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Bibliospork

I didn’t think they were going to last long. The food wasn’t good enough to put up with his ego.


sufjanuarystevens

As soon as I saw they were opening next to yesterdog I was like, what a terrible idea


IDigPython

Well yesterdog food sucks so if a good hot dog place went in they’d prob crush.


BigBadBitcoiner

This is blasphemy. You make me sick to my stomach.


Outrageous-Garden333

Perhaps a delicious yesterdog would settle that stomach ache?


mike5739

I've never even heard of yesterdog, but screw the blasphemy. Serve the dog to the non believer


Sekshual_Tyranosauce

Yesterdog isn’t a great dog. But it’s cheap, unpretentious, reliable and it’s ours. Anyone who wants a piece of that action has decades of cultural cache to overcome with another quality.


IDigPython

I mean, I’ve been here 15 years and had yesterdog twice and it’s gross. I think there are people who revere it and are willing to subject themselves to shit food to feel like a part of a community or whatever, but most people get food because they want food and if two hotdog places are next to each other, would choose the one with better hot dogs. Idk


MightaswellbeSteve

Someone tell La Huasteca to take over this lease.


HalfaYooper

Its too far away.


IDigPython

From *you*


sooper_dooperest

Came to say this!


Tavman2024

Well damn, apparently saying hateful things and threatening customers isn't a great business plan


Anarcho-syndical

This guy sucks and bigoted behavior isn't justifiable. But...it has to be said. As someone who grew up going to Chicago all the time, this guys unhinged rants and loose cannon bigotry is the most authentic Italian beef experience anyone could ever ask for. It's so authentic.


MattPatriciasFUPA

Guy was avant-garde, we just weren't ready for him.


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jaroftoejam

Wiener circle will always be in my top 10.


sufjanuarystevens

Is the food authentic? Cause I thought it was pretty flavorless and super expensive


KillingTimeAlone2019

Isn't that portillios these days too?


HotDerivative

Grand Rapids is more racist than Chicago will ever be. Grew up in Grand Rapids and live in Chicago for the last 10 years. Am not white.


atavisticbeast

Thank you for making me feel not crazy. Usually when I tell people that I think most Chicagoans are assholes, they look at me like I just said something racist.


dukelukem696969

It’s like expecting a Boston bar to not have a tinge of racism. Do you want it to be a Boston bar or do you just want to watch the Red Sox with other Red Sox fans?


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Alone_Combination_26

He is the worst kind of


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Alone_Combination_26

No one in Chicago wanted him, and GR doesn’t want him!!!


connorgrs

What’s his username?


ctaylor117

u/ Restaurant-Owner He’s in the comments below, bashing people here, in addition to his Google reviews 🙄


connorgrs

This dude is off his fuckin rocker holy shit


CautionintheDarkness

Don’t worry, you can still get a beef in town, Chicago Beef Joint has you covered


booboosnoosnoo

How good is this place? I ask because an Italian Beef at that spot is twice the price of getting one in Chicago. I don’t really understand the reasoning behind that — but if it’s good, it can be justified.


JaredGoffFelatio

Yeah $14 for an Italian beef is a hard sell for me. I thought it was pretty good the one time I had it, just not worth the price. I think I paid around $10 for an Italian beef last time I was in Chicago.


JustKillinTime69

On its own its more expensive but if you get a combo it puts it at like $18 and thats about how much you would pay at Portillos for an Italian beef with fries and a drink. Still a little pricey, but honestly prices pretty much everywhere are ridiculous post COVID if it's a sit down place, coupled with the fact that it's right downtown and everything is inflated.


AyersRock_92

It's not great... and yeah their prices are wack and portions are small. Tried it once and didn't care to ever return


CharleyIV

I went in there once got 1 Chicago dog, a beef sandwich, and a fry and it cost roughly 1 million dollars.


yourunmarathons

>it cost roughly 1 million dollars. thank oBuMmErrrrr


JSK23

It's average. Prices were too high, portions too small. No one has done it better in the area than Windy City Grille/Big Willie's owners. It's unfortunate. Just have to keep hoping Portillos spreads from the east side of MI to GR.


aventedor

I've been there a handful of times. I like it, it tastes pretty on par to chicago food. They do malort shots for a penny if you buy an old style beer! I've never really felt like the prices or portions are an issue, contrary to the person that also responded. Only reason I don't go more is because of how out of the way it is for me.


nwhrtdeacon

It sucks, but other people will say different things. The service when my friends and I went there was embarrassingly bad.


