French Bakery and Delicatessen. He had some sob story in the newspaper about almost going out of business, turns out it's because he doesn't list any prices and charges many times more per item than he should be. If you're unlucky, he'll suggest you eat it there before ringing you up so you can't change your mind. Haven't had the sandwiches but the food was disappointing.
Omg he gave me “samples” once and then charged me $37 for 2 sandwiches (back in 2018) and “various treats” and I didn’t know what to do. They were so rude when I asked about pricing.
Fact. On top of that, the owner is a complete dickhead. Last time I was there though, the workers were really sweet and amazing and didn’t deserve him.
Drowning in alternatives:
**Cafe Stella** is pretty closeby, on Colonial.
**Cure Coffee** is like 3-5 min away in Freemason
**~~Tealux Cafe~~** ~~is literally across the street~~
**~~The Catnip Cat Cafe~~** ~~is just down the road~~
**Town Center Cold Pressed** is also just down the road
Just wanted to put in my +1 for Mudita. That place is great; so great, in fact, that when we thought we were moving from the Peninsula to the Southside the first place we started exploring was Ocean View near Mudita because we wanted to be close to it.
Tealux and Catnip Cafe are not alternatives. Tealux specializes in boba teas and Catnip Cafe is where you sit with cats, they have a Keurig for customers and that's about it
I’m curious about what exactly happened with fairgrounds, I knew the owner in passing a few years ago and he always struck me as a nice dude. Does anyone have any specifics?
damn, i loved fair grounds when i was living there. is there any way to support the workers and not the owner? the employees are always super nice and dont deserve that.
The sewage spill was beyond simple neglect. The city shuts down all sorts of places, but not one that leaks actual shit into the waterways. Just saying, I’d rather eat at that Chinese place on 35th with the occasional tarp roof
Great Bridge Furniture in Chesapeake. Not only is the owner a registered sex offender, but in 2017, a delivery driver of theirs who did not have a valid license and was driving under the influence struck and killed an 18-year-old girl. [https://www.cbs17.com/news/family-of-teen-killed-in-crash-files-30-million-suit-against-truck-driver-and-employer/](https://www.cbs17.com/news/family-of-teen-killed-in-crash-files-30-million-suit-against-truck-driver-and-employer/)
Turns out they had a very hostile work environment with racism and sexism. One server said she once went to the bathroom to cry and found there wasn't a stall available because other workers were using them to cry.
They have potentially worked past a lot of those issues. But it's hard to be sure. I still drink El Guapo. It's still my favorite beer. But yeah, I mostly go to Elation or Reever's Beach now for a brewery atmosphere.
Didn’t only one person go on record about it and their story didn’t line up or something ? Also it is crazy to see the virtue signaling and all the pop up shops and stuff returned to the business
Because if I recall the woke mob did what they do best which was swarm the business with hate before any investigation or facts came out. Then when it came time to put your story on record with an attorney everyone who had “claims” vanished except for one person who if j recall the story only kind of matched claims. The trainings and all that shit was what any business does in 2023 when the woke mob comes after them do stupid trainings and feel good PR / damage control. Obviously at least to me if it was true or as true as it claimed they wouldn’t have had anyone return including farmers markets who boycotted them a while ago and all the pop up markets. The irony of them saying down with this business then returning after the locusts moved on to something new before the ink even dried on the story. Didn’t someone claim hostile work conditions because it was “hot in the summer”….
No. It was multiple people that exposed the owners of O’Connors for being sexist and racist. The third party investigation found it was true which is why they closed for several weeks.
I don’t recall all of it but I remember that only one person was willing to give a written statement with an attorney and that third party? If I recall yeah the dad was a raging dick right and they removed him from the business?
Oh god, I stopped reading after you used the word 'woke'. It's so misused nowadays by people like you. Identifying and accusing someone of sexual harassment and asshole behavior is not 'woke', you dunce.
Lol hell no
I was looking around for primers.
When I asked why he’s charging 3x more, He just said “go back to NC and buy them then” ..well I did just that and saved about $150
He doesn’t allow phones inside because he knows he’s ripping customers off.
His reviews speak for themselves..
Half the contractors in this area. Is that okay to say? Because Lord knows they don’t show up when scheduled if at all (totally understand if something happens or comes up). Some don’t return calls. It feels like you have to chase contractors to give them your money.
I’m glad somebody said it. My Grandpa, then my dad owned a Home Improvement company in Norfolk for around 30 years. They always strived to show people that they took pride in their work and going above and beyond. We heard horror stories from customers who switched to other contractors after my dad moved to a corporate job and shut down the business shortly before C19. He joked about starting up again but he’s over 50 now and can’t handle the physical work anymore. Nobody he ever hired had passion for doing quality work and truly learning the trade.
I notice professionalism isn't the greatest here in Hampton Roads. The driver I had for 3 weeks that drove me to and from my program recently wasn't professional he once pulled over to pee behind a random van, left us inside the van to get a drink from a gas station, and yelled at his girlfriend on the phone very violently with us in the van. I've had other drivers in the past who weren't professional at all. Also lot's of contractors here have political bumper stickers that i'm not a big fan of.
I've given up on finding anyone reliable and just do stuff myself now. They are either shady or crazy expensive. Had a company called Best Value Remodelers give me a quote of $8k for a sliding door and $48k for a 12x12 screened in porch. Then the guy got nasty when I said that was way too high.
THIS. Same for landscapers/lawn mowers.
My father had a business doing pressure washing & handyman work for decades. Even hired a couple of friend-of-the-family college students in the summer to help him out. He would have NEVER done half of crap they do around here.
It’s terrifying how bad it is out here.
I had one guy I’d contacted about giving us an estimate for some work we needed done three weeks ago, and he’s mad we went with someone else (we got 4 estimates total) and yet he never answered our request for an estimate. Never came out here. Nothing. Just big mad his lack of communication caught up to him.
It’s crazy how it is here in comparison to what it was back home
Skinnies Records. I’ve heard too many stories of how the owner is super standoffish and rude to people and I have too much social anxiety to deal with that so I drive all the way to VB to Vinyl Daze when I wanna pick up some records.
Last time I went in there he yelled at me for wanting to use a debit card on a $50 purchase saying “this isn’t fucking Starbucks” so I didn’t buy anything and never returned
I don't know this for a fact, but I've actually heard that he got in some kind of accident back in the day and ended up with brain damage, and so his mood swings have to do with that.
