We had a very disappointing experience at Sal's this evening. We have been frequenting P&J's and Sal's for years and have always been treated with respect and dignity whenever interacting with Sal himself and his parents. Today unfortunately was a completely different experience. When we first walked in around 4:30 trying to eat early and avoid the dinner crowd. We asked to eat in we were greeted with a very off hand "The menus are there, order at the counter". We had ordered drinks and with it being so long since we've been able to eat out and most places not allowing it, we were unaware they were self serve. After a few minutes of sitting at the table we asked about this and were given a very dismissive answer of yes.
We had also ordered a pizza and a salad. When our pizza was up, we still had not gotten our salad and no one appeared to be making it so we reminded them of our order. Again we were met with a very dismissive "Well we're very busy but we're getting it". I know that there may have been a large number of pick up orders... but we were the ONLY ones dinning in at this time and were surprised to have not gotten our salad first let alone that it had not even been made yet. At this point, having had to ask for plates and silverware for dining in, and for having felt like we were a burden since walking in the door, we decided to ask for a to go box and eat at home instead. Up until this point we had been very polite and understanding but with being so disappointed in the service, we let them know that this was the case and were met by a very rude response.
The man behind the counter began to yell at my mother saying she was disrespectful and that she was personally attacking him and when asked if he responds to all his customers this way he said "I treat customers the way they treat me." Again, we had not been what I would consider difficult or unreasonable in our requests at this point. When asked when we would be able to speak to Sal, the gentleman behind the counter let us know that he was Sal's brother and the days that we could come back to talk to Sal himself. I was appalled to know that this was his brother and he was comfortable yelling at customers who have given business since the establishment opened. His response was that they were busier than ever and it was basically not their problem that we were disappointed. To add insult to injury, as we left the young blonde who had been rude about the drinks was standing behind the counter smirking about the interaction.
I understand we are just one family and it won't hurt their business or make a difference to anyone there but we will definitely not be back. Which is a shame because their food is delicious and like I said we have been there lots over the years since they opened. read more