Pizzeria Owner Responds to Negative Reviews with Humor

A pizza shop owner has gained attention online after he posted a witty response to negative reviews about his restaurant.

Sunnyside Sliced, a New York-style pizzeria located in Mentone, south-east Melbourne, has its share of critics, like any dining establishment.

Ali Cengiz, who started this pizzeria after a decade in New York City, decided to tackle the one-star reviews in a uniquely candid manner.

This became apparent when he faced a particularly harsh critique.

“Expensive…a little outrageous,” one customer noted, commenting on the price of large slices at $9 (US$6) and 18-inch pizzas costing between $40 (US$26) and $60 (US$40).

Another review labeled the New York style pizza as “basic” and the sauce as unremarkable.

Cengiz replied, “I won’t let him eat pizza anymore! It’s a permanent ban.”

Another user remarked that the assessment was skewed, saying, “An overestimation is an underestimation,” while they criticized the service.

“I left them with $9 (US$6) and left. They don’t even deserve to complain,” the person added.

Cengiz countered, “Every time you step away from the store, you pay $9 (US$6).”

One customer mentioned receiving something overly salty and described the service as unsatisfactory.

Cengiz responded, “There’s no way the pizza was as salty as your review states.”

Another person criticized the staff’s response, claiming, “I’ll never go back.”

Cengiz retorted, “The same staff member you had trouble with has received numerous compliments. I’m on their side here.”

His cheeky interactions have sparked diverse opinions among Australians, with some questioning his approach to customer service.

One social media user felt that his responses sounded more “mean” than constructive.

They noted, “The owners seem to be attempting humor, but it doesn’t quite resonate well.”

Another chimed in, saying, “Cheeky replies to bad reviews can be amusing, but these customers have real concerns.”

Meanwhile, others supported Cengiz, stating he was merely pushing back against “fake reviews and consistent complaining.” One fan expressed a desire to travel to Melbourne just to try the pizza, emphasizing that any publicity is beneficial.

Cengiz explained to news.com.au that he appreciates feedback, especially when shared privately via email or in direct conversation.

“If someone has faced an issue, we want to know to rectify it,” he said.

“Thoughtful criticism can help us improve, and I always approach this with respect.”

However, he believes that reviews that turn personal or misleading cross a line, stating it hampers genuine feedback and compels him to defend both his team and the establishment.

Cengiz acknowledged that some customers can be quite rude, which particularly affects the younger staff members.

“The impact can be significant,” he noted.

He strives to maintain honesty without being hurtful, saying he prefers light-hearted responses over negative exchanges.

“Sometimes, I feel reviews can come off as harsh before we’ve even had the chance to address the issue. So, rather than remaining silent, I bring in a bit of humor,” he explained.

Cengiz spent his early life working in a suburban pizzeria outside of Melbourne and initially had no plans to return to the industry. Instead, he spent ten years in finance in New York.

In 2020, his passion for pizza rekindled, leading to the creation of Sunnyside Sliced with an intention to share his story and “make people happy.”

“People are incredibly kind here,” Cengiz remarked. “Whether it’s a late-night delivery or an early morning meeting, I always receive uplifting words.”

“This journey is one worth sharing, one slice at a time.”