G M.
4/5
I am reading one of the recent reviews that was left by “Madison”, who I am pretty sure is referring to us who had to wait over an hour, haha! We spoke to the couple beside us who told us they waited nearly an hour for their wings. They ordered 2 dozen from what we saw. Yes, we were kind to the owners! We did not leave that review by Madison, so I am disheartened to see that the response by owners to Madison’s review is aimed towards “two friends” who ordered “4 dozen wings” ☠️.
I am disappointed by the response by the owners and I am certain their response is referring to us when they mention the people who ordered four dozen wings. The entire tone seems vitriolic and presumptuous and quite uncomfortable. Owners are for sure allowed to respond to negative reviews and defend themselves if needed, but careful consideration on HOW things are said in responses requires more attention. In this case, they are attacking the wrong people.
I did not come in with a friend, I came in with my mom yesterday, and it was very busy—the place was packed. Despite waiting over an hour (I believe it was 1.5 hours, actually), we were patient and understand things happen beyond our control sometimes. I know how difficult it is for wait staff, and even if I receive bad service at a restaurant, I am not the type to boycott after one bad visit. We were hungry and a little bit annoyed, but would not hold it against the wait staff who explained to us it was a kitchen issue and an unexpected amount of guests that night. As we were leaving the restaurant, I saw that they were buying wings from a store because they had run out. So that also adds to the credibility that indeed, they weren’t prepared for the large volume.
We enjoyed the wings despite the long wait. They are huge, and if we had known that, we wouldn’t have ordered 4 dozen. At other establishments, they’re tiny! The price per pound on a wing night is a bit more expensive than other places, but when you factor in how big the wings are, I think the price is more than reasonable. I like how the restaurant allows us to take home wings, because my partner had wanted to come with us, but couldn’t, so I was able to bring some to them. They liked it enough that they would want to consider going, and so did I.
The big sell for us was the massive amount of flavours, it would be great to bring friends and share the different kinds sometime. We had gotten Inferno, Hot Lemon, Balsamic Vinegar, and Widowmaker. I find Inferno was hotter than Widowmaker. We would not order Balsamic Vinegar again. Should we ever return, I would try the more ambitious and creative flavours than just the hot sauce.
I am removing a star because yeah, it was a long wait, we had to chase the server to get answers. It would have been nice if they had come to our table and updated us on the wait time, instead of my mom having to chase down a server. However, it is the response to the critical reviews (and assuming certain reviewers are certain customers), that do not leave a good impression. I was more than willing to try again and bring more people because I think that a small establishment like this is worth supporting rather than franchises like Smitty’s, but this is how they perceive their customers and respond to reviews, I’m not sure. I am worried had I not left this review to clarify things, and that if I come back, they have some preconceived notion of us which may alter service received, and that does not leave a good feeling.
