Whazzup at Bruno's?

**Beach Runner** · 11-29-2005, 10:06 PM

I have a restaurant review website that gets a lot of hits. It's mainly based on Atlanta restaurants, but I also review other locations that I frequent. As webmaster of the site and having a positive review of Bruno's posted there, I received an email today complaining of abusive treatment at Bruno's due to this person returning an unsatisfactory item. Apparently vulgar language was thrown at this customer by the management. This is not the first report of inappropriate behavior by Bruno's staff that I've heard.

I have always been a staunch supporter of Bruno's. I like toppings that aren't available at chain pizza restaurants (the only choice in our town). But I have noticed changes at Bruno's. I miss the Roma tomatoes (as stated on the menu) which have been replaced by grape tomatoes. The chicken has gotten sort of "sketchy," as my college-aged daughter describes it. I have never personally been treated rudely at Bruno's, but I have heard enough stories that now I am concerned.

Any comments? I want Bruno's to stay good, but being rude to customers is unacceptable.

**Mermaid** · 11-29-2005, 10:15 PM

BR, weren't you just down at the beach days ago? You missed a perfect opportunity to update some of the info you have available for public consumption.

**Beach Runner** · 11-30-2005, 07:30 AM

Originally Posted by Mermaid

BR, weren't you just down at the beach days ago? You missed a perfect opportunity to update some of the info you have available for public consumption.

We picked up pizza at Bruno's. No problem with employee attitude or the pizza. We steered clear of the chicken topping, though.

I noticed Bruno's boxes in our neighbors' trash, so they're still ordering takeout from Bruno's, too.

That's all of the dining out that we did. The Thanksgiving food lasted us several meals, and my daughter was in the mood to cook since she doesn't have the opportunity to do that at the sorority house.

**Smiling JOe** · 11-30-2005, 07:59 AM

I warned you guys about Bruno's. They treated me like dirt too many times to ever go back again. Everyone from the owners to the manager to the front line employees. I have not been back in the last two years, but if this is still going on, I wonder how they stay in business. I have one word for you pizza eaters... Amore, located in Gulf Place, a place where they like people.

**southof30A** · 11-30-2005, 09:26 AM

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

I warned you guys about Bruno's. They treated me like dirt too many times to ever go back again. Everyone from the owners to the manager to the front line employees. I have not been back in the last two years, but if this is still going on, I wonder how they stay in business. I have one word for you pizza eaters... Amore, located in Gulf Place, a place where they like people.

Spunky Noodle also makes a pretty good pizza for those of us on the east end of 30A. Plus, they appreciate our business.

**Smiling JOe** · 11-30-2005, 09:32 AM

Originally Posted by southof30A

Spunky Noodle also makes a pretty good pizza for those of us on the east end of 30A. Plus, they appreciate our business.

Yes, the Spicy Noodle is pretty good and they do love the customers.

**peapod1980** · 11-30-2005, 09:38 AM

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

I have one word for you pizza eaters... Amore, located in Gulf Place, a place where they like people.

SJ, thanks for the reminder. I just pulled out my notes for planned meals for next month, and I starred Amore with an "SJ" next to it!

**Smiling JOe** · 11-30-2005, 09:50 AM

Originally Posted by peapod1980

SJ, thanks for the reminder. I just pulled out my notes for planned meals for next month, and I starred Amore with an "SJ" next to it!

Oh, so you are keeping SJ recommendations?

That is funny.
You want my short list?

Borago (Grayton)
Fish Out of Water (WaterColor)
Baithouse for lunch (WaterColor)
Amore (Gulf Place)
Cafe Tango (Blue Mtn)
Bud & Alley's (Seaside)

Please note that there are a few other places in the area which serve good food with a smile. Just because it is not on my list doesn't mean that it is not worth visiting.

**seagrovelover** · 11-30-2005, 12:22 PM

We go to Brunos every vacation.......but we are always looking for a good pizza, think we will try Amore this year.....thanks to SJ

**peapod1980** · 11-30-2005, 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

Oh, so you are keeping SJ recommendations?

That is funny.
You want my short list?

No, I had a list I made from the favorite restaurants thread; I was writing down places where people had had good meals but were places I hadn't been to. So, I had Amore on there already but added a star and your initials next to it.

And thanks for the short list! I added the Baithouse from that one. Was thinking about trying there for lunch or breakfast one day, but I don't remember it being mentioned before.

**Miss Kitty** · 11-30-2005, 12:42 PM

Originally Posted by peapod1980

No, I had a list I made from the favorite restaurants thread; I was writing down places where people had had good meals but were places I hadn't been to. So, I had Amore on there already but added a star and your initials next to it.

And thanks for the short list! I added the Baithouse from that one. Was thinking about trying there for lunch or breakfast one day, but I don't remember it being mentioned before.

