tl;dr: loved it once, but something changed
giving their flowers:
small family-run spot, supports local suppliers, uses fresh ingredients w traditional-tasting in-house sauce
when it’s good it’s really good
my stance:
i want to support them over a cookie-cutter chain, but Greco’s $5 donair deal has been more reliable, cheaper, and doesn’t try to kill me after i eat it
history to-date:
when they first opened, they’d often sell out early bc the food was tasty and affordable
then prices went up and that “new restaurant” flavour faded. more revenue hasn’t meant more staff, better quality, or consistent hours; it's same as years before. maybe they’re open, maybe not
concerns:
ig an issue w doordash a while back kept me from ordering, but even in person on another day, they were closed early. i’d call, but can’t tell if they’re closed or busy
maybe they don’t hire more staff to avoid a JHSC. maybe they'd have to renovate or move. maybe they want to keep earning a living wage without more price increases. idk but with pre-orders it's feeling more like a competitive club ritual than a casual meal transaction
critique:
i’m squinting to see veggies, there’s almost enough sauce, and so much meat it can fatigue u
ur grateful bc it’s filling, but the minimalism leaves you wanting “extra this, extra that” to unlock the full potential of its flavour, so the base price feels deceptive. it'd b nice if u could swap half the beef for pepperoni or get a discount for ordering w/o veggies. but that’s on consumer culture, not them
context:
SJNB’s food scene is barren compared to bigger cities, so local hype can be misleading
average foodies call them "Jaco’s reincarnate," but real donair enthusiasts are more critical. it’s more of a “you’ll like it bc it's here” than bc it’s good type deal. still more exciting than popeyes
skepticism:
i think most 5-star reviews are just happy the service is pleasant or bc anything tastes great when ur family’s hungry
i've left a 5-star myself, but most of us wouldn’t know a good donair if it bit us. i see a lot of first timers, and people saying it’s the best donair they’ve ever had probably only eat a few a year
those claiming to be donair connoisseurs probably say the same thing every time they try a new one that was made right
and don’t forget, business owners’ friends and family want to support them
being real:
we don't see how much of themselves a person dedicates to their business and i think anyone giving a 1-star is an abominable crank who's likely comparing apples to oranges
you wouldn't expect Tim Hortons to provide the same experience as a niche coffee shop on the tourism circuit in Italy. you get what you pay for and rate based on expectation
practicality:
half of us have dulled taste buds from refinery air and discount smokes anyway
we’re just tired of chains like McDonald’s and Burger King, so we’re happy to have variety. with food prices now, most prioritize bulk over quality and they certainly heap on the meat
size guide:
small is a good snack. regular fills a grown man. get the large if you want to savour it
extra-large? you’ll be picking slivers off the wrap like popcorn before you can eat it. reminds me of Jessy's Pizza! which is great... until
health warning:
lately, every visit cost more than money. i'll wait a week and get a smaller size -- sick again. roommate got sick too
of last 6 donairs, 4 gave us uncontrollable assquakes. i can’t prove it, but something ain’t right there
personal anecdote:
i’ve got a stomach of steel. no crohn’s, no hernias, no digestive issues, no lactose intolerance, not shy of spices
heck, i ain’t scared to eat much. i’m a chunky bachelor w nothing better to do than eat and talk abt the donair i had three weeks ago, so if i’m this distressed, that means something
considering bias:
maybe i watch too much hell's kitchen, but my body rejects it
final notes and hopes:
i'm not after a freebie. if last dozen were funky, not confident in next one. hope when i try again in 2026-27, i’ll be humbled enough to...
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