Anthony

I stopped for a quick bite at Anthony's near Midway and was surprised at the number of admonitions to the customer printed all over the menu and plastered on the walls of this rather small establishment. Here are some of them.

"Due to the high volume of phone orders, for us to serve you better, have your order ready and be more specific when calling." (Menu, p 1)

"IF IT IS NOT IN THE MENU WE DON'T MAKE IT." (Menu, pp 1, 2, 3, 5, 6)

"NO SUBSTITUTIONS - NO EXCEPTIONS" (Menu, pp 2, 3, 5, 6)

"All sandwiches come as described! Substitutions or trimmings on the side will not be given. Thank you."

"Attention to all our customers. In order for us to maintain our prices and continue to provide the service and quality of our operation from now on there will be a 25 cent charge on any additional trimming other than the way we offer the product on our menu. There will be no exceptions. Thank you. The Management."

"Please do not stand in line unless you are ready to order. Thank you."

"No standing here at any time unless picking up ice cream."

"Attention. Due to higher food cost in order for us to maintain our prices. . . Please do not waste any condiments on this table: ketchup, black pepper, salt, cups and do not throw trays in garbage. Anyone caught doing so will no longer be allowed in the restaurant. The Management."

"Attention to our valuable customers: It was brought to our attention that there have been times that your orders have not been correct. We do believe that at times mistakes happen even though we are using a computerized system. The majority of the time the mistakes happen because the customer does not know the menu well enough (preparation and trimming of our products). The menu is always the same and never changes. It is designed to be self-explanatory and we don't do anything different. There are times that the way orders are placed by the customers mean something different altogether to us. Please if you're not familiar with the menu take your time and read it and then place your order. If at any time you have any questions please feel free to speak to a manager. If you are still not satisfied please contact the owner Anthony Vassiliou."

Burger wasn't bad and the product came trimmed as described in the menu. Bottle of St Pauli Girl was $2.50, even better. I drank a second one while I sat back and read the signs.

Anthony's
"Where Quality and Service are Our Pride."
4720 W 63rd St
Chicago
773-585-7180

Rene G wrote:"NO SUBSTITUTIONS - NO EXCEPTIONS"

Rene,

Sounds like me and my WSM 5-Step BBQ method.

Enjoy,
Gary

You forgot my favorite. "CAMERA IS WATCHING YOU" on little stickers on the gumball machines. The signage is hilarious. You got to be there when the owner is there. VERY "Soup Nazi" like. Always worth it. Oh and the food is decent to LOL.

Phil

Hi,

Erik reported on a similar dining as navigating a mine-field experience at Hellas on the other board in May. As good as his writing, it is far better to hear the theatrical rendition Erik offers. It is so funny, it is not responsible to drive and listen!

Mr. Vassiliou is likely Romanian, I know Hellas has a Greek owner ... I will guestimate they are both immigrants, who are baffled by American customs. We are simply spoiled children in their eyes; we don't understand hardship and should be grateful (a reoccuring conversation theme with my Irish immigrant Grandfather). What they are serving is not haute cuisine, where the Chef is understandably dismayed his efforts are being mangled. This is family restaurant style meals with owners who have vivid memories of negative interactions with prior customers. You just know each sign is the result of some battle royal; where they 'won' when the customer exited.

Thanks Rene, as well as Erik, for reporting these interesting places I may just visit once.

Posted at the request of c8w: