Mellow Mushroom Albany — Restaurant in Albany

I order the Buffalo chicken pizza often— but the order I picked up today it was not made well at all. First time ever. One bad pizza I could maybe understand— even without chicken or bacon on most of it. (Most slices were just crust and sauce)

But —my review is based on the attitude and response I got to my call; the quizzing I got about what exactly was wrong. This was after the kitchen manager offered to make another and bring it to my house!

I had called back and asked to just be refunded for the pizza…..but honestly the cheesy bread was not up to their usual standard either.

The owner got the photos and sent me a $10 gift card toward a purchase— for a $40 order. She was defensive and told me people try things every day— and when they look at the cameras after customers complain…

Wait!!! What? I called about a bad experience and I get an inquisition??? Really an accusation— intoning I was lying?? Poorly made food is their problem— I should not be subjected to such a hassle.

I read this summary of reviews before I began mine: [Mellow Mushroom is a popular restaurant chain that some say has consistently good pizza, friendly service, and a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere]

Every other time, I would have wholeheartedly agreed…. Until this experience.

No worries— I can definitely do without their overpriced, although usually great pizzas, from now on. Customer satisfaction and courtesy is just as/ more important when I decide where to...

Marcus was terrible! I have never had worse service in my life. He made us feel like we were a burden to him to be there. This is not the first time I had had him as my server and he has been terrible every time and acts like we are beneath him. We had to try 4-5 times to get his attention to serve us. We also waited over an hour to get our food and saw a table near us that came in way after us get their food before we did. Anything we asked for took forever, and he would roll his eyes. I had to actually touch his arm to get his attention as he walked by me for the 5th time, I was tired of waving and waiting and when I touched his arm he looked down in disgust. The only reason a tip was left was because my girlfriend had two $1 bills in her purse but I didn’t want to leave anything at all. If I ever come back, and that is a big if, I will refuse to ever have any dealing with him again. If I wasn’t there trying to enjoy time with friends I would have gotten up and walked out. I am so disgusted that they would allow someone like this to work there and possibly ruin business. I would really love for someone to contact me about this. As a business person I know this is not how your business wants to...

Sadly, the choices for pizza are limited in Albany. Obviously, the ownership takes this fact and dismisses the concept of basic customer service. Yes, the owner (has she so arrogantly informed) dismissed my concerns as if she was doing us a favor for allowing us to dine in her establishment.

In the middle of our experience, she called an entire staff meeting. Apparently, there was a robbery at a cupcake joint and she needed to inform her what to do in case they were next. I promise you, I can’t make this stuff up. Meanwhile, my table’s food was just sitting for no less than 5 minutes while she spoke on what probably should have been a part of each employee’s orientation.

When I called her over to discuss, her answers held the intelligence of a 4th grader. Obviously, some people possess more $ than common sense. The owner simply said the police chief told her to do it...true story.

Our poor waitress was embarrassed and ashamed of her owner. As for me and my family, we have crossed this restaurant off our list. Sure, the arrogant owner will not miss our measly annual $2000 contribution (yes, I did the math). However, we refuse to fund impoliteness...