Pho Time — Restaurant in Sanford

Oh boy. Going here was like living an episode of Seinfeld.

My friend and I were served water glasses that were filled only 1/4 of the way. It was bizarre.

The cook was also operating as the wait staff. He was annoyed at taking orders and literally locked customers out of the restaurant. When they meekly scratched at the door saying they ordered online and paid, he told them to go away. Literally said, “no sorry didn’t see come back some other time!” When then asked for a refund - he told them - “can’t help you- come back in 20 and I’ll have food”. Spoiler alert- they came back in 20 and had to wait another 40.

Some poor guy waited over an hour and half for his food to only be told they ran out of what he ordered.

At one point flames shot through the back of the kitchen and light screaming was heard.

The owner? ran over to the glowing “open” sign to slap it off as a customer approached the door (it was 6pm).

I was told by the owner? to not order anything to-go for my husband bc “there is no time”. I had asked right when we sat down.

The soup was actually pretty decent - but I didn’t like the mold on my jalapeno- and she wasn’t a fan of the eggshell in her broth.

There were three tables in the restaurant with people at them. And maybe 2-3 people who showed up for to-go. It wasn’t like they were swamped.

Maybe staff called out and this poor guy was totally overwhelmed and lost? If so- just close the restaurant. I have never seen someone get angry/frustrated at people for wanting to give them business.

Also- to the people who were locked out - turned away- and given the wrong food: you guys are awesome. I couldn’t believe how kind and patient everyone was with that man. I have never seen people be so NICE when treated so strangely. You...

I once rated this place 5-stars, but now I have to take it down to 1-star. My old review is at bottom of post for comparison.

Under the new ownership/management/whatever, the quality of the food has taken a SEVERE drop, while prices have increased.

New folks using some sort of dried tofu that reconstitutes in the broth 🤢

Went from bottled soda to canned while keeping same price.

Staff who took call-in order did not know what pho (the dish that is their namesake) was.

Ordered 2 large pho, 1 chicken, 1 tofu and meatball. Got 1 thing of broth, 1 baggie of veggies, and box of dried cubes of tofu. Again 🤢.

Came back in and, after a lengthy "who's on first" style conversation, they made a large ckicken pho, to complete the original order.

Was initially told the correction would not be charged, then after they made the corrections, was charged.

I came to this place at least once a week under the old regime. This will be my last time coming back.

RIP old Pho Saigon. Hopefully the corpse of this once amazing place, will be put out of it's misery soon.

###below is the old review, from when they were good###

Pho Saigon is, hands-down my go to choice for eating in Sanford. The people there are like family. The pho is simply magical. Rest of the menu it...

So, no point of reference from previous ownership, but felt compelled to leave a review (mine are few and far between). I can attest to the oddly 1/4 to 1/3 filled water cups (although will bringer a pitcher of water out if asked). Based on a few interactions (mine and other customers) need to be clear and concise when ordering. Spring rolls didn't have the requested shrimp but the roll itself was still highly impressive, freshness and taste wise, and the sauce tasted fresh as well. Bubble tea was scrumptious, the large seafood pho was highly enjoyable with very fresh bean sprouts and cut peppers, and the vermicelli w/sliced beef was also adequate/fresh (the beef was phenomenal). No issues with being charged correctly here, had seen that on other reviews. All in all a "unique" experience, far from unpleasant though, hopefully the individual manning the food, checkout and bussing can work on the processes and square everything away, I do hope he succeeds.

For one last point of reference, this was Easter Sunday and not busy, so did not see any customer turning away mentioned in...