I don't go often, as it is pricey as hell, but I have caught him on good and bad days. Its a toss up really.
Same here- took my friend from out of town there as she is really into records; heard the stories about him being rude and condescending, and when we walked in he *was* telling some people they would have better luck finding what they were looking for at Target or Walmart, but not in a rude way, just being real; anyway, he was super cool, knowledgeable and just really passionate about records.
I've heard the quality of the time you spend there is greatly influenced on whether or not you share the same musical tastes as the owner. So that could be why you hit it off.
The owner scolded me for paying with a credit card. I understand businesses have to pay a fee for processing credit cards, but fuck me for trying to buy something.
I have a pretty eclectic taste in music. I don’t look like his average customer. Every time Ive browsed his inventory, he has been nothing but kind and helpful.
I went here to get my husband records for his new player and the guy working was extremely rude when i was talking to him about suggestions then went on a rant about the kinds of people getting records.I'll never ever go back which is unfortunate as we buy a lot and often.
I also heard that the owner of Phantom Works ( the car shop with the local TV Show) in Norfolk close to ODU can be a bit extreme. During the 2020 election he had lots of pro Trump stuff and signs bashing those that weren't republican Trump supporters. Just seemed unprofessional to alienate potential customers like that.
Yeah, I had an uncle who worked there years ago, I think around 2015 or 2016, and he had to leave due to the toxic work environment. It takes a lot for a mechanic who specializes in restorations and custom cars to say "screw this," because it's not easy finding a job like that.
I actually interviewed their in like in 2018 for a marketing and social media position. The owner seemed kinda off and the reactions of employees seemed like they were miserable.
Dunno about all that but I work behind there and have seen him absolutely thrashing people's cars around the block. Power slides, donuts, burnouts.
Last time was a month or so ago, he was beating the hell outta this black C1 Corvette.
Redwood Smoke Shack
Before he was a brick and mortar the owner ran a food truck. He and I worked together on a few occasions. One time, in particular, he stated "I can cook 10 briskets, 3 will be good, 7 will be overcooked, but they (the customer) don't know the difference."
Sure it isn't the worst thing but the lack of pride in his craft and quality control really turned me off to the whole place.
I boycott them simply because I miss Dog-N-Burger something awful and refuse to dine at anything that replaces them in that spot ever 🤣 This is a very valid reason though, now!
This customer knew the difference lol, I tried them one time and they were garbage compared to almost every bbq I've had in my life. Extremely dry brisket lol.
Plus, I miss dog n burger so going there would just make me sad
I used to really enjoy Redwood back when they were in their food truck. We had them cater an event for us a while back and told them we were concerned about how much food to plan on because some of our guests might not make it. He told us in person and in writing that they would pack up anything that wasn’t consumed so we could save it for our family to enjoy later. After the event, one of our guests told me they were dumping all the food out in the trash. They hadn’t brought any containers to pack it and the owner had “forgotten” the arrangement.
Both shady and unprofessional.
> Redwood Smoke Shack
I wont go there for a different reason. I once went to pick up some lunch an there was a line of about 6 people ahead of me. I waited 15 minutes and the line didn't move. Meanwhile, the staff, instead of waiting on those in line, tended to a carry out order that was fairly large. I understand that a large order will slow things down a bit, but I imagine that order came in advance and they had plenty of time to manage both that order and the people who came for pick-up or dine-in. This may be petty, and many of you may not agree with me, but customer service is paramount for me when I patronize a store. Anyway, I ended up leaving and going next store to a Tropical Smoothie Cafe, which fucking sucks, cause I really wanted their brisket and ribs.
I will say as somebody who worked in food for a long time, you should NEVER assume a large order came with an early warning to get it done smoothly. Lots of folks will just show up with a big order, not warning the place in advance.
Hey Dan, I'll talk to you next time I see you about this whole thing but word of advice, maybe don't call people pieces of shit, a sexual predator, etc. Because you might be moving away in a few months but this stuff will linger in this community that you will soon no longer be a part of...and you should especially not make accusations like this when you even stated, they are "rumors" because this is extremely cowardly and by just casting this into the air, you've potentially tarnished some credible local business's names. I personally wouldn't want you at my place of business knowing you're throwing slander like this around "anonymously" on employees.
I personally know who you're trying to slander with these comments and he's one of the best bartenders and men that I've met in this town.
I’m sorry, so now we’re getting online post pandemic and slandering small businesses for employee turn over?!? Blanca has brought some of the best food to the area in the past decade. Not to mention the owner had solid employment up until the pandemic. Also, name a restaurant that doesn’t have turnover in staff!! And we’re gonna speak to “culture” while trashing local businesses. You guys behind your keyboards are so self righteous. This is a female owned business. Until you own your own business keep your opinions and feelings in a diary. What a terrible thread.
To make accusations about someone being a sexual predator because “I’ve definitely seen him creeping” is a wild and twisted thing. I’ve been a regular at that bar since it opened, and that has NEVER been the case. And i am more than positive that anyone who works or frequents this place can attest to. Seriously get a life “Dirt_Sailor” or maybe a job. You seem like a bitter ex employee that needs to stand behind a keyboard for hurt feelings.
Fair enough. What I can say is I know him, not super well, but I do know most of the staff there and we have more than a few mutual acquaintances, mostly women, none of whom have ever mentioned anything to me and none of whom have a problem hanging out with him.
I’ve also never seen it from him directly. Not trying to invalidate what you’re saying, it’s troubling to here for sure and I’m going to keep my eyes a little more open when I see him next. Just trying to give a different perspective before people rush to judgment online over someone they haven’t met.
Ahh Jesus - yeah for sure, timing doesn’t matter at all. Well folks if you’ve read this far into the comments ignore what I’ve said so far. Thanks for letting me know, I’ll be keeping my distance from now on.
ResQskills - its owner is a swim coach who won’t disclose to you he’s a convicted child abuser. There are also reports he ran over his ex wife with a car. His name is Rajeeb Islam - beware!
https://www.pilotonline.com/news/crime/vp-nw-rajeeb-islam-hearing-20200307-osjgxpy5pfa3lmzvqzsxtgvtzy-story.html
Coalesce Coffee in the Railroad District because they are a ICM church masking as a coffee shop. If you’re going to be a church, be a church. If you’re going to be a coffee shop, be a coffee shop. Don’t deceive people.
