EL IMPORTADO "ORLANDO" — Restaurant in Florida

I am only leaving this review because my husband, Carlos, left a bad review after a terrible customer service experience. First, two things... we parked our car right next to your food truck, any car coming into the parking lot could see our car straight ahead, so for you guys to say that my husband and I were doing inappropriate things in our car is absolutely disrespectful and disgusting. Especially because if you are so sure of who we are, (which I doubt), you would do well to remember that we had two small children in the car with us. So if what you are saying is that we were subjecting my small children to inappropriate acts and want to take this further please let me know so we can call the police and you can file an official complaint, in fact, why didn’t you call the cops to begin with? You know that’s illegal right? Second of all, my husband was standing outside probably like 90% of the time we were waiting up until the end, while you serviced everyone else we were waiting patiently to be called upon and never was. And you said you don’t leave the food truck? Also a lie, you came to my car and knocked on my window to asked if we wanted the patacón with Maduro or verde.

I’ve worked customer service for many years, you should either hire a profesional to answer your reviews for you or just don’t respond to an unpleasant review because this is absolutely not how to handle a poor review. The very LEAST you could have done and never did was apologize for your lack of professionalism, instead you made up excuses and changed your story twice.

Next time you are upset with a customer I absolutely do not recommend you accuse them of doing “inappropriate things” in the car. Grow up, be a profesional and take accountability for your mistakes so you can be a better person.

This is in response to your reply that read as follows:

Response from the owner 59 minutes ago No tiene razón, se llamo y por estar metido en el carro haciendo cosas que no debe en un estacionamiento privado se me olvidó y cuando volvió la comida tenía rato. Lo llamamo pero no vamos a los carros a llevarle la comida. Tranquilo que NO NECESITO personas como usted. Tenemos mis mejores clientes y ellos saben la calidad de servicio. Invierta su tiempo en otra cosa, que nosotros igual vamos a seguir...

IF YOU WANT TO GET COVID THEN GO HERE!!!!! It was ridiculous the amount of people coughing even the owner that was taking orders was coughing and instead of having his mask on he had it on his chin, like do you think it’s okay to infect people with whatever you might have covid, flu anything! Oh and the kitchen staff as well were not wearing masks the literally were touching there phones and opening doors grabbing things with sans gloves I even saw some guy take off his gloves put them in his pocket to look at his phone and then put the same gloves on like COMEON did you forget what the pandemic is??? I waited over 30 mins for my food and they didn’t even get it correct they forgot the side of fries I ordered I told the lady that was preparing the To go’s order she said that she will let them know to do them…literally 10 mins pass by and we ask about the fries to the same lady and she starts to laugh with the kitchen staff another female and goes back to talk to her and THEY JUST PUT THE FRIES after already waiting 10 mins and instead of apologizing they laugh like what kind of service is that?? The owner that was on register did nothing as well went back to kitchen to see and came back saying nothing we asked for a refund for fries because we are not waiting more than the almost hour we spent in there that we were exposed to a covid possible place that obviously does not care for any of their customers health!!!! The only reason we took food is because it was already been 40 mins waiting but the food was burnt, and not even looked pleasant we ended up throwing out almost our $33 dollar meal because we were scared of getting covid because of how unsanitary their place was so basically do not spend any money there it is a horrible place spend your money at a better place and save yourself from the possible exposure...

“Come Hungry, Leave Happy (and Broke)”

El Importado in Haines City is one of those places—where you know full well nothing on that menu is remotely healthy, but you just don’t care. And honestly? You shouldn’t. The food here is really, really good. Like, “I shouldn’t be eating this, but I’m gonna finish it anyway” good.

Whether you’re craving a massive burger stacked with chicken, ham, bacon, and all your regrets, or some killer empanadas, this spot delivers. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a laid-back dinner when you’re not in the mood to cook and you want something delicious now.

Pro tip: Try to go after 8:30 PM if you can. This place gets busy—and not just “line out the door” busy, but “smoky inside because the grill’s working overtime” busy. Your clothes might smell like the food you just ate, but honestly, worse things could happen.

Now, the only reason I’m not giving this five stars: the prices. Listen… I get it, times are tough, but $21.50 for a chicken, ham, and bacon burger in Haines City? For that price, I should get fries, a drink, and maybe a shoulder massage while I wait. It’s borderline disrespectful to my wallet.

That said, you’ll still catch me here from time to time because, again—the food slaps. Just bring your appetite and maybe...