Kisha Hall
My very 1st time here and customer service felt familiar. There were 2 people in the restaurant before me and I noticed how friendly the guy taking the orders was. When he took care of my order he made me feel very welcomed to be in this establishment. This gave him major brownie points food was decent, a little salty but overall I was satisfied.
… moreZachary Goodman
The food here was genuinely very good — my Big John and the burgers were excellent, and that’s the only reason this isn’t a one-star review. Unfortunately, the customer service was some of the worst I’ve experienced at a restaurant.
From the moment we ordered, we were met with unnecessary attitude and disrespect. We ordered normally, said nothing out of line, and were just waiting for our food when, about five minutes in, a manager loudly yelled at us to “go sit down” in a very aggressive and unprofessional way. It felt completely uncalled for and set the tone for the rest of the visit.
Most of the staff showed little to no customer service skills, with one clear exception — the guy who made my Big John. He was calm, respectful, and honestly the only person there who seemed to understand how to treat customers. He knows who he is.
Things got progressively stranger. At one point, when we went to use the restroom, a staff member appeared to follow us toward it, then immediately went back in right after we left. I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but it was uncomfortable and unnecessary.
After we finished eating (again — the food itself was great), I went to get a to-go box that I had already been told I could have when ordering. Suddenly, I was told boxes were “low” and “expensive” and that the manager wouldn’t allow it anymore. That alone was odd, but fine — I didn’t argue.
Instead, I asked for a soda refill, which the same chill employee gave me. Immediately after, the manager came out yelling that they “haven’t given refills for 20 years” and made a huge scene over what is, realistically, a few cents. Even the employee who gave me the refill looked uncomfortable, like he knew the reaction was excessive.
As we were leaving, I sarcastically commented that they had “great customer service.” At that point, the same staff member who followed us toward the bathroom earlier followed us outside, swearing, yelling at us to “watch our mouths,” and behaving in a way that felt threatening. That crossed a serious line. No customer should ever feel unsafe walking out of a restaurant.
Bottom line:
The food is legitimately good, but the management and overall customer treatment completely ruin the experience. Aggressive behavior, yelling at customers, inconsistent rules, and staff confrontation outside the restaurant are unacceptable. I won’t be returning unless there is a major change in how customers are treated.
… moreLloyd Sikorski
This establishment is the kind of place I wish I could eat at every day I went there for the first time not too long ago, and a friend and I had lunch. My companion had the eggplant parm sub. While I had the combo. We were both in store for a surprise. This establishment features on-site dining, as well as Take Out, and delivery. The subs were ready in no time and brought to the counter on a tray. My companion said she would carry them to our booth. The surprise was not only the size, but also the amount of fillings in both. Absolutely delightful! It was a most enjoyable eating experience. We were able to take our time eating as there is ample seating. They even supply enough napkins to keep face and hands clean during and after eating. The staff are wonderful, very out going and pleasant. There was appropriate holiday music playing softly which contributed to the overall experience.
… moreRyan Gadzo
Have been ordering here since I moved to the neighborhood 5 years ago. Have never had an issue with the food or service, and I understand as I worked in restaurants in both the front and kitchen for 15 years. As someone who cooked late night at a restaurant, nothing is worse than an order with 5 minutes left. Today I called to order at 7:45, 15 minutes before close. Person answered the phone like they were open, I said I wanted to place an order for pickup and was abruptly told by the woman on the phone, “Were closed.” To me, why answer the phone if you’re closed. I have made food for customers 5 minutes before closing as the kitchen closed 1 minute after, not 15 minutes before. I guess I guess you need to order at least 1 hour before they close, bc who knows what the time limit is as most orders take 20 minutes every time I order.
… moreDaviyion Johnson
For me this place had a very average chicken finger sub though I guess this place is known for them. I had that and ordered a stinger sub as well and was overall disappointed by my meal. The fries were also just okay and I saw them simply reheat my fries in fryer as I walked over to counter vs a fresh order since they say out for awhile. There’s pretty sandwiches in area to try. Don’t get caught up in the hype.
… moreJust Jess
Food is good from what I remember. But the last 2 times I’ve gone, they’re closed early. I went on 8/23, walked in at 8:15pm, I wasn’t even through the door when the lady at the counter yelled “we’re closed”. I asked about them closing at 9pm and she replied that she’s been there since 10am, she’s tired and alone so she’s going home.
Maybe y’all should consider closing earlier since closing whenever the employees feel like it seems to be the norm, based on other’s reviews.
… moreNathan P
John & Mary’s is the best! I live on the West Coast and every time I’m in Buffalo, I make sure i swing by and order a chicken fingers & steak sub. Planning on bringing sandwiches back for my family to enjoy!
… moreJoseph Zdarsky
I have been a customer since the 1950’s when John sponsored our little league teams. A- Bombs cost 30 cents in those days. It is still the best sub shop in Buffalo. We patronize this place regularly and I can attest that the A-Bomb and sausage hoagie are the same quality and recipe as they were in 1960. Same sauce, same roll. The owner has carried on the same tradition as it had when it was known as “Johnny’s Snack Bar” way back in time. Keep it up. It is the gold standard. The owner makes everyone feel welcome, and should have continued success.
… moreMichael Dillon
Do yourself a favor and visit this John & Mary’s. The service is unmatched. The staff truly cares about your experience. The food is absolutely amazing – everything we tasted melted in other mouths. Absolutely the best meal and service in Buffalo, just like the good old days Highly recommend!
… moreSeth Atkinson
This franchise is hometown loving and one I have returned to for decades from my childhood, the subs are better than any I’ve had anywhere in the country, I’ve been back to Buffalo only a few times in 20 years but it’s always my first choice for food and I will never forget the memories I have had in any of their restaurants as a child.
Thanks for always making me feel welcome, you may not know me but I’ll never forget you.
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