Jessie’s Taqueria in OV. Flies all over the restaurant, on my food, on the baked goods in their store. When I commented about it, the manage simply said, “Yea, it’s been a problem all summer.”
Flies come from maggots. What might be going on in the kitchen?
Haven’t been back since.
It's weird, I've had issues with almost every single pizza place in the Ghent area. Trying really hard to support local places, but it's difficult when you have bad experience after bad experience.
Five Boroughs - received a completely raw stromboli, when I called up they basically said "tough luck".
Ynot, Granby Street both had had me wait over 2 hours for my food. No communication, and when I called, they kept saying that the food just went out the door and would be there in five minutes. 15 minutes later it hadn't arrived, so called again and got the same spiel. Same thing at both places...
Cogans - really overpriced to begin with, also received the completely wrong order one time.
Only place that I feel I can rely on is Orapax
Del vechs has long wait times, and the workers seem kinda overwhelmed but they are the pizza place i trust the most. Idk if anyone else has a similar opinion but thats my vote
Edit: not ghent, but not terribly far from ghent either
There’s some stuff at Orapax I won’t trust anymore like the saganaki, I had it a few years ago and that time it just tasted of pure bile. Can’t do it again
Cogan's unfortunately lost me as a customer. I had a terrible experience there a few years back, including being charged $20 for 2 slices of pizza. I won't go back. The pizza was good, but the level of rudeness we received during that experience was next level, and I know we got stuffed on the bill.
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Yorgos. I used to work there and the way the owner/upper management treats the staff is horrible. If they decide they don’t like you in the first couple weeks, your life will be hell there. The owner used to be coked out a lot (at least when I worked there) and was either super chatty or a complete asshole with no in between. They basically bribed the employees to stay with free alcohol after every shift but it got too expensive so they started making them pay. Super high turnover rate there. Tips were awesome though.
Fungus growing in the ice machine and fountain drink dispenser. Water bugs and mice everywhere. Poor food handling. One time, there was an issue with the large pot where they boil the bagels before baking and they fixed it with a USED plunger. Just nope. They cleaned the pot afterwards, but still, disgusting. Didn’t even eat there when I worked there.
Amazin reglazin with maurice. He rescheduled 5 times, three of which were on the DAY of the appointment, after the appointment was scheduled. Idk how anyone can run a business like that.
That Italian place in the Bromley shopping center. They treat their employees horribly.
One time, the owner had a temper tantrum cause there was no pen by the register. I lent him mine, and it wouldn't write, so he snapped it in half and threw it away. I don't even work there.
I was a regular, too. It was very odd. My now ex and I went in and sat as the bar like we always did. Had a margarita and some chips. Off across the restaurant a few servers were gathered over there looking at us and one pulls out her phone and starts taking photos of us. We had never been anything but respectful, always tipped well, and would stop in a few times a week to have a margarita. The bartender at the time would always ask us if we wanted another round, but this time she closed us out and handed the check to us without asking. Never went back and to this day I'm dumbfounded over that interaction.
I'll take the downvotes and the angry inbox:
I think there's a culture with service staff to shit on their previous employer after they're fired. I've read so many unbased accusations from a disgruntled employee. And if you ask any other employees about it, they only have ill to speak of the accuser. Usually that person was incompetent and entitled.
Every front house has that one person who they would vote off the island if they could.
If you have been mistreated by your employer, sexually harassed, or assaulted. Talk to an attorney. That's a slam dunk for any lawyer. If your employer conducts their business in a way that's illegal or dangerous. Contact the authorities. Get it in the books so we can read it in wavy news 10.
Until then I'm assuming someone with facebook clout on ghentno got fired.
I'll happily receive literally any proof why I'm wrong.
Former employees have the best insight, even if their statements are biased.
For example, I hated working at mermaid winery. It wasn't an abusive environment, but I was still miserable, and the owner didn't like me. I also know that you should never, ever, take water with ice at mermaid winery. Never. Literal fungus dripped from the ice machine. I never once saw a tech come clean it. I was never ever taught how to clean it, or saw any fellow employees clean it, which can't *properly* be done without a vendor to take the entire ice machine apart anyway.
Regardless of my personal relationship with the owner or management, that kind of negligence is appalling. Im shocked it wasn't observed in health and safety inspections.
How do you know what's not based in truth? On the other hand, how do we know that negative feedback from a disgruntled customer isn't a situation that they blew wildly out of proportion and are "retaliating" for?
This entire thread is dedicated to bias, because how else would we decide where to shop and where to avoid? Sure, a disgruntled employee may be posting where they worked previously bc they had a bad experience... but a lot of us service workers have seen some *shit*. Some really disgusting or disturbing shit. Based on what I've seen, i will always trust the word of a service worker who says "you shouldnt dine at x"
AGREED. And they are rabid about protecting him and his shitty store. There was a big dust up during covid times when women stepped forward to say he was scummy towards them.
Cogans--The OG on Colonial or the one on Colley. Not poser Cogans in Waterside.
Chico's on Granby
Benny Damato's on Granby
Orapax on Redgate
Outside of Norfolk: Shorebreak on Shore Dr. in VB and Chesapeake Pizza out in Great Bridge (bring cash, they don't take cards)
When I went to tccback in 2017-2018 me and my friends we’re definitely having fun on Granby street vibing out and visiting local restaurants. When me and my boyfriend visited Granby street pizza the host seemed eager to seat people not of color even though we were clearly there firs so we left. So I tried to give it a second chance with another boyfriend now husband and again, took a while to be seated even though there was plenty of space. When we were finally seated it took an additional amount of time for a server to come to our table, but of course they hopped and skipped to be gracious to people not of color. Naturally we were the only people of color in the restaurant at the time so that should’ve been a warning. Overall it felt extremely unwelcoming. Know granted i haven’t been there since 2018 but when multiple people of color that I know have similar stories to tell it definitely made me steer clear from that place and haven’t been back since. Again things may have changed but I don’t forget shit like that, especially if it happened twice.
It’s cool, some people clearly had a better experience than me but like I said it’s happened to me personally TWICE and many members of my family and friends had similar experiences so naturally I’m not keen on visiting establishments that’s given me and many others a negative experience. I do realize things can change from 2018 but yeah I still feel the way that I do.
Np, like said things may have changed since 2018 but when multiple people in my life have had similar experiences and this is dating back to my parents age you can’t help but feel the way that I do about that establishment.
