Shawarma Lounge — Restaurant in Waterloo

CHICKEN SITTING AT ROOM TEMP FOR HOURS!!! TRAUMATIZED! I have never left a restaurant or store in TEARS, but this store owner managed to make me cry. I felt scared and intimidated. He was a bully. I walked in and his rotisserie was not rotating and it was not on, the heat was off and he was pressuring me to order when I was trying to ask if the chicken heat was on because I was scared to order chicken when it wasn't being kept at the proper temperature. He tried to distract me by asking for my order and punching it in the computer and then proceeded to light the machine to turn it back on and ask me what level of hot sauce I wanted. I told him I wasn't sure. Needed to go call and ask and he said food would take about 15 minutes anyway. I left to go call and ask my partner if what I saw was normal for Shwarna because I felt uncomfortable and unsure, and so did he. So I also called another swarma place to confirm if that is best practice or food safe. They told me IT IS NOT SAFE. The heat must always be on and the chicken must always be rotating.

When I went back in a few minutes later, he ALREADY HAD IT READY?! I was trying to ask about the heat because I wasn't sure if I wanted the food. He made it impossible to talk and was just yelling at me and arguing random things. He told me that he cooks the chicken 60% and then lets it sit at room temperature until he has customers use up what is already in his pan on the table on the counter and needs to finish cooking more!!!! He was so hostile. I'm not a timid girl but this man was difficult and made me feel scared. 😪

The worst part is the owner follows up in a review but first does "research" on me as a customer to be defensive and discredit me.

Lies about me placing the orders - I never ordered, he was forceful to avoid my questions when I wasn't comfortable.

He then proceeded to bash me by saying that all of my reviews are negative, but I just went through and counted and 15/33 are positive, and 3 are fair — so I consider myself to be honest and fair!

Then just because you ask your customers to give you a review when they're in your store and pretending to be all friendly with them, Doesn't mean they didn't get sick after. The funny thing is that people don't always know where they got food poisoning from, and just because you're getting away with it doesn't mean you should be proud of it.

You just admitted that you had your meat off the heat sitting at room temperature for hours.

Most of your Google reviews also seem like you've told your guests what to say lol Especially the most recent one you spoke about — it seems a little indirectly pointed toward...

Beyond Great! My 1st review of anything because I am so inspired by it to take this time to say Thank You AND to dispute Orbiter Dar's nasty review: Owner goes out of his way to make sure everyone is treated with great respect and every dish is fresh, tasty, and personalised. Ingredients are top quality; I have food sensitivities and this restaurant is one of few that makes me feel better after eating hours later. The quality and taste is reproduced to a high standard every time - almost a year now since I luckily found this restaurant. Despite lockdowns, etcetera the quality and service is maintained top notch, providing a much needed option to the community. Every positive review is legit - Shawarma Lounge reminds me of the golden age of independent diners before they were gentrified out of business. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a Renaissance in owner/operator options to come and continued success. -Recommended to anyone - as you see from other reviews - my family personally loves this place and other reviewers also spread the word of what a gem Shawarma Lounge is. -Looking forward to 'normal' times and 'dining in'; such a vibe of optimism, positivity and well wishes! Footnote, not trying to give haters attention they want but here goes: @Orbiter Dar I can not help but think you are a jealous competitor trolling and griefing because of the facts and evidence of mine and every other customer's experience is 180 degrees apart from what you purport here? Or perhaps you are someone who is wounded and perma-unhappy because of your apparent inconsolability? I am sure you were greeted with dignity and respect that you choose not to...

uodate: returned for a second time for the chicken Shawarma plate and it was still a 5 star experience, so they are consistent. First review: I love meeting young entrepreneurs who are passionate about their business, food and service. I felt welcome as soon as I walked in and we had fun gabbing while he was meticulously preparing my order. He also gave me a generous sample of his garlic/tahini sauce while I waited, made inhouse, and it was the best - tasted organic. And on top of the incredible service, I came home and enjoyed a huge and delicious gyro plate (and chicken, funny story there) :). Lazeez Sharwarma doesn’t compare and I really wish I came here sooner. I also have to add that the potatoes were the best - unique with a spot-on spice mixture so they really blew my socks off. Meat (both chicken and gyro) were tender, perfectly prepared and spiced right. Also loved the fresh hummus, crisp garden salad and the extra rice. A special place, an incredible meal, and I will be returning soon. And lots of leftovers too. Thanks for the two platters and enjoy the dessert I left for tip lol cheers! See you soon!...