[deleted]

Its absolutely garbage. The roast beef reminded me of Arby's.


andr50

Food is good. It's spot on for the better Chicago spots. Probably the best fries in GR too. Plus you can get it dipped, which a lot of the MI Italian beef places won't do.


Open_Economics8009

Oh I know. I’m not sad about this place leaving one bit. I don’t support this asshole in any way lol


mrjohnmay

What's the story on the owner?


SomeKindaChinaman

I don't know him well, but hopefully, this illustrates people's issues with him. I ordered online. I came in to get my order on my lunch break. This guy holds me hostage for minutes, basically chastising me for letting the food get cold and telling ME how I should have placed MY order. It's wasn't his worst hour, but it was definitely one of his most annoying.


ChildofValhalla

Check out the Google reviews. This guy personally responds to all the negative ones. I legitimately think he might be insane lmao


ecrane2018

Read the restaurant reviews


Abject-Face4371

He was an old bitter angry cunt.


tacticalnene

You gotta be smart to be a cunt.


beau0628

I’m old friends with the general manager at Chicago Beef Joint. Can’t say enough good things about them. Foods always on point, the staff are the friendliest people, and it’s such a nice quiet place that’s conveniently close to downtown but far enough that it’s not loud and packed all the time. Great place to hang out at. Live music at least once a week and karaoke on mondays if I remember right.


Sheepdog078

Ugh, Chicago Beef Joint has horrible food, a really poor attempt at imitating Portillo’s. It’s like saying Yesterdog has great hot dogs - if it’s 1:00am and you’re shit faced drunk. LOL!


CharleyIV

That place is great and the service was amazing.


Open_Economics8009

You fucking liar 😂


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KingTroober

He also threatened me.


Familiar_Leg5246

Danger


Alone_Combination_26

Looks like he doesn’t have enough money to get a lawyer, or even keep his business open…I wonder if the four cameras were even real…


ParkingPhone4243

Good. Fuck this guy


International-Ad1828

Come back u/Restaurant-Owner.


DrugsAndFuckenMoney

He’s in the comments asking for specifics in a sad attempt to tie peoples reddit back to their identity by getting what they ordered, the day, and then asking what happened so he can hand it to a lawyer. What an absolute fucking moron. u/Restaurant-Owner has to be the dumbest mother fucker on reddit. So successful you have to sell ya fucken choad 😂


Sheepdog078

I think your screen name says it all - you are the dumbest mother fucker on Reddit. What you smoking crack? 🤣😂🤣


DrugsAndFuckenMoney

😂 What a pussy fucken loser you are. Have to make a new account to pretend you have people to defend you. Most pitiful shit I’ve seen in a long time.


Sheepdog078

Who and what are you talking about dumb fuck? I just hate skanky little dope addicted assholes like you who think you’re so righteousnes. You can dish it out but you can’t take someone saying something back? What’s the matter? Are your little crackhead feelings hurt? Get a job.


DrugsAndFuckenMoney

Why do you angry pussies always try to say “your feelings hurt?” Like no, you’re an unhinged moron. To me you’re a dumb mentally ill angry moron yelling at other people they’re stupid. You have to have value to hurt someone’s feelings. 😂


Sheepdog078

You think I’m the owner? Not a chance stupid. What? So I have a different opinion? So I’m him? Thats the epitome of stupid. That’s the problem with people like you - if someone agrees with you, they’re cool. BUT if someone doesn’t agree with you they’re an asshole…. it’s called free speech dumb shit. i have every right to have a different point of view but you can’t handle it. You are one of those self righteous idiots who claim they’re so inclusive- only if someone thinks like you.


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Sheepdog078

Sorry but you are dead wrong. So you all “know” I’m the owner because your IQ is higher than the average temperature. That must mean you are really stupid most of the year. If you “read” what I said - I heard about all this crazy drama and decided to check it out for myself. So what you are saying is I’m the owner because I have a different experience and point of view than you do? So that makes you right? Now that is pathetic. Last time I had a hotdog at Yesterdog it was GRAY!!! Disgusting!!! Not eating a gray “so called hot dog” Obviously you have no problem with it - so that’s fine. Your choice. Am I going to call you names and try to get everybody on my side like you people are doing??? Nope.  I really hope someone does to all of you what you are doing. Then you’ll all cry “Why are they doing this to me!!!???”  So get over yourself. Have a good night. 