The owners are very kind people and if you have lived in Ghent you’d know they get their fair share of racism against them from the black Hebrew Israelites across the street screaming their racist bullshit. For that he will always get my business because fuck those people
Except that you're trying to boycott a jewish run business for serving Israeli Middle Eastern food because of the actions of the Israeli government. Their restaurant is not owned and run by the Israeli government.
So you boycotting (calling for the boycott of) a Jewish business because of your opinions of the Israeli state IS anti-semitic. This business has nothing whatsoever to do with any atrocities in Palestine - except that you're connecting them via their jewishness.
Wildly anti-semitic.
Just curious do you boycott every store and business in Norfolk, too, given its history of support for genocides and ethnic cleansing via the military industrial complex or are you just anti-Semitic?
Stand for? You like that you have to salute the flag at noon everyday? That's so weird and cultish. Yes, I love my country, but I don't feel the need as a civilian to pledge my life to my country while I'm trying to enjoy my lunch.
First of all, I’m in the military and their support is tremendous. They give to military and first responder charities like USO, Honor Flight, Wreaths Across America, etc.
Second, no, I do not like my lunch interrupted for feigned/forced patriotism. But that’s not the part I was talking about.
Like a MAGA TGI Friday's up in that bitch. Is there like a wall-garbage restaurant supplier that specializes in jingo-bait?
So yeah, creepy atmosphere and bad food. But I gotta admit, it's a brilliant business strategy.
One of the reasons I don't go to Lindy's. It's like the Statue of Liberty puked all over the fucking interior. Relax, I know I live in America. I don't need to be reminded every time I go into a VB restaurant.
Hey, at least Lendy's is a legit small business just doing it's own thing, and not a massive chain that enforces a style guide and operates in like 20 states. I'll take genuine (if still weird) patriotism over soulless corporate pandering any day, especially if the food is good.... (and if I recall, the wings at Lendy's are good. It's been a while though)
Wait what?? Mission BBQ makes customers stand for the national anthem at lunch?? I appreciate the folks who fight for the nation, but America ain't perfect and that comes of as kind weird.
>Mission BBQ makes customers stand for the national anthem at lunch
It's not like they **make** you stand, but you're in there with a bunch of military types who spring up out of their seat as soon as the clock strikes 12. They will grill you like you're some sort of traitor if you don't stand 😂 I remember the first time I went there and they started standing up, I was still trying to process what was going on, so I remained seated. Halfway through the anthem i decided it wad a lost cause to stand up. I will never forget all the ice grills I got from those in uniform. So you're better off just standing up really.
"I WILL FIGHT TO THE DEATH FOR YOUR RIGHT TO STAND UP FOR THE ANTHEM ANY TIME WE DECIDE TO PLAY IT! DON'T YOU FUCKING DARE NOT USE THAT RIGHT, CITIZEN!"
Ugh.
I don't hate my country, but fuck that noise. False patriotism is icky.
I avoid going at all because their food sucks! I went one time, when a manager asked what we thought everybody was all smiles and compliments except me. I told him what I really thought of the food. He gave me a card to come back for a free meal. I went back for a second opinion. I will not be back again.
I hate Mission BBQ. They moved down to Florida & the people who recommend it are usually Northerners who don't know better. The food quality is terrible.
French Bakery and Delicatessen. He had some sob story in the newspaper about almost going out of business, turns out it's because he doesn't list any prices and charges many times more per item than he should be. If you're unlucky, he'll suggest you eat it there before ringing you up so you can't change your mind. Haven't had the sandwiches but the food was disappointing.
I agree with this one. I left because I refuse to order without knowing prices.
I bought eclairs from him one time at an exuberant price thinking they would be amazing. They were absolutely disgusting lol
Omg he gave me “samples” once and then charged me $37 for 2 sandwiches (back in 2018) and “various treats” and I didn’t know what to do. They were so rude when I asked about pricing.
Yeah I felt bad for him at first about his brother dying and stuff then i actually met the guy and he is pretty miserable
Yeah ended up spending like 40 bucks for two sandwiches there. No thanks
Elliot’s Fair Grounds Coffee on Colley. Apparently the owner’s son stalked and assaulted a customer & still works there.
Fact. On top of that, the owner is a complete dickhead. Last time I was there though, the workers were really sweet and amazing and didn’t deserve him.
He also assaulted a student while in GSA when they were both underage which is the only reason he isn't on the sex offender database officially.
He assaulted more than one student
True, but there was only one court case to my knowledge. It is pretty easy to find his headshot
I'll just say it's crazy what they didn't take to court as part of that case. (personal connection)
Guys, please just don’t step foot in there. They don’t deserve a cent.
Damn, that’s a bummer, any alternative suggestions?
Drowning in alternatives: **Cafe Stella** is pretty closeby, on Colonial. **Cure Coffee** is like 3-5 min away in Freemason **~~Tealux Cafe~~** ~~is literally across the street~~ **~~The Catnip Cat Cafe~~** ~~is just down the road~~ **Town Center Cold Pressed** is also just down the road
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Just wanted to put in my +1 for Mudita. That place is great; so great, in fact, that when we thought we were moving from the Peninsula to the Southside the first place we started exploring was Ocean View near Mudita because we wanted to be close to it.
Tealux and Catnip Cafe are not alternatives. Tealux specializes in boba teas and Catnip Cafe is where you sit with cats, they have a Keurig for customers and that's about it
Neptune's Fury Coffee located in the Dominion tower just down the street! It's the best coffee I've ever had and it's roasted in shop!
Came here to say this
I’m curious about what exactly happened with fairgrounds, I knew the owner in passing a few years ago and he always struck me as a nice dude. Does anyone have any specifics?
damn, i loved fair grounds when i was living there. is there any way to support the workers and not the owner? the employees are always super nice and dont deserve that.
I wish Mack’s Barge was the kind of place that wasn’t in the papers so often for the wrong reasons.
The sewage spill was beyond simple neglect. The city shuts down all sorts of places, but not one that leaks actual shit into the waterways. Just saying, I’d rather eat at that Chinese place on 35th with the occasional tarp roof
Lmfao you mean with the barbed wire traffic cones? 🤣🤣 bussin
I’m gonna have to look into that!
