast beef sandwiches when I was told and/or shown rare roast beef, only to find that my order was CLEARLY made with a different cut of roast beef after I returned home and opened the sandwich. It would be bad enough if Cameron's personnel substituted a hidden and sub-par roast beef for sandwiches when a customer didn't say anything; however, when a customer specifically requests rare roast beef, this practice is even worse. It is disrespectful and deceitful.
I get it. You don't want to throw out the old and more well-done roast beef ends. Well, here are a few suggestions: i) save them for people who like well-done roast beef; ii) incorporate them into cooked food dishes; and/or iii) at a minimum, put a few slices of the less prime roast beef in with mostly new and rare cuts.
I have also noticed that the quality of the service, particularly during the lunch hour on weekends has become less reliable. I understand that you are busy, but listen to what a customer orders, make sure you have the whole order, and make sure you have it right. Don't move so quickly that you get the order wrong- especially on your own specialty sandwiches that you should know how to make. If a sandwich calls for cheddar cheese, don't use American.
I have also noticed that the amount of cold cuts on sandwiches has dropped considerably while prices have simultaneously risen. I have not complained about price, because I understand that the service industry continues to struggle with labor shortages and inflation has vastly increased the cost of goods. So you've raised your prices. Fine. But don't raise your prices and make an anemic sandwich. I don't mind having to pay a little more, but make the venture worthwhile.
You might make 9,000 sandwiches per day, Cameron's but your customers generally eat at most 1 per day- make it a good experience. Do better. read more