I LOVE the breakfast at the Baithouse...best grits ever!!!!! Great staff as well!!!

**Mermaid** · 11-30-2005, 01:02 PM

Baithouse restaurant is on my short list too, especially after Miss Kitty personally recommended the grits.

For a peek preview, here's the website--http://www.watercolorinn.com/dining_baithouse.asp

**Paula** · 11-30-2005, 01:37 PM

I really enjoyed the oyster po'boy at Shades by the Loop near Rosemary Beach and Fonville Press Coffee shop at Alys Beach (though it's probably noisy to go there while the construction is going on -- I went there early and on the weekend -- great bread to bring home and other good things to eat -- the place is very under-stated in an over-the-top way).

My daughter got burned twice on the heating elements they put the pizza on at the buffet at Brunos so be careful. They're not covered and there's no warning that they are so hot. I think the pizza is mediocre. I like Angelina's pizza better and will try Amores and the other place mentioned near our end of 30A.

I really enjoyed Old Florida fish house, too.

**Santiago** · 11-30-2005, 01:52 PM

I have to agree with Smiling Joe. I've always liked the owner of Bruno's but the kids that work there are straight off of Bevis and Butthead. I recently tried Amore and it is very good with very nice owners. Also like Spicy Noodle. Love the Baithouse for breakfast but don't care for the lunch. It's 2 blocks from my house so I am probably burnt out on it. We usually go on weekend mornings and the Bloody Mary's always get the job done.

I'm suprised I don't know Smiling Joe as we apparently frequent the same establishments. Or maybe I do. Maybe he's never smiling and his name isn't Joe.

**whiteyfunn** · 11-30-2005, 02:15 PM

Originally Posted by Santiago

I'm suprised I don't know Smiling Joe as we apparently frequent the same establishments. Or maybe I do. Maybe he's never smiling and his name isn't Joe.

The irony of it all!

I had Bruno's the other night and had no problem. But maybe because I knew the guy and we were chatting about our T-giving holiday. SJ, I think you've snapped at me before because I liked Bruno's. It usually takes them a while but this time our pizza was ready in no time.

I usually don't go back to places if they are rude. I hold grudges and I can't help it. That's why I'll never go back to Roly Poly or go to Dawson's when one particular girl is working.

**beachmouse** · 11-30-2005, 02:52 PM

How does Amore compare to Ciao Bella's pizza? I'm always looking for good pizza in those parts.

**Camp Creek Kid** · 11-30-2005, 04:25 PM

We've had no problems with Brunos. I always pick up my pizzas so I don't have to wait for delivery.

We had a disaterous trip to Spicy Noodle on Fri. night. They are always very slow, but this time, after we waited over an hour for our pizza, the waitress told us that another waitress gave our pizza to another table. They said they'd make us another one if we waited. We said "no thanks" and left, although they did promise us a free pizza the next time we went there. We've eaten at Spicy Noodle dozens of times and I'm not overly impressed with the service. The pizza is not any better than Bruno's (except for the chicken), but the other menu items at Spicy Noodle are pretty good.

**Smiling JOe** · 11-30-2005, 04:30 PM

What is up with you guys eating chicken on your pizza?

**jessifunn** · 11-30-2005, 06:27 PM

the spicy noodle makes me

and not just once. i gave it another try and

never again. bruno's love it! never a bad experience. and here is a little trick to good service if your nice to people their nice to you

**Jdarg** · 11-30-2005, 06:32 PM

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

What is up with you guys eating chicken on your pizza?

It's yummy! Had a pizza tonight with chicken, onion, bacon, canadian bacon, and tomatoes- delish. Of course it tasted even better 'cause it was delivered and I didn't cook tonight!

**Smiling JOe** · 11-30-2005, 09:23 PM

WhiteyFunn, I did not mean to snap at you for eating at Bruno's. If I did snap, maybe I was simply trying to warn my friend.

JessiFunn, I know too well about being nice to people who are helping me, especially people who have control over my food. Thinking back over my years in SoWal, the people at Bruno's are the only people whom I encountered that were so disrespectful. I get along with most people and animals in SoWal, but those people really rub me the wrong way.

**whiteyfunn** · 11-30-2005, 09:27 PM

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

WhiteyFunn, I did not mean to snap at you for eating at Bruno's. If I did snap, maybe I was simply trying to warn my friend.

JessiFunn, I know too well about being nice to people who are helping me, especially people who have control over my food. Thinking back over my years in SoWal, the people at Bruno's are the only people whom I encountered that were so disrespectful. I get along with most people and animals in SoWal, but those people really rub me the wrong way.

I do agree. I think once you get a bad taste in your mouth it's very hard to like something again. BTW, I didn't take it personally. Thanks for the warning!