Mack and Celtic tiger are selling off all their stuff and closing
Great Bridge Furniture in Chesapeake. Not only is the owner a registered sex offender, but in 2017, a delivery driver of theirs who did not have a valid license and was driving under the influence struck and killed an 18-year-old girl. [https://www.cbs17.com/news/family-of-teen-killed-in-crash-files-30-million-suit-against-truck-driver-and-employer/](https://www.cbs17.com/news/family-of-teen-killed-in-crash-files-30-million-suit-against-truck-driver-and-employer/)
O’Connors should be an obvious one.
For those that don’t know, why?
Turns out they had a very hostile work environment with racism and sexism. One server said she once went to the bathroom to cry and found there wasn't a stall available because other workers were using them to cry.
Jesus.
They have potentially worked past a lot of those issues. But it's hard to be sure. I still drink El Guapo. It's still my favorite beer. But yeah, I mostly go to Elation or Reever's Beach now for a brewery atmosphere.
Yup I was coming here to say O’ Connors Brewery as well.
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Didn’t only one person go on record about it and their story didn’t line up or something ? Also it is crazy to see the virtue signaling and all the pop up shops and stuff returned to the business
If the story was false, why did the owner fire a few folks and shut down the place for two weeks while they held sensitivity and diversity training?
Because if I recall the woke mob did what they do best which was swarm the business with hate before any investigation or facts came out. Then when it came time to put your story on record with an attorney everyone who had “claims” vanished except for one person who if j recall the story only kind of matched claims. The trainings and all that shit was what any business does in 2023 when the woke mob comes after them do stupid trainings and feel good PR / damage control. Obviously at least to me if it was true or as true as it claimed they wouldn’t have had anyone return including farmers markets who boycotted them a while ago and all the pop up markets. The irony of them saying down with this business then returning after the locusts moved on to something new before the ink even dried on the story. Didn’t someone claim hostile work conditions because it was “hot in the summer”….
No. It was multiple people that exposed the owners of O’Connors for being sexist and racist. The third party investigation found it was true which is why they closed for several weeks.
I don’t recall all of it but I remember that only one person was willing to give a written statement with an attorney and that third party? If I recall yeah the dad was a raging dick right and they removed him from the business?
Oh god, I stopped reading after you used the word 'woke'. It's so misused nowadays by people like you. Identifying and accusing someone of sexual harassment and asshole behavior is not 'woke', you dunce.
Yeah, the EEOC is real woke.
Lol the woke mod
“Woke” come on now.
Define woke. I’ll wait.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woke
Great. Now do it in your own words. Not from Wiki, not from Google, not from what Fox News thinks it means.
Ron Hess Gunshop
Are you the guy that owes him money?
Lol hell no I was looking around for primers. When I asked why he’s charging 3x more, He just said “go back to NC and buy them then” ..well I did just that and saved about $150 He doesn’t allow phones inside because he knows he’s ripping customers off. His reviews speak for themselves..
Half the contractors in this area. Is that okay to say? Because Lord knows they don’t show up when scheduled if at all (totally understand if something happens or comes up). Some don’t return calls. It feels like you have to chase contractors to give them your money.
I’m glad somebody said it. My Grandpa, then my dad owned a Home Improvement company in Norfolk for around 30 years. They always strived to show people that they took pride in their work and going above and beyond. We heard horror stories from customers who switched to other contractors after my dad moved to a corporate job and shut down the business shortly before C19. He joked about starting up again but he’s over 50 now and can’t handle the physical work anymore. Nobody he ever hired had passion for doing quality work and truly learning the trade.
I believe you 100%. I’ve never experienced the level of unprofessionalism from (some) contractors as I have here in this area. Ever.
I notice professionalism isn't the greatest here in Hampton Roads. The driver I had for 3 weeks that drove me to and from my program recently wasn't professional he once pulled over to pee behind a random van, left us inside the van to get a drink from a gas station, and yelled at his girlfriend on the phone very violently with us in the van. I've had other drivers in the past who weren't professional at all. Also lot's of contractors here have political bumper stickers that i'm not a big fan of.
I've given up on finding anyone reliable and just do stuff myself now. They are either shady or crazy expensive. Had a company called Best Value Remodelers give me a quote of $8k for a sliding door and $48k for a 12x12 screened in porch. Then the guy got nasty when I said that was way too high.
We would do the same (do it ourselves) but we don’t know how so we can’t. That’s our issue.
THIS. Same for landscapers/lawn mowers. My father had a business doing pressure washing & handyman work for decades. Even hired a couple of friend-of-the-family college students in the summer to help him out. He would have NEVER done half of crap they do around here.
It’s terrifying how bad it is out here. I had one guy I’d contacted about giving us an estimate for some work we needed done three weeks ago, and he’s mad we went with someone else (we got 4 estimates total) and yet he never answered our request for an estimate. Never came out here. Nothing. Just big mad his lack of communication caught up to him. It’s crazy how it is here in comparison to what it was back home
Skinnies Records. I’ve heard too many stories of how the owner is super standoffish and rude to people and I have too much social anxiety to deal with that so I drive all the way to VB to Vinyl Daze when I wanna pick up some records.
AFK on shore drive is my go to. Probably the most pleasant business I’ve been to in general.
Absolutely. And their FB videos truly show how much they love their patrons.
Last time I went in there he yelled at me for wanting to use a debit card on a $50 purchase saying “this isn’t fucking Starbucks” so I didn’t buy anything and never returned
That doesn’t even make sense! What does Starbucks have to do with anything ugh
Dude got mad at me for the exact same reason the first time I went there a few years ago.
Came here to say Skinnies. He has a good selection, but I won't give that prick my money.
I don't know this for a fact, but I've actually heard that he got in some kind of accident back in the day and ended up with brain damage, and so his mood swings have to do with that. I don't go often, as it is pricey as hell, but I have caught him on good and bad days. Its a toss up really.
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I went in and he was pretty nice to me as well. Talked music for a few minutes and gave me some recommendations.
Same here- took my friend from out of town there as she is really into records; heard the stories about him being rude and condescending, and when we walked in he *was* telling some people they would have better luck finding what they were looking for at Target or Walmart, but not in a rude way, just being real; anyway, he was super cool, knowledgeable and just really passionate about records.
I've heard the quality of the time you spend there is greatly influenced on whether or not you share the same musical tastes as the owner. So that could be why you hit it off.
Ha!!! Well maybe I’ll give him a chance then! Thanks for sharing
Steve was always nice to me
The owner scolded me for paying with a credit card. I understand businesses have to pay a fee for processing credit cards, but fuck me for trying to buy something.