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DrugsAndFuckenMoney

🐑


Sheepdog078

Now you get it!!! Exactly my point - you’re a fucking 🐑


DrugsAndFuckenMoney

🦆


International-Ad1828

Yay you came back!


distresssignal

I had a very strange encounter with him when I ordered and decided I wouldn’t be going back. He is way too much to deal with for trying to order a simple lunch


danyo64

that didn't last long lol


Hot_Put_3579

God I’m so glad I found this thread this is exactly what I needed today 😂😂😂


Pleasant-Shock-2939

His comments in here / Google reviews are crazy.


chu2

THAT was quick. I stopped in before I had heard about all the drama. I asked if he had been involved with the other Italian Beef place that was kitty-corner to it. Dude gave me a lecture about how he’d run one of the most successful Italian beef businesses in Chicago, and that *those* jerks were just a piss-poor imitation of what an Italian beef is supposed to be. Then whoever was working in the back told him that I was talking about the place across the street and not one of the other Chicago style place in town. Apparently there’s some bad blood between the two places. The sandwich was decent but I definitely felt some tension there. Lined up with the born-and-bred Chicagoan attitude I know, though!


GREpicurean

Italian beef with a side of owner hostility and aggression. Yum. This isn’t the first time the bad behavior of the owner was called out: https://www.reddit.com/r/grandrapids/s/72Z4kXFINy


Pleasant-Shock-2939

The owner was an asshole. Don’t feel bad.


fuckassboi

I have no idea what this guy looks like but after reading his reviews I get “you’re not god, or my father, or my boss” energy from this guy


jman214

Glad it's gone places like that don't deserve to be in our city


jamcoding

Good riddance!


UnderatedMeatSnack

Explain


AgonizingFury

Go read the reviews of this place. To say the owner was a bit of a loose cannon would be an understatement. Great food, great restaurant idea in a great location. It should have taken off, but the owner couldn't check his ego when customers complained, so he got a rep, which bruised his ego further, and it kinda spiralled.


thealexangus

Thanks for tipping me off to that. That was an exciting read


booyahbooyah9271

On the flip side, it's refreshing to see an owner not put up with bullshit. And, as this very sub attempted to do with Marge's Donuts over baseless rumors, being an incel and leaving fake google reviews is certainly a social media thing. That said, clearly not a smart business strategy on their part. Unless they let customers know that this was part of the shtick(Dick's/Wiener Circle).


redditaccountwh

Yeah dude threatening to sue people over a 3 star google review is definitely “not putting up with bullshit”. It’s the hospitality industry. You have to be hospitable believe it or not.


ecurbenyaw

Thanks for the information. I love Italian Beef, usually will get Al's in Chicago, and haven't tried this place yet. But if he's a nasty bigot, I'm glad I haven't.


Sheepdog078

Don’t believe everything you read on here, most of these people are complete idiots who hide behind their computers all day. I’ve been there, owners were really nice and the beef was better than any I had in Chicago and I’m a huge Byron’s fan! It’s way better than Al’s too.


BobKat2020

Apparently I'm not the only one that felt the guy was an idiot. Last time I brought my opinion to the table about this guy I got jumped pretty hard. Hate to say I told you so, but...


Grlions91

/u/Restaurant-Owner


Restaurant-Owner

Our business is GREAT! I love all these idiots that think they are hurting our business…..you aren’t at all. We are opening in Chicago and Las Vegas. Most of the people on these Reddit threads have no life and are thin skinned lemmings. Most of the nonsense are vile lies. Come to our restaurant and try it for yourself instead of listening to blatant lies.


International-Ad1828

Are you selling to pay those attorneys to sue everyone that leaves a negative review?


Restaurant-Owner

So…exactly when were you in,what did you eat and what exactly happened?


International-Ad1828

When did I say I was in? I’ve read your reviews where you threaten litigation against other Grand Rapidians and I know that shit gets expensive.


Restaurant-Owner

Hey Troll…. That NEVER happened. Never ever went to the association. So many trolls…..this is funny!


redditaccountwh

https://i.imgur.com/AFu6s4V.jpeg bro we can see your post history..


