How many times can you give a place a chance until you say it's time to move on and support another…read moreplace who's got it? While their food is good, unfortunately every single time I've tried supporting the business, I was just left with complete disappointment.
My first experience and first time trying THG's Hot Chicken dates back to when they had the food truck only. Many years ago, we waited over 2 hours in line at an event to buy some THG only to be told once we got to the front, that they ran out. I found it extremely disappointing and unprofessional that 1 - they didn't even have any of their staff inform us of this matter and 2 - they had not even apologized for it. Fast forward to another event a few years later, I received the worst customer service, with staff being so rude. Consistency in one thing I had noticed: unprofessionalism and customer service.
I decided to give them a 3rd try now, years later, with their new location in Mississauga since I hadn't yet gotten the chance to check out their storefront in Scarborough.
Store wise? Mural and design looks great. Love it.
Menu? Improved with many new items, such as their Nashville hot shrimp & their dirty Mac n cheese.
Service? To no surprise, still the same sour taste as before.
Though I decided to visit on their grand opening day, I ensured to get there early. There was no lineup but very few people who had already ordered that was waiting. To no surprise, it took me over 50 mins to get my order. Order was simple and small, just 1 slider & 1 tender (what they were giving away for free).
People who came 10-15 min after me were getting their orders earlier than me, and the cashier admitted that they had mixed up the orders. Overall there was no organization or professionalism whatsoever and they were extremely slow. Additionally, unless you were near the counter area, you wouldn't even have heard them calling for your order. I had friends join in a bit later, while I was still waiting for my order. They placed their order, and same thing happened where people who came after got their orders before them. It was a mess and overall very disorganized. At this point, I am not interested in going back even if their food is good. 3 time's not always a charm.
Additionally, when I opened my order to eat it (right away when I got it), it was served cold, meaning they had it ready, but they just took their sweet time to pack and give it, since they were not going in the correct order number.
Food quality wise? Not as good as I remember them to be. You can find better halal sliders and chicken elsewhere, where you won't have to waste your time waiting for so long, and where you won't have to worry about customer service being an issue. I also noticed that the kitchen someone "magically" sped up the process of preparing orders the moment Chef Aleem got there. Coincidence? I think not.
2 stars: 1 for the food (which I'd say is now a 3.5/5 given it'd taste much better hot), I like having the option of modifying the spice level to your likeness. 2nd star is for food taste and overall restaurant design. -3 stars taken for the service, unprofessionalism (not even an apology offered) and overall experience + long wait times.