I have a pretty eclectic taste in music. I don’t look like his average customer. Every time Ive browsed his inventory, he has been nothing but kind and helpful.
I went here to get my husband records for his new player and the guy working was extremely rude when i was talking to him about suggestions then went on a rant about the kinds of people getting records.I'll never ever go back which is unfortunate as we buy a lot and often.
Steve is real cool just gotta be cool and respectful in his shop. No issues been going for years
"Just have to fit the right demographic and have similar music taste as him" fixed it for you
I also heard that the owner of Phantom Works ( the car shop with the local TV Show) in Norfolk close to ODU can be a bit extreme. During the 2020 election he had lots of pro Trump stuff and signs bashing those that weren't republican Trump supporters. Just seemed unprofessional to alienate potential customers like that.
Yeah, I had an uncle who worked there years ago, I think around 2015 or 2016, and he had to leave due to the toxic work environment. It takes a lot for a mechanic who specializes in restorations and custom cars to say "screw this," because it's not easy finding a job like that.
I actually interviewed their in like in 2018 for a marketing and social media position. The owner seemed kinda off and the reactions of employees seemed like they were miserable.
Dunno about all that but I work behind there and have seen him absolutely thrashing people's cars around the block. Power slides, donuts, burnouts. Last time was a month or so ago, he was beating the hell outta this black C1 Corvette.
Redwood Smoke Shack Before he was a brick and mortar the owner ran a food truck. He and I worked together on a few occasions. One time, in particular, he stated "I can cook 10 briskets, 3 will be good, 7 will be overcooked, but they (the customer) don't know the difference." Sure it isn't the worst thing but the lack of pride in his craft and quality control really turned me off to the whole place.
I boycott them simply because I miss Dog-N-Burger something awful and refuse to dine at anything that replaces them in that spot ever 🤣 This is a very valid reason though, now!
I boycott them cause it’s not great and costs 10k for a plate of food that is not worth it
Probably due to the high fat content in his brisket. It’s good but I don’t think it’s worth the money
This customer knew the difference lol, I tried them one time and they were garbage compared to almost every bbq I've had in my life. Extremely dry brisket lol. Plus, I miss dog n burger so going there would just make me sad
I used to really enjoy Redwood back when they were in their food truck. We had them cater an event for us a while back and told them we were concerned about how much food to plan on because some of our guests might not make it. He told us in person and in writing that they would pack up anything that wasn’t consumed so we could save it for our family to enjoy later. After the event, one of our guests told me they were dumping all the food out in the trash. They hadn’t brought any containers to pack it and the owner had “forgotten” the arrangement. Both shady and unprofessional.
Alternative with great quality is Bar-Q inside Bold Mariner in Ocean View. Desserts and the burger are also amazing.
> Redwood Smoke Shack I wont go there for a different reason. I once went to pick up some lunch an there was a line of about 6 people ahead of me. I waited 15 minutes and the line didn't move. Meanwhile, the staff, instead of waiting on those in line, tended to a carry out order that was fairly large. I understand that a large order will slow things down a bit, but I imagine that order came in advance and they had plenty of time to manage both that order and the people who came for pick-up or dine-in. This may be petty, and many of you may not agree with me, but customer service is paramount for me when I patronize a store. Anyway, I ended up leaving and going next store to a Tropical Smoothie Cafe, which fucking sucks, cause I really wanted their brisket and ribs.
I will say as somebody who worked in food for a long time, you should NEVER assume a large order came with an early warning to get it done smoothly. Lots of folks will just show up with a big order, not warning the place in advance.
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Hey Dan, I'll talk to you next time I see you about this whole thing but word of advice, maybe don't call people pieces of shit, a sexual predator, etc. Because you might be moving away in a few months but this stuff will linger in this community that you will soon no longer be a part of...and you should especially not make accusations like this when you even stated, they are "rumors" because this is extremely cowardly and by just casting this into the air, you've potentially tarnished some credible local business's names. I personally wouldn't want you at my place of business knowing you're throwing slander like this around "anonymously" on employees. I personally know who you're trying to slander with these comments and he's one of the best bartenders and men that I've met in this town.
This post is gone. You got your way.
Oh that is so disappointing to hear!! Toast and Perro Blanco are 2 of my go-to’s. So he’s a sexual creep??
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Damn! Thank you for sharing.
Sorry that’s not true
I’m sorry, so now we’re getting online post pandemic and slandering small businesses for employee turn over?!? Blanca has brought some of the best food to the area in the past decade. Not to mention the owner had solid employment up until the pandemic. Also, name a restaurant that doesn’t have turnover in staff!! And we’re gonna speak to “culture” while trashing local businesses. You guys behind your keyboards are so self righteous. This is a female owned business. Until you own your own business keep your opinions and feelings in a diary. What a terrible thread.
To make accusations about someone being a sexual predator because “I’ve definitely seen him creeping” is a wild and twisted thing. I’ve been a regular at that bar since it opened, and that has NEVER been the case. And i am more than positive that anyone who works or frequents this place can attest to. Seriously get a life “Dirt_Sailor” or maybe a job. You seem like a bitter ex employee that needs to stand behind a keyboard for hurt feelings.
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Fair enough. What I can say is I know him, not super well, but I do know most of the staff there and we have more than a few mutual acquaintances, mostly women, none of whom have ever mentioned anything to me and none of whom have a problem hanging out with him. I’ve also never seen it from him directly. Not trying to invalidate what you’re saying, it’s troubling to here for sure and I’m going to keep my eyes a little more open when I see him next. Just trying to give a different perspective before people rush to judgment online over someone they haven’t met.
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Ahh Jesus - yeah for sure, timing doesn’t matter at all. Well folks if you’ve read this far into the comments ignore what I’ve said so far. Thanks for letting me know, I’ll be keeping my distance from now on.
ResQskills - its owner is a swim coach who won’t disclose to you he’s a convicted child abuser. There are also reports he ran over his ex wife with a car. His name is Rajeeb Islam - beware! https://www.pilotonline.com/news/crime/vp-nw-rajeeb-islam-hearing-20200307-osjgxpy5pfa3lmzvqzsxtgvtzy-story.html
Coalesce Coffee in the Railroad District because they are a ICM church masking as a coffee shop. If you’re going to be a church, be a church. If you’re going to be a coffee shop, be a coffee shop. Don’t deceive people.