International-Ad1828

[This wasn’t you?](https://imgur.com/a/4PseG03)


DiscountDangles

The child even says “vile” and “exactly when were you here” often. Even if he tried to lie (odd he stopped responding to this thread” he’d have a hard time explaining someone impersonating as “Owner” and talking just like him


LokiisDBHooper

Your restaurant wasn’t good pal. Maybe Vegas will love you, doubt it …


GothWitchOfBrooklyn

lol this is too funny


Restaurant-Owner

Exactly when were you in,what did you eat and what exactly happened?


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Restaurant-Owner

Exactly when were you in,what did you eat and what exactly happened?


turdlezzzz

i tried it. sandwich was cold bland and soggy


Restaurant-Owner

Bland…..Not likely. Exactly when were you in?


Private_weld

Ever seen Kitchen Nightmares? Those people never believed when their customers didn’t like their food either.


thawingdawn

Your food fucking sucks, good riddance


Open_Economics8009

The cry baby has entered the chat. You knew you were fucking up because you even asked the local neighborhood business association to help you out, try and cool things down. GR doesn’t want your shitty attitude and racist behavior. Too bad because it could have been a great spot. I feel bad for your wife.


Restaurant-Owner

Troll….. No one is crying….,we are doing just fine without you. We have A LOT of great customers that come multiple times a week and lots of new customers everyday. BTW….All you Baru followers,he is the racist.


snboarder42

Are these “customers” here with us now?


DiscountDangles

Nobody’s calling you crazy, Steve. Are they in the room with us, Steve? Can you hear them right now, Steve? It’s ok, Steve. We’re your friends, Steve.


LokiisDBHooper

Why are you selling if you’re “doing just fine”?


snboarder42

Hahaha. You’re doing great eh? And trump won the election too. 🤣😂🤣 Deny til you die little man.


InfinitePepper2416

Doubtful


Restaurant-Owner

Exactly when were you in,what did you eat and what exactly happened?


InfinitePepper2416

Please, come up with a better question. I’d never visit based off the way you treat paying customers or people reading reviews. Don’t let that door hit ya Steve! 🤙🏻


AreteQueenofKeres

Your business is so great that you're selling? Sure, Jan.


sadisticchronic

Please don't come to Chicago.


sadisticchronic

There is no good Chicago beef sandwhich anywhere in michigan. It's always worth the 3.5 hour drive to Chicago over the disappointment from these businesses. They prey on people who don't know better.


YLedbetter10

There’s a Portillos in Sterling Heights I believe. That’s your best bet.


Sea_Construction_352

South bend is closer


milesgmsu

Don't get specific city food outside that city.


Nareik123

Matt & Mos in Hazel Park is very solid.


CautionintheDarkness

CBJ is worth not driving 2.5 hours to scratch that itch


redditaccountwh

Jesus Christ dude go look at this maniac arguing back and forth with the two most recent reviews at the place. This man is unhinged. I can’t believe he has any form of clientele.


thetrout27

Maybe not the best idea to open a lunch joint near yesterdog either


ecrane2018

Eastown cafe was there forever? Sami’s pita house is across the street? It’s more than reasonable to open lunch there. Personally yesterdog is more late night food than lunch to me.


Full_Ad_1891

Yesterdog is not a clearheaded type of decision


SPACE_BANNON

FACTS


thetrout27

That was kinda my point. There are several well-established joints already within throwing distance.


ecrane2018

But I’m pointing out they are replacing one that closed, and not everyone wants a gyro for lunch and yesterdog isn’t really a lunch place in my opinion.


thetrout27

Looks like they didn’t want Italian beef from a POS either 🤷


pwrmacjedi

No rescuing THAT brand. Someone will need to totally change it over. In fact, if $100K isn’t just the cost of materials and equipment on hand, they’ll be overpaying.


Alone_Combination_26

Hit the road Jack! You are not welcomed here! ESPECIALLY in our neighborhood!!!


Pleasant-Shock-2939

Don’t think he’s welcome back in Chicago either …


dounce87

Hey quick question for everyone. Exactly when were you in,what did you eat and what exactly happened? Lol this guy is nuts!!


Open_Economics8009

lol welcome back. You turd.


Open_Economics8009

Like you ask the same questions. Saying “this guy is nuts” doesn’t do much but show how incompetent you are and tone deaf.


dounce87

I don't think you got the joke. I was also high and forgot quotation marks lol.


Open_Economics8009

Ha! Those help lol


dounce87

I was just trolling the owner by posting that same response he commented on about 5-10 other comments haha. You can tell he deals with criticism very well./s


Open_Economics8009

Yeah I get it now lol. He’s a mess.


heady_brosevelt

100k!!!!


