Parks Old Style Bar-B-Q — Restaurant in Detroit

For over four decades, Parks BBQ has been a staple in my life, a tradition introduced by my mother when I was just a toddler. The nostalgia and loyalty I've held for this establishment are deeply rooted, intertwined with countless memories of flavorsome ribs and warm, welcoming service. However, it's with a heavy heart that I pen this review, marking the end of an era for me and Parks BBQ. Over the past few years, a noticeable decline has marred what used to be a consistent and delightful experience. The once impeccable service has now become a shadow of its former self, characterized by indifference and a lack of professionalism that was unthinkable in the past. This steep descent in customer service quality has been a hard pill to swallow. Equally disconcerting are the erratic operating hours that have become a norm rather than an exception. On two separate occasions this week, I found the doors shut well before the posted closing time, a frustration that many patrons should not have to endure. Such unreliability is not only inconvenient but also disheartening for longtime fans of the restaurant. The culinary standards, too, have not been spared in this decline. The ribs, once the highlight of their menu, now often arrive overcooked, lacking the succulent juiciness that once had patrons coming back for more. This drop in food quality, coupled with the astronomical rise in prices post-pandemic, leaves much to be desired. A half slab now costing over $30—a stark 50% increase above the national average for BBQ joints—feels not just unjustified but exploitative.

In a world still reeling from the effects of the pandemic, one would hope for some semblance of understanding and value from establishments like Parks BBQ. Instead, the exorbitant prices seem disconnected from the current economic reality many face, further alienating a once-loyal customer base. Today, I made the difficult decision to no longer patronize Parks BBQ. This decision wasn't made lightly but out of a realization that the respect and value once given to customers have dwindled to an all-time low. The sense of community, once the backbone of Parks BBQ, seems to have faded into obscurity. It saddens me greatly to turn away from a place that once felt like home, filled with cherished memories and shared meals. However, respect and quality are paramount, and as such, my journey with Parks BBQ ends here. I hope, for future patrons and perhaps for the establishment itself, that this feedback serves as a wake-up call to revisit and revitalize the core values that once made Parks BBQ a beloved...

5/14/17 EAT AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!! WOKE UP OUT OF SLEEP THROWING UP (5X) AND STUCK ON TOILET FOR TWO HOURS WITH THE RUNS. After eating bbq chicken dinner and wing dings, baked beans and potato salad. Was Stuck on Toilet for 2 hours and had trash in front of me while on toilet throwing up. When i called to place the order, I asked if I could try a sample of the greens, the young man told me no and that the food was not cooked fresh, unless its fried, but that the food is re-heated by being microwaved. I was hesitant, but a foodie recommended this place so I tried it. Just called to speak with the owner, but he was not available so I spoke with the manager. I told her my experience, and she said the mild bbq sauce has been known to make you sit on the toilet. I told her I had sweet bbq, not mild and she was shocked. She then said well the bbq sauce has vinegar, I told her vinegar is apart of my diet since I use apple cider vinegar for health purposes. She then stated well you have no proof to prove our food made you sick and we do not give refunds or replace orders that have already been eaten. I told her why would I want a refund or to eat from a place that made me so sick that it woke me out of my sleep. I told her this is constructive feedback, as I use to own a business. I then stated I'm not sure if my body responded this way because the grease that fried the chicken was old. She affirmed the grease is changed 1x a week, and the owner has been in business for 51 years with no lawsuits or proof that our food made anyone sick. I told her thank you for your time, but your are not receiving my feedback which means this call is a a waste of time. I wished her a happy mother's day and a blessed day and hung up the phone. BACK TO THE GREASE: According to my research for restaurant protocol, it should be changed 2x-3x a week to avoid bacteria and people getting sick, so I am assuming this is why I got sick. EAT AT YOUR...

Placed an order this evening by phone and was greeted with "I don't have time for this and where you at because we about to close". Now when I pull up place was still open and I called 3X prior to me placing an order and she didn't pick up the phone. I had a taste for some ribs and been coming here for years for ribs. My family been coming here since my granddaddy and mama use to bring us to pick up food and I patronize this business over a Slows BBQ and other places. The girl with the F'd up @$$ attitude need to be fired. Shouldn't be taking orders. Unacceptable customer service! Don't work in customer service if you cannot be of service. This is why I'm iffy about businesses paying some food workers $15 or more for terrible customer service due to them not being trained and recieve constant certifications in customer service. So......I come in and she takes my card and then throws it back in the money receiver tray. If I didn't have a taste for these old ribs I just threw away, I would of not been bothered. I support black businesses to keep the money circulating in our community. After today, I cannot support this business and will make sure my brothers who order from here and friends know this place cannot be supported due to them having below 1 star customer service and selling old, burnt dried up ribs often. And the bad part is they think the sauce is supposed to cover up or soak in the fact its old or very dry. From the other reviews I read I see that they don't take their customers seriously to want repeat business.They...