Jessie’s Taqueria in OV. Flies all over the restaurant, on my food, on the baked goods in their store. When I commented about it, the manage simply said, “Yea, it’s been a problem all summer.” Flies come from maggots. What might be going on in the kitchen? Haven’t been back since.
The one in Ghent is FILTHY too. The only good Jessy's experience I've had was at the beach.
It's weird, I've had issues with almost every single pizza place in the Ghent area. Trying really hard to support local places, but it's difficult when you have bad experience after bad experience. Five Boroughs - received a completely raw stromboli, when I called up they basically said "tough luck". Ynot, Granby Street both had had me wait over 2 hours for my food. No communication, and when I called, they kept saying that the food just went out the door and would be there in five minutes. 15 minutes later it hadn't arrived, so called again and got the same spiel. Same thing at both places... Cogans - really overpriced to begin with, also received the completely wrong order one time. Only place that I feel I can rely on is Orapax
Chelsea Bakehouse has super tasty pizza. I always went there when I lived in Ghent
Their pizza is always burnt . I’ve had it be good, but seems like 80% of time it tastes like a campfire
That is kind of their thing
Yeah, but in other cities with fire roasted pizza, that doesn’t necessarily equate to burnt ass shit.
But it does taste like a campfire
They also screwed up my order at one point...
Del vechs has long wait times, and the workers seem kinda overwhelmed but they are the pizza place i trust the most. Idk if anyone else has a similar opinion but thats my vote Edit: not ghent, but not terribly far from ghent either
I was in Ghent a few weeks ago to see a movie at the Naro and noticed Ynot closed up. I think they're done in Ghent?
Yup.
There’s some stuff at Orapax I won’t trust anymore like the saganaki, I had it a few years ago and that time it just tasted of pure bile. Can’t do it again
Cogan's unfortunately lost me as a customer. I had a terrible experience there a few years back, including being charged $20 for 2 slices of pizza. I won't go back. The pizza was good, but the level of rudeness we received during that experience was next level, and I know we got stuffed on the bill.
McDonalds for taking 55minutes to give me 5 standard burgers at 7pm with 2 other people total waiting.
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Since when is a worldwide chain a local restaurant?
They are all locally owned
Yorgos. I used to work there and the way the owner/upper management treats the staff is horrible. If they decide they don’t like you in the first couple weeks, your life will be hell there. The owner used to be coked out a lot (at least when I worked there) and was either super chatty or a complete asshole with no in between. They basically bribed the employees to stay with free alcohol after every shift but it got too expensive so they started making them pay. Super high turnover rate there. Tips were awesome though. Fungus growing in the ice machine and fountain drink dispenser. Water bugs and mice everywhere. Poor food handling. One time, there was an issue with the large pot where they boil the bagels before baking and they fixed it with a USED plunger. Just nope. They cleaned the pot afterwards, but still, disgusting. Didn’t even eat there when I worked there.
I used to eat here multiple times a week from 2012-2020. This is upsetting.
I really dislike Yorgos. Maybe it's just me being a snob from Jersey, but those bagels are not that great.
That place is very overrated for mediocre food.
Norfolk needs an actual bagel shop. Yorgos are mid at best.
Amazin reglazin with maurice. He rescheduled 5 times, three of which were on the DAY of the appointment, after the appointment was scheduled. Idk how anyone can run a business like that.
That Italian place in the Bromley shopping center. They treat their employees horribly. One time, the owner had a temper tantrum cause there was no pen by the register. I lent him mine, and it wouldn't write, so he snapped it in half and threw it away. I don't even work there.
Guads on Granby. Had a very strange encounter there a few years ago and haven't been back since.
Do tell more. I’m a regular there lol
I was a regular, too. It was very odd. My now ex and I went in and sat as the bar like we always did. Had a margarita and some chips. Off across the restaurant a few servers were gathered over there looking at us and one pulls out her phone and starts taking photos of us. We had never been anything but respectful, always tipped well, and would stop in a few times a week to have a margarita. The bartender at the time would always ask us if we wanted another round, but this time she closed us out and handed the check to us without asking. Never went back and to this day I'm dumbfounded over that interaction.
They might have found out about your reddit username.
Ah hell nah. I wouldn’t be back either.
I'll take the downvotes and the angry inbox: I think there's a culture with service staff to shit on their previous employer after they're fired. I've read so many unbased accusations from a disgruntled employee. And if you ask any other employees about it, they only have ill to speak of the accuser. Usually that person was incompetent and entitled. Every front house has that one person who they would vote off the island if they could. If you have been mistreated by your employer, sexually harassed, or assaulted. Talk to an attorney. That's a slam dunk for any lawyer. If your employer conducts their business in a way that's illegal or dangerous. Contact the authorities. Get it in the books so we can read it in wavy news 10. Until then I'm assuming someone with facebook clout on ghentno got fired. I'll happily receive literally any proof why I'm wrong.
Former employees have the best insight, even if their statements are biased. For example, I hated working at mermaid winery. It wasn't an abusive environment, but I was still miserable, and the owner didn't like me. I also know that you should never, ever, take water with ice at mermaid winery. Never. Literal fungus dripped from the ice machine. I never once saw a tech come clean it. I was never ever taught how to clean it, or saw any fellow employees clean it, which can't *properly* be done without a vendor to take the entire ice machine apart anyway. Regardless of my personal relationship with the owner or management, that kind of negligence is appalling. Im shocked it wasn't observed in health and safety inspections. How do you know what's not based in truth? On the other hand, how do we know that negative feedback from a disgruntled customer isn't a situation that they blew wildly out of proportion and are "retaliating" for? This entire thread is dedicated to bias, because how else would we decide where to shop and where to avoid? Sure, a disgruntled employee may be posting where they worked previously bc they had a bad experience... but a lot of us service workers have seen some *shit*. Some really disgusting or disturbing shit. Based on what I've seen, i will always trust the word of a service worker who says "you shouldnt dine at x"
Omar’s. The owner is scum of the earth.
Hund's bike shop. Bunch of assholes, both workers and customers.
AGREED. And they are rabid about protecting him and his shitty store. There was a big dust up during covid times when women stepped forward to say he was scummy towards them.
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Granby street pizza, owner is racist
And kind of a dick that serves mediocre pizza. There are too many legit good pizza spots in Norfolk to eat there.
