Crispy Critters Hobby Shop and Raceway — Local services in Fairfield

This place is the definition of terrible, poor service, and ignorant. I went in a few days ago to check the store out for the first time. I'm looking to by my first electric truck or buggy, preferably 1/16 scale or smaller. I walked into the store and someone was sitting behind the counter working on a lean body. Not even the slightest acknowledgement. Ok. Whatever.... I said hello first hoping to get attention and help. I just got a hello back and nothing but ignorance after that. I spent about 20 minutes looking around the store. Now , mind you, mi living room is bigger than this total shopping area. There is practically no stock to choose from, it's filthy, and still no response from the "guy", who I'm starting to think is the owner. When you go to other shops, there are hundreds of vehicles to choose from. I don't think there were even 20 on display here, and mechanic shops are cleaner than this shop. I played musical chairs for about 15 minutes. The store is sort of oval shaped because there is one big display rack in the middle, and I walked a few "laps" around looking for an RTR RC. I even stopped in front of the counter to read the boxes on some of the few trucks that were there. Not even a word from behind me. I really wanted to buy something that day, maybe even two RCs, but....... No Sale. I'm not giving my hard earned money to some miserable $#%h+d that can't stop for a few minutes to help me, or at least ask if I need help. There are shops in the area that are a "thousand" times better than this one, not to mention a few incredibly great websites too that are a 100% worth buying from too. The track looked cool, but there are other tracks around too. Not my loss. Oh..... And bye the way, all the mentions in the reviews here about the phone experiences, they're all true. I got the same nasty treatment everytime I called about the hours because they are different because of the pandemic....

Stay away from this place! I called to inquire about a 500.00 rc truck and upon answering the phone the fellow Al was very unwelcoming. I asked him a few questions and he seemed as though I was bothering him. I was on speaker phone with my wife and son and when he put me on hold to check something for me. They both asked me “ what’s wrong with him?” I told them I have no idea but when he gets back on the phone I’ll ask him. When he returned to the call I asked him if I was bothering him since his tone of voice appeared that way. He got nasty, laughed, and hung up! Me not one to let things go so easily, took a deep breath, and called the store back about a half hour later. Sure enough he answers with his bothered tone of voice and I simply said I didn’t appreciate being hung up on and he should read his reviews because I plan on writing one. He sarcastically laughed and said “I really don’t care” and hung up the phone again! After reading a bunch of his other reviews there seem to be many like mine... Stay away from this place and the guy Al who is one of the owners he obviously is not happy either with what he does or with his...

Just found the place recently and love taking my sons here. Place in the back is always in great shape and not too intimidating for younger drivers (8/10/12 year old boys). Decent parts selection and staff is helpful even when it gets nuts on a weekend. Did a brushless upgrade last night on site (I am newly back into the hobby so no expert) - kit price was $30 cheaper than Amazon and staff helped me get through the install with patience and expertise (I screwed it up). They even offered to install it for me from the start (lol maybe they could tell). I've been to the hobby shop further west and the experience at Critters is much friendlier (you see the same faces), more helpful (lots of pros cool with questions), and more kid-friendly (they even have a plane simulator to keep them occupied if needed). Anyway glad to have found you guys - if you're a pro or newbies like us these guys have a great shop with awesome prices. Can't wait to check out the outdoor track when...