Empire Pizza — Restaurant in New London

I work a 15-hour workday, my phone died last night 10/9/24 leaving me unable to check with my husband about dinner. I decided to drive home to inquire before heading to Illinois for a slice of pizza. Upon arriving at our house which is a mere 528 feet from Empire Pizza, I honked the horn. My husband emerged, and I asked if he had cooked dinner. He smiled and replied that he hadn’t, but that dinner would arrive soon. To my delight he mentioned he ordered 2 grinders from Empire for us. Amused by his efforts and laziness I said “Really, babe? You had it delivered?!” We could have just walked like we usually do.

I suggested he call the restaurant to stop the delivery so we could pick up the order especially since I was already in the car. Just then, a delivery woman arrived with our food. She was nice and I jokingly told her my husband was an ass for making her deliver it when we live so close and apologizd. I observed my husband money—a $10 and a $20 bill in his hand and reminded him to tip her for the unessasary delivery, and he grabbed the only cash left in his wallet, four one-dollar bills and put it on top of the other bills. He then handed the money to her as she gave him the food in an even exchange. She kept the money in her hand and walked away to to her car as my husband took the food into the house. I sat in my car as I watched her go sit in the front seat of her own car and go on her phone. I wondered if she had another delivery within the surrounding houses. She then got out of the car and opend the back seat door and I thought for sure a neighbor had ordered dinner from them tonight as well. But she started fumbling around as if she was looking for something or rearranging something before getting back in to the front seat and driving off. I thought it odd but waited for her to drive off before getting out of my own car and going in the house.

Later the same evening at 10:12pm the delivery woman called my husbands number claiming my husband had not paid her and had only given her just $4. He assured her he had indeed paid her the correct full amount and the call ended. He immediately went outside to check if she had dropped the money, knowing he had handed her $34. While he was outside, she called again at 10:15pm and I answered. She explained to me that she had worked at Empire Pizza for 27 years and was an honest person and had only taken the order because she thought it was prepaid online. She insisted my husband hadn’t paid her and that she was short $28 which matched our order amount. Despite knowing my husband had paid her I decided to just pay for the food again with my debit card through the manager, given my exhaustion from the long workday.

Ultimately, we ended up paying $60 for two grinders and one one w/fries (a $28 order). This is poor business practice and poor customer service. We will not order from this establishment again, which is unfortunate given their proximity, decent food quality and the fact that we have been ordering from them for over 10+ years. I don't discourage anyone from ordering from Empire Pizza however if you decide to order from here I do urge you to NOT pay with cash.

It is the delivery person’s responsibility to verify if an order is prepaid before accepting it, not to assume or think that it is. Additionally, it is their responsibility to count the any cash given to them when it is handed to them to ensure it is the correct amount, before leaving. If the money is lost in transit, that is also their responsibility, not the customer’s as they should secure their payments. It is the manager’s job to hold their employees accountable and responsible for anyhting withintheir control as this was. It is unprofessional to blame a customer for an employees mistake and to call the customer accusing them. This was an employee error and mistakes happen but you must take...

Empire Pizza: New London's Slice of Heaven

Classic Pizzeria Charm: Empire Pizza in New London, CT, is a local favorite known for its delicious pies and cozy atmosphere. Step inside and experience the nostalgic charm of a traditional pizzeria, where every slice is made with love and served with a smile.

Mouthwatering Pizzas: Whether you're a fan of classic cheese or prefer something more adventurous like buffalo chicken or BBQ bacon, Empire Pizza has a pizza for everyone. Each pie is crafted with fresh ingredients and baked to perfection, ensuring a satisfying experience

Affordable Eats: In addition to its delicious pizzas, Empire Pizza offers a variety of other menu items at wallet-friendly prices. From hearty calzones and savory pasta dishes to crisp salads and flavorful appetizers, there's something to please every palate without breaking the bank.

Overall Experience: Empire Pizza in New London, CT, offers a taste of classic pizzeria fare in a warm and inviting setting. With its mouthwatering pizzas, community-centric vibe, and affordable prices, it's no wonder this local gem has won the hearts of pizza lovers across the city.

In summary, Empire Pizza in New London, CT, offers delicious pizzas, a welcoming atmosphere, and affordable prices, making it a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy classic...

I really do like this place, and we order from here often.. However, there is one rude male worker there who isn't patient. Plus, my brother needed to cancel his order because Empire was taking too long and a male worker at Empire was very rude saying he is still having it delivered and my brother needs to pay for the pizza anyway. I am guessing it is the same rude guy who was rude to me as well on the phone.

Someone still showed up at my brother's work place and they already ordered some place else and my brother said, I told you I wasn't paying for that pizza and not to bother coming. lol (FIRST & LAST TIME HE ORDERED FROM HERE)

Also, some prices are ridiculous. Raising the price for a plain small pizza? I guess it depends who is working, because price goes up and down.

And in my opinion, people are better off cooking their own fries, onion rings & pasta than wasting money for them at this place. Not worth the price you pay for them either.

**EMPIRE I LOVE YOUR PIZZA, CALZONE, & GRINDERS THOUGH! :) THE WOMAN WORKER WHO PICKS UP PHONE IS SO SWEET! :) 4 STARS, BECAUSE OF HER!!! IF NOT, WOULD OF BEEN 3 STARS!!!

BUYING THEIR PIZZA, CALZONE AND GRINDERS ARE WELL WORTH IT THOUGH,...