Thursday, May 27, 2010

Fera's on Franklin

One of the main reasons why we ordered from this place in the past was that they deliver. We've had delivery from there a couple times, most recently on May 14, to mixed results. After finding out this place is no more than a 4 minute walk, one of us along with a guest personally went there to try it out in person to get a fair opinion on the place if there's any difference from their delivery to dine in.

For the delivery order, the Cajun Chicken Taco did not taste like Cajun and didn't really have any chicken in it. It was mostly lettuce and it was rather a plain taste for something that costs $4.25. The menu is also in a complete disarray. Most of us agreed it is very unorganized. You'll see subs and sandwiches all over it in any spot and there's nothing that stands out to define what they're about. It's really a sub place. They don't charge tax on the menu so the prices you see are what you pay for. It closes at 2:30 p.m and opened on the weekdays which similar to Sue's.

In the past for delivery, we found out a major size difference of foods between the orders. Some things can be more money than others but have lower quality and less quantity too, and vice-versa. The subs are also 8" instead of a foot and the price average is $6. The subs were so small that they could be eaten in less than 5 minutes. One of us got the Bacon Blue Burger Sub while the other got a Bacon Blue Combo Plate that comes with a third pound burger on a roll... and it was just the same as the sub right down to the bread that was used. Another one of us got the Lasagna and it was more than anyone could have expected... it was probably the biggest in terms of portion.

Now for today. The subs are made fresh, but we should have maybe preordered for this day. Today, it was packed as my guest with me said it was unusual. They do have an eating area to the side and front, but it is a bit tight in there while standing around for an order. We had to wait a while until we got ours since it was busy that moment.

They have something called ‘The Bomb’ for $6.75 as their most expensive sub. It's an 8" sub on their menu and all it says is, 'Please ask, it's hot & spicy.’ It has capicola, salami, and sausage. When ordered, the guy said, "I need a bomb!" When the order was ready, the guy yelled out, "Whose got a bomb?" The sub came with banana peppers and it was loaded with salami. This was actually a thick sub, super greasy though, with a ton of meat in it, but not as hot as it could have been.

We also noticed next door to this place there are five places that have lease signs as they are all vacant. There was a cafe and the Buffalo Room, but it is a shame to see on Franklin Street which has nothing in them like a Fera's, who has virtually no competition right now. It’s an okay place with an opportunity to walk to and get delivery, but there’s just nothing there too impressive to keep coming back.

Final Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Fera's on Franklin
http://www.buffaloplace.com/popupleaf/ferasonfranklin/252
168 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
716-856-6577

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I happened to stumble across your website by mistake and I wanted to know who you are? What expertise do you have in food service? Years in the business, qualifications - to be a critic? I'm glad you have patronized me in the past. I must know who you are. I'm rather taken back by your comments. I take pride in my work and put my life on the line everyday. So, at least tell me how big your reputation/organization really is? Please come forward here online and in person. I am not familiar with your website. Please elaborate. By the way, there are many reasons why I am the only guy left on Franklin Street - it's called sacrifice and dedication to getting it done "right" every new day! Your local restauranteer, Pete B.

Anonymous said...

Pete, you must not be familiar with how the Internet works. There's Zagat's and Michelin and there are DIY blogs that may lack what you consider "expertise" but help provide perspective.

I considered avoiding your place given the overly harsh "no bathroom" sign. I did stop in - I liked the food, and the service was good too - but given your disinterest in free speech that won't happen again.

Anonymous said...

You still cannot identify yourself. Oh well. You have every right to be so disatisfied you'll never be back. I just felt strongly that when you critique a locally-owned place where there is a lot of grit and pride that goes into every decision, there should be a more level playing field. 10 years ago, I never thought I'd be owning a small deli, sometimes in life things just happen. So for that, I am very grateful.

But I cannot worry about comments from nowhere when I don't see a face attached to it. I've been in the people business for 33 years. One secret is the human touch. It's something you don't see much anymore. Like if I was an "Undercover" boss who never worked in the trenches everyday yet preached from my pulpit w/o knowing the realities of each challenge. But I know the realities on the front line and behind the scenes and how the bills get paid and keeping employees happy/taken care of and so forth.

Finally, it has turned out to be the kind of place with a very loyal following that you might see in a big city where 20 things happen in a second, where everybody's in a hurry and you do your best to get through it making everyone as happy as possible. My regulars get it and often expect it. And some people are offended about any number of things, ie prices, portions, atmosphere, etc.

Sometimes I'm a bit harsh, to-the-point, aggressive, but you do it to keep the line moving so your clientele can get back to their daily business. And, in big cities, you get crude occassionally, ie, when many non-paying customers expect a bathroom and abuse it. And so, it's for the convenience of MY paying customers and an obligation with the State Health Department. Then again. many peole may not understand.

Hope you have a sense of humor and a happy holiday, life is too short.

Pete B./Owner of Fera's on Franklin