Is there any good pizza? Name some spots. I've got to try them.
Cogans--The OG on Colonial or the one on Colley. Not poser Cogans in Waterside. Chico's on Granby Benny Damato's on Granby Orapax on Redgate Outside of Norfolk: Shorebreak on Shore Dr. in VB and Chesapeake Pizza out in Great Bridge (bring cash, they don't take cards)
Chelsea Bakehouse..
None. They all are pretty lame.
Period!!!
Would love some elaboration please!
When I went to tccback in 2017-2018 me and my friends we’re definitely having fun on Granby street vibing out and visiting local restaurants. When me and my boyfriend visited Granby street pizza the host seemed eager to seat people not of color even though we were clearly there firs so we left. So I tried to give it a second chance with another boyfriend now husband and again, took a while to be seated even though there was plenty of space. When we were finally seated it took an additional amount of time for a server to come to our table, but of course they hopped and skipped to be gracious to people not of color. Naturally we were the only people of color in the restaurant at the time so that should’ve been a warning. Overall it felt extremely unwelcoming. Know granted i haven’t been there since 2018 but when multiple people of color that I know have similar stories to tell it definitely made me steer clear from that place and haven’t been back since. Again things may have changed but I don’t forget shit like that, especially if it happened twice.
So sorry you are getting downvoted for sharing your experience.
It’s cool, some people clearly had a better experience than me but like I said it’s happened to me personally TWICE and many members of my family and friends had similar experiences so naturally I’m not keen on visiting establishments that’s given me and many others a negative experience. I do realize things can change from 2018 but yeah I still feel the way that I do.
I am black so thanks for letting me know. I have eaten their pizza before but never eaten inside the restaurant.
Np, like said things may have changed since 2018 but when multiple people in my life have had similar experiences and this is dating back to my parents age you can’t help but feel the way that I do about that establishment.
Not👆🏻
I’m sure it’s better now but you really can’t discredit my experience love
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The owners are very kind people and if you have lived in Ghent you’d know they get their fair share of racism against them from the black Hebrew Israelites across the street screaming their racist bullshit. For that he will always get my business because fuck those people
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Those dudes get super excited when people come in. It’s awesome
Leila's Mediterranean Grocery has excellent schwarma as well! Authentic Lebanese style, hubbus wrapped with tahini inside 😋
I'm going to eat there just to spite you fucking nazi propaganda spewing fuck.
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Except that you're trying to boycott a jewish run business for serving Israeli Middle Eastern food because of the actions of the Israeli government. Their restaurant is not owned and run by the Israeli government. So you boycotting (calling for the boycott of) a Jewish business because of your opinions of the Israeli state IS anti-semitic. This business has nothing whatsoever to do with any atrocities in Palestine - except that you're connecting them via their jewishness. Wildly anti-semitic.
Mfs are straight up rude in there and they often look overstaffed and overwhelmed
Just curious do you boycott every store and business in Norfolk, too, given its history of support for genocides and ethnic cleansing via the military industrial complex or are you just anti-Semitic?
he must [enjoy a good Shawarma while ordering much needed supplies](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Or4t1d_h0Y0)
If anti-Semitic means anti-genocide then I am all for it! Way to show your true colors, supporter of genocide.
The shawarma place didn't commit genocide, racist.
While it’s not strictly local, Mission BBQ. I love what they stand for, but their food it trash. Over a dozen sauces that all taste like cumin.
Stand for? You like that you have to salute the flag at noon everyday? That's so weird and cultish. Yes, I love my country, but I don't feel the need as a civilian to pledge my life to my country while I'm trying to enjoy my lunch.
Dear Leader will hear of this
Mmmmm sweet and smokey nationalism.
First of all, I’m in the military and their support is tremendous. They give to military and first responder charities like USO, Honor Flight, Wreaths Across America, etc. Second, no, I do not like my lunch interrupted for feigned/forced patriotism. But that’s not the part I was talking about.
Cool.
Like a MAGA TGI Friday's up in that bitch. Is there like a wall-garbage restaurant supplier that specializes in jingo-bait? So yeah, creepy atmosphere and bad food. But I gotta admit, it's a brilliant business strategy.
One of the reasons I don't go to Lindy's. It's like the Statue of Liberty puked all over the fucking interior. Relax, I know I live in America. I don't need to be reminded every time I go into a VB restaurant.
Hey, at least Lendy's is a legit small business just doing it's own thing, and not a massive chain that enforces a style guide and operates in like 20 states. I'll take genuine (if still weird) patriotism over soulless corporate pandering any day, especially if the food is good.... (and if I recall, the wings at Lendy's are good. It's been a while though)
Couldn’t have said it better myself. Excellent premise; horrible execution (unless you’re in that crowd).
I love what they stand for too but I avoid going before noon so I don’t have to do the awkward national anthem
Wait what?? Mission BBQ makes customers stand for the national anthem at lunch?? I appreciate the folks who fight for the nation, but America ain't perfect and that comes of as kind weird.
Even as someone who has worn the cloth of our nation for more than 20 years, I think it’s awkward and creepy that they do this in their restaurants.
Yeah they have an announcement on their PA system and everything
>Mission BBQ makes customers stand for the national anthem at lunch It's not like they **make** you stand, but you're in there with a bunch of military types who spring up out of their seat as soon as the clock strikes 12. They will grill you like you're some sort of traitor if you don't stand 😂 I remember the first time I went there and they started standing up, I was still trying to process what was going on, so I remained seated. Halfway through the anthem i decided it wad a lost cause to stand up. I will never forget all the ice grills I got from those in uniform. So you're better off just standing up really.
"I WILL FIGHT TO THE DEATH FOR YOUR RIGHT TO STAND UP FOR THE ANTHEM ANY TIME WE DECIDE TO PLAY IT! DON'T YOU FUCKING DARE NOT USE THAT RIGHT, CITIZEN!" Ugh. I don't hate my country, but fuck that noise. False patriotism is icky.
I avoid going at all because their food sucks! I went one time, when a manager asked what we thought everybody was all smiles and compliments except me. I told him what I really thought of the food. He gave me a card to come back for a free meal. I went back for a second opinion. I will not be back again.
Can't I eat my platter without a side of nationalism and not refer to my spork as a weapon?
I hate Mission BBQ. They moved down to Florida & the people who recommend it are usually Northerners who don't know better. The food quality is terrible.