Gandolfo's strikes again
 

There was a coupon in the paper last week that was for buy a sandwich get second for $1. A few days later I saw one for buy a half-sandwich get a second half-sandwich for $1 which I assumed was a follow up due to the popularity of the first. Neither coupon had an expiration date. I went in today with the first coupon and was told that it was a mistake made by the newspaper, that I could only get a $1 half-sandwich. I asked why was i responsible for the newspaper's mistake and was told, sorry but they would not honor it.
This is the second time that I have had a problem with them. When they first opened I was charged extra for salt, pepper, and mayo. The owner did respond and offered me a free meal which I didn't accept because the point of my posting was to let him know how dissatisfied people would be at being "nickled and dimes" to death. It was not to get a free meal. I have been back several times after that because they do make a really good sandwich. However, I do think that they should have honored my coupon.

In these times where a small business can barely make ends meet, I would give the store a break and let it slide. (Enough stores are closing because they can't make ends meet) No one owes you anything. Newspapers make mistakes all the time. If you truly like the restaurant then let people know. The manager tried to do right by you and that should be enough. Life's too short to get upset over such a trivial matter.

I think the mistake was by the paper. When they made the new coupon, the Sun should have stated that the previous coupon was in error and that this was the correct coupon. I'm glad you're still going there. I do give Gandolfo's credit -- they do try to make their customers happy and do listen to complaints and suggestions.

If you decided to sell your house for $150,000 and the newspaper made a mistake by listing it as $1,500, would you accept an offer of $1,500? I believe you might say, "the newspaper made a mistake." The prospective buyer might say, "I think they should honor the price listed in the paper."

Went to Gandolfo's about a week ago for takeout. My meat ball sandwich was very good but the other two people in my party did not care for their salads and will not go back again.

Many of the ingredients promised in the menu for the salads were not there.

They do not compare very well with Crispers as far as their salads are concerned.

Gandolfos
 

Feel sorry for this business enterprise, but it was so obvious at the start that the high prices charged by this eatery for a sandwich would probably not make it. They are surrounded by cheaper, good subs at Subway, Crispers, Giovanni's, and even Publix. I made one visit for a chicken salad sandwich. No chips, not even a pickle, and a carryout sandwich was $7.95. Sandwich was excellent, but too much money. New Jersey Mike's had the best idea. Right away, as soon as they opened, they had offers on the Buffalo Booster card, newspapers, and local free magazine-type handouts. I was there last week and their business was booming!

I've been to Gandolfos for breakfast sandwiches with extra meat and the cost was less than $5.00 and the coffee was free. A pretty good value if you ask me. I hope they survive.

John

Have ordered takeout several times from Gandolfos and have never been disappointed. Good value for the size portions they serve.

Bad Experience
 

Called Gandolfo’s this past Monday at about 7:15 pm to see if they were open. They answered and said they were open till 8. Got there around 7:35 and found the doors locked. Looked in through the windows and everything was put away and cleaned up. One of the workers was sitting outside and said they were closed, I mentioned I had just called, etc. She called and someone came to the door and let us in. Said they haven’t had any business all day to speak of and haven’t sold anything in the last 2 hours or so prompting them to close down under direction of the owner (s). We were asked what we wanted and started to place our order but found they were out of most everything, so we left with a bad taste in our mouths.

jfk

Looks like the writting is on the wall for another business unable to survive. Might be too late to revamp a business at this point.

I do enjoy the food, the problem I have had there is waiting. It seems the owner or manager doesnt have enough help behind the counter making the food. This past Sunday I went in around 9 am and was the only one in line. Ordered 2 bagels with cream cheese. Bagels were put in the toaster then wham! Customers started coming in. So the bagels sat in the toaster while the only person there took order after order until 5 or 6 were backed up. Then about 15 minutes later I got my bagels. The times Ive been there for lunch it seems about the same. Like I said, I like the food but the service does suck.

We have had the same experience. I've owned a small business. If you are the least bit competent, things always run better if you are "hand's on" during the operation. It's called quality control.
I have often wondered why anyone would go to the effort and investment to set up a business and then not participate further. Getting it up and running is only the beginning. The commitment to quality must be there, especially in the service industry.
A little effort is certainly cheaper than dealing with the residue after it's gone down the tubes. :$:

I agree Brewster. Especially when Tal said that salad was missing ingredients. They don't seem to have enough money to function well and continue.

Looks like another business unable to survive the summer, the slow season. That is Florida's curse to eateries.

