A&W — Restaurant in Smithfield

Awful customer service! I'd called a few weeks prior on a Tuesday to inquire about specials. A young woman answered the phone, asked if I'd mind being put on hold (as if I had a choice) and then no one picked up the phone again. I called a dozen times afterwards but no one answered the phone. Next day, Wednesday, I called to inquire about specials, hours of operation, etc. I got to speak to a middle aged woman to listen to my complaint about being ignored on Tuesday. She told me basics about the specials, etc, but did not mention any hidden requirements to get the special. I then planned on going on a Tuesday, next chance I had. So on 7/7/20, Tuesday, I drove 1hr 20m from Lowell, MA to Smithfield, RI, and pulled into the A&W parking lot. There were no cars there and it was after 11:00am, which is when I was told that they opened for business. I eventually noticed a small hand written sign that said, "Opening at 12:00 today." I had to kill some time at Walgreen's next door. I arrived back at A&W at 11:53am and there were cars in the lot and people being served. I placed my order for the .99 cent Coney Dogs and only then was I told that for every 2 hotdogs I had to buy a root beer soda. I was not amused! I told the young waitress about my attempts to get info about A&W, being put on hold, being ignored, etc. She instantly made and excuse, got defensive and nearly rolled her eyes. I was starting to get angry. I'd now been at A&W for over an hour before placing my order for 2 Coney Dogs and one root beer. After placing the order, I was deciding if I should place a second order, as driving 1hr 20m each way meant that I would not be going to Smithfield, RI, very often. So I placed the second order for 2 Coney Dogs and another root beer. I drove next door to the Stop and Shop parking lot, found a small patch of shade, and opened the Coney Dogs. Upon biting into one, I immediately tasted a bad tasting hot dog, possibly starting to spoil. Now I was really angry! I will likely not eat at the A&W in Smithfield, RI, again. BTW, the young woman whom answered my initial phone call was very likely my eye-rolling waitress on July 7th. Each A&W is independently owned. You may find a better location. I had a wonderful experience at an A&W in Western New York on Hot Dog Special Tuesday,...

First time eating here and boy.... I was super disappointed. I have to give the good and the bad. First off hats off the the waitress Hannah who was on point and a great waitress. I feel bad she is working at this establishment. Ok let me begin with the food. The burgers are waaaaaaay....over priced and tiny. We ordered two burgers the double cheese with bacon and the papa burger. Both burgers were straight trash. The lady who was the cook was so lazy she microwaved both burgers and tried to pass it off like she made them fresh. The cheese was straight obliterated and my girls papa burger had soggy lettuce and tomatoes that were piping hot with the bun. The bun was burning our hands when we actually attempted the eat this monstrosity of a wreck burger. Now let's also talk about the false advertising of onion rings on the menu pictures. The onion rings looked official on the pictures like the would have a real ring of onion under the batter. NOT!! Straight minced onion. Like the manager ran out of the real good onion rings and replaced them with some knockoff Burger King onion rings,straight trash! If you decide to go here remember only get the root beer floats,shakes and chili cheese fries. We did like the chili cheese fries and my only issue is they need to get rid of the beans in the chili or at least let people choose if the want chili with meat only or with beans. I'm giving this place 2 stars because the peach shake was good and the chil cheese fries saved my pallet. Message to the owner step up your management of this place because you have cooks who are cutting corners and being lazy and giving your establishment a bad name Mr. or Ms. A&W root beer owner. "Literally microwaved burgers!!!" Come on now. I know Covid has set businesses back but your cooks are ruining your restaurant. If corporate comes and does an undercover boss your going to feel it!

Response to the Owner. I understand that is probably how you want your food at your restaurant to be made. Unfortunately our burgers were not made that way at all. Not even close. Sorry you just had a worker who let down your business standards. I only write facts in my reviews. I actually wasted my money on the poorly made food. Your the owner Mr Mosca make sure your workers are making your food up to your standards. Thanks for the...

I don't usually rate fast food joints because they're all the same and usually ran by people who don't care about their jobs. It makes the experience frustrating and honestly the food is junk to me to begin with.

A&W is what feels like a dying chain and I don't understand why. The food to me is a little bit better than McDonald's or BK. Don't get me wrong. It's still fast food. It's prob not any better for you but at least taste better.

This particular location is open seasonly and I probably only go once a year as a treat but I'm always really happy with the staff. They check up on you. Are kind and considerate. I understand fast food jobs are tough and demanding but they're polite and seem like they care. Which is nice.

You can eat in your car or there is some very limited out door seating. They do sell some basic AW merchandise at the window. There is a bathroom on site. I gave them 4 stars out of 5. The only reason for this is that they are a cash only store. Which is weird in the modern day and age. They do offset this by having an ATM on site but it comes with a 2$ surcharge which while miniscule, is frustrating. If there is a legitimate reason for the cash only. I'll happily amend my review but in the modern day and age. Carrying cash seems less and less common when there are 100+ ways to take cards.

Overall I'd highly recommend trying this place. Whether youce never had it or just are in the area and want a change of pace. I don't think you'll be...