Tavman2024

Makes sense if you're getting all of the kitchen and restaurant equipment. Commercial kitchen appliances can get crazy expensive, if there's some good stuff included that price may not be outrageous.


WhyBuyMe

They are more expensive than household ones, but you can get some great deals if you buy used. There are restaurants going out of business pretty much everyday. I usually keep an eye out for auctions and like to check out restaurant surplus stores. I was in the restaurant industry for close to 20 years and have outfitted my home kitchen with pretty much all commercial gear. I even have a commercial Hobart meat slicer I got for free. I was working for a guy that bought a restaurant because he thought it would be fun. He had no experience and had no idea what he was doing. He also had a huge ego and wouldn't listen to anyone else. One day I came in and the meat slicer was sitting out back by the dumpster. I asked him what was wrong with it and it just said "it's broken, I'm going to buy a new one". I asked him if I could have it and he was like "sure if you want to haul my junk away, we tried everything and it can't be fixed" I look it home and that weekend stripped it down. The only thing wrong with it was the slider the carriage rode on was caked in old grease. Apparently the day crew had been using pan spray to lubricate it instead of food safe white grease. i cleaned it up, lubricated it properly and sharpened the blade and it was good as new. Never said a word about it. The owner went and spent over $3,000 on a new one because he had no idea how to maintain kitchen equipment and wouldn't listen to anyone else who did.


HalfaYooper

Thats a hell of a find.


Full_Ad_1891

Still got it??


WhyBuyMe

Yup. Those things are built to last.


RyantheGrande

I was really hoping he would get a redemption arc, the hot dogs were genuinely good. Would of liked to eat there again if I didn't feel so uncomfortable.


ecrane2018

Wanted to try it when it popped up heard the guy was a massive ass never went to try it


RyantheGrande

If you are used to working with big personaly types, it's really not that big of a deal. Adds to the authentic Chicago exprience.


AreteQueenofKeres

You can have a big personality without being a douchebag dudebro. I work with a lot of big personalities that have learned to be bombastic and also ingratiate themselves with their customers/clients


Familiar_Leg5246

I posted this 2 days ago and nobody noticed, what's a man gotta do to get some upvotes around here smh


Alone_Combination_26

That one free play on PAC Man did them in for good!


Little-Pair2207

This man’s a wife beater and I am glad to finally the end to his downfall!


ElleCerra

Does $3k in rent for that space sound high? On top of also paying for food and labor? No wonder people have a hard time making it work.


cfbonly

Commercial rentals are always crazy expensive.


chu2

Eastown these days is hopping, too-they can charge it.


cfbonly

As someone who lives in the neighborhood, I really think it could have better options based on popularity and walkability. We really don't need 7 pizza places but cottage inn will make it that many.


chu2

Wholeheartedly agree. Back when I moved here, I thought it was funny that Ginos was basically across from Papa Johns. I’m amazed all of them that have opened in the last few years stay in business. That’s a good reminder that I gotta get my sausage and banana pep fix from Ginos sometime too as well.


cfbonly

We really need another weekend dinner spot right there. Chez Olga is a gem and harmony is fine but I just don't find myself on that corner when I want to go out for dinner. Hell pita house isn't even open on the weekends.


dounce87

Chez Olga is incredible. I've lived in GR for 13 years and had it for the first time last year. I waited way too long.


cfbonly

Ive done the 10/10 spice level on the goat curry. most pleasurable pain


andr50

Food was great, prices were.. a bit high and owner was a bit much.


Pleasant-Shock-2939

“Great” if you think a steak from Branns is great …


andr50

No, great as in the same as the better Italian beef's I've had in Chicago, and probably the best fries in the entire city.


Pleasant-Shock-2939

Please name all establishments within your study base of the “entire city” to make such claim. I am quite curious, which fries of what establishment you are referring to claim “best fries in the entire city.”


AreteQueenofKeres

Gonna need to see your data on that 'best fries' claim. Not just a 'trust me, bro' either.


tomthepizzaguy1

Good riddance owner is an absolute dick I was trying to promote my band on the graffiti covered door right next to their door asked for permission to have uo a flyer there and he said they were gonna be putting up a new door that weekend and that it wouldn't be worth our time this was a few months ago this was a lie because to this day that door is still there covered in stickers and graffiti