Just a humorous experience we had at Gandolfo's awhile back.
My wife and I stopped by to order take out sandwiches. There were no other customers in the store. The lady behind to counter told us to take a number, which we did, then she took our order. We stood there waiting for our food for a few minutes. Then the same lady who took our order came back to the counter and hollered "number 6" and stood there surveying the restaurant. There were still no other customers in sight. I sort of chuckled and gave her our number ticket and we were on our way.
Nothing bad happened, the food was fine, if was just funny.

Don't be so quick to write off Gandolfo's. The owner, Roger, just bought out his partners and is buying a catering truck. He's very accessible and should be told of any problems. He is working very hard to get this off the ground. He catered our night golf tournament on Tuesday for 60 people and it was wonderful. And only about $5.00 a head. Give the guy a break. We need more Mom & Pop locations (even if this is really a chain).

:agree::agree:I agree. Give them a break. I know I will.

They are human, and even make mistakes
 

. . . . but they do try to correct them. And the food is 'to kill for'

I'll give Roger and his crew my business, wish them well and enjoy the best sandwich around.

In this case I will give them another try.It's always nice to see people try to improve things.

IMO - I think it would be better for you to start a new thread touting Gandolfo's and the new owners instead of including it under such a negative thread.

............Can we please have a heads up on WHERE the heck they are/will be LOCATED......I am not the brightest knife in the ocean ...but C'mon ..PLEEEZE tell me where they will be serving this good food.....and the DAYS and HOURS w/the PHONE NUMBER would be appreciated........Have lived IN The Villages way over three years and never heard of them....guess I can't see the forest for the clouds..........Thanks....Can't wait to make them a Favorite.....

Is this the one?
 

3509 Wedgewood Ln
The Villages, FL 32162

(352) 259-6171
www.gandolfosdeli.com

Thank You
 

.....a Thank You for "jebartle"..... I appreciate your kind efforts to supply this information.......people like you make The Villages a pleasant place to live.

Sounds like a Saturday Night Live skit! :1rotfl::1rotfl:

Mrfixit, you are priceless:laugh: I'd love to make wall words outta these! Thanks for the chuckle!
Hope the new reorganized Gandolfo's will do very well!

We went for lunch today and they are closed. Sign in the window said new owners and they would reopen Tuesday. Seems like they were only open for less than a year and already new owners...?

that is why they have new owners. give the new people a chance

Gandolfo's not open 10/9 at noon
 

My friend and I stopped by Gandolfo's at noon yesterday, Sunday, 10/9. Not open --too bad -- I wanted to try them out. :(

I realize I have a strange sense of humour, I find things like that absolutely hilarious. Sounds like a Monty Python skit.

Went to Gandolfo's
 

yesterday and had a great sandwich. I had the Club Met and DH had the King of Queen's. We will go back as it was the best and biggest half sub with the freshest ingredients that we have had for awhile.

LW888

Sounds like a scene from an Adam Sandler movie, I think...perhaps "Anger Management." The airport scene comes to mind. :a040:

This is a real sore spot for me and my wife. This bait and switch stuff happens too often. One printing error same on me ,two shame on you. given the internal and financial problems cited in this thread leaves me to question
if these were errors.

I try not to judge but twice???????

Please note that the post you responded to is quite old. Gandolfo's has new owners now. Give them a try. I did and like it.

Please give them another try. We need to keep the small resturants in The Villages so we don't end up with only fast-food chains.

newspapers do not honor the misprinted info in their weekly flyers - why should a restaurant honor a misprint in their advertising?

does not sound like a bait and switch to me - sounds like a printing error and a correction.

The post you quoted was from Feb.......you think the new owners might operate differently?

Anyone that has had a problem in the past should go try it again. The new owners are doing a good job. I'm always quick not to return once I've had a bad experience but have learned that is not always good practice. Everyone has a bad day occasionally. :wave:

Picked up some great sandwhiches for lunch the other day. Still great!

Well...I just discovered Gandolfo's a few weeks ago.
I have been there several times and every sandwich I had was great.
Plus, the new owners were there and they seem to really be working hard.
This last week, he said business was growing and things were looking good.
The sandwiches there are HUGE and fresh.
I don't know about the trouble earlier, but the place is fantastic now!

Great Sandwich there today .

We also just recently had lunch from Gandolfo's and it was GREAT!!!!! Every table inside & out were occupied which is a good sign. We definetly will patronize the place on a regular basis.