We have a new Firezza pizza takeaway open up in West Hampstead (on the same premises as two recently failed pizza takeaways). They have been opened for 2 or 3 weeks. We always try to support local businesses and thought we would give it a try. On entering the premises we noticed that the waiting area had been massively reduced and the preparation area was massive (which was just an observation and can be good or bad). This waiting area was crammed packed with people, upon entering a couple of people had two boxes of pizza given to them and they left. The other patrons appeared to be visitors to the UK and restricted on their English. I made it to the front (only because no-one else seemed to know what to do - I will explain why in a moment). What looked like a delivery person took my order and he said there would be a little wait which I said no problem and would he like to take payment, this he wouldn't do because he was waiting for the person on the other till (only 2 tills) to respond to him regarding waiting time. Eventually this other person, the Manager I presume, responded we are taking no more orders now and waiting time will be at least one and a half hours? I stated my surprize and displeasure and stated this was no way to treat local residents as we would be the ones that kept any business going throughout the year (the time was about 8-8.15pm on a Friday night). I asked why this waiting area was full with people holding menus waiting to order (asking why they had not told everyone the situation, I received just blank looks from him and no explanation at all as to why). Customers time is worth more than this.
Now I know what you are thinking maybe they were short staffed; well around the two tills there were at least 8-9 staff all stood around most doing nothing, in the cooking and preparation area there was at least another 12 persons and outside when I entered there was another two persons. So short staff wasn't the issue, no customers in the premises knew what was happening because at this second till the manager appeared to be doing staff training (staff training on their customers time is unacceptable). Upon leaving it was left to me to explain to the other waiting customers that they were taking no more orders for at least one and a half hours. Ok so they were not short staffed, maybe the ovens were down; I already stated that upon arrival two pizzas had been handed over, I could see that the main feature in the kitchen area was the pizza oven and that was definitely on as I could see it lit and working. This isn't a little issue, I have never heard of any food establishment not being able to take order or deliver food in a timeframe of at least one and a half hours. I think that their front door should have been locked and the business display a closed sign.
I think this business has lost the plot, this is a fast food take away; if we went to any top class restaurant anywhere in the world it would not take at least one and a half hours before my order could be taken. This situation is actually contradicting the whole idea of fast food.
We have lived in West Hampstead for more than 20 years and we will inform all our friends and locals not to support this poorly run joke of a business (I guess this will be the third failed pizza takeaway in these premises) - I should add that there is another 3 pizza takeaways along the same road, all being in business here for more than 10 years. Local food businesses (and there are plenty along this road) are usually busy Friday/Saturday nights but empty the rest of the week, they all need the business of locals to survive.
Don't waste your time with this shocking business there are other very good food restaurants and takeaways in West Hampstead and the choice is wide and plenty. Firezza Pizza Takeaway requires at least one and a half hours notice before they can consider taken your order. Hahahahahaha ridiculous! read more