Simply Greek — Restaurant in Solon

Please educate staff to understand how serious food allergies are, including the risk of cross contamination. Called to ensure the safety of the fried chicken and fries before a child ate at a party. Was reassured safety and none of the specific allergens were present and there was no chance of cross contamination, was told we’re “all good”. Fast forward child ate and had an allergic reaction. Called back to learn that the allergen was indeed placed in the fryer, the same place the chicken and fries were placed. Female staff said she didn’t feel this counted since it probably “burned off”. This is indeed cross contamination and since this is one of the top 9 allergens (sesame) needs to legally be reported when asked. Very dangerous staff did not report when asked and took this upon herself to “not consider this cross contamination since it probably burned off in the fryer”. Was reassured “you’re all good” when in fact we were definitely not.

Edit to owner response: To I clarify- I was not the person who placed the order nor did I have any role in placing the order. I called asking about food being served at a party. I had told the individual I was at a party and asked if the food in question contained ANY peanut or sesame , including any chance of cross contamination. Oil and flour were only asked as a follow-up to first question specifying my child had a severe peanut and sesame allergy, etc. and when the staff first responded that she didn’t think so, I followed up with “for example, does the oil or flour contain any peanut or sesame” . Was told multiple times, even calling back to re-check, that I was “all good”.

To your response, wishing I had said “My child is very allergic to sesame, do you use it anywhere in the restaurant?" Is actually just about the exact wording I used, and the exact question I began the phone conversation with, with the addition of peanuts. This is how a parent of child with serious food allergies prefaces every question, daily, for the safety of their child.

Referring to “Amanda’s order” is incorrect, since I did not place an order. Again, I was asking specific questions about already prepared food. I understand that you are able to be proactive in avoiding allergens, which is always appreciated, but that does not apply to this situation. I was a guest at a party. I am happy to discuss with you the actual details of the event, as worded in this review.

Overall- The problem is that the staff did not report the risk of cross contamination, which I specifically asked. I really wished she would have reported the ingredients when I asked, and from a professional establishment, am disappointed in your response. I hope for the sake of future families that a simple call asking about allergens is handled with more care and dignity. Please note the 1-star was given for service, as noted. The food appeared of high quality.

Also note to owner- I understand that sesame is not often used in the fryer as you report, but the fried chicken , for example, is considered “made on shared equipment with sesame” and since sesame is a top 9th allergen, must be legally reported, even though your equipment has been cleaned. It is still considered shared equipment. This exact fact is my concern, that the staff did not report that when I asked,...

Food is okay...however customer service is definitely not a specialty on the menu.

I've noticed this before when I entered this establishment to eat and thought perhaps it was an off day for someone. I realized today that I was wrong. After ordering and paying for food, I asked the cashier if she could pull the transaction up on the tablet so that I could take a picture of the receipt for business purposes. She offered to email or text me the receipt and I told her that would not work. Although I told her someone previously did it without any issues, she then got impatient and mentioned the line behind me. I guess I was no longer in the important line club because they already took my payment. I asked her to get someone else to help her figure it out. Out comes Pete. He immediately came at me as if I was an inconvenience to him. I ignored that and again asked if he could please get to the receipt screen so I could take a picture. At this point he started yelling and saying that it wasn't possible (a lie) and said there were at least 10 people waiting in line (I realized then that it was the Very Important Line). Considering he already had about 15 orders on the line, it seemed as if they could use a few minutes to catch up first (my opinion of course). At this point, I explained as nicely as I could that he was making the situation unnecessarily complicated and he was getting angry over a simple request. He was livid and told me to get out. That was a never in my book especially since I already paid which is why I was still waiting on that picture (and my food which was the 15th order on the line). He screamed that he was trying to help me and I was not being patient. After his rant (reminded me of The Soup Nazi), he finally got me what I requested. Welp turns out Pete is the owner. The food is okay but he is extremely rude. He has a nasty tone and demeanor and if you even remotely try to say that you feel his behavior or attitude is a little too much, he tells you in an even nastier tone that you are wrong and he is right (Matilda - very good movie by the way). If you feel as if someone is talking you rudely, perhaps you (PETE) should should look at your reflection in the mirror because your ways are...

Simply Greek is so good that I am compelled to write a review for it today, over nine months since I moved out of state, due to a gyro-shaped hole in my heart. Their classic gyro has become the yardstick against which I measure all other gyros, and, since I moved, I have been consistently disappointed by the offerings of others. The meat is top-notch, the tzatziki is delicious, and the vegetables are fresh.

That's not to knock the other food available here, either. The burgers and fries are fantastic. Better than those offered by the burger-and-sushi joint next door, in my opinion. Your picky friend who exclusively eats chicken tenders can come here with you and eat some fantastic chicken tenders. You may not believe there is a large gap between a good and bad chicken tender. My picky friend will attest otherwise.

Something else critical: it's fast. My gyro's never taken longer than a few minutes. You won't be waiting much longer for anything else but the large dinners. You'll paying slightly more for a gyro than a Chipotle burrito from next door, if memory serves, but -- and I really dig Chipotle, for the record -- I don't think I've ever waited in line for less than twenty minutes at that Chipotle during a time when I actually wanted lunch or dinner. If time is money, then you're getting the better value at SG.

As a trade-off, the location is not large, and it's not a table-service, sit-down place you'll be staying at for an hour and a half. That said, if you do sit down, eat, and stay for any duration, one of the staff or the owner himself will come around to check on you, and chat if you like. I got to know them well during my several years in the area before I moved.

In summary, it's the best joint for a quick bite in the immediate area, and the best joint for a quick bite I personally have ever been to. I've been brainstorming reasons to take a trip back to the area simply to...