JE
Jonathon Everman
Jun 13, 2026
I find myself genuinely conflicted when writing this review.
On one hand, the food was exactly what you would hope for from a fast-casual Italian restaurant. It arrived quickly, was fresh, flavorful, and prepared well. From a food standpoint, there is very little to criticize.
Unfortunately, dining out is about more than the food.
Throughout our visit, employees in the back of the house made audible comments about customers coming in before closing. Their remarks could be heard clearly throughout the dining room and left little doubt that our presence was viewed as an inconvenience. While I could have easily brushed those comments off, the situation affected my young daughter, who had been excited all day to go out to dinner with her dad. Watching that excitement turn into disappointment was genuinely upsetting.
What made the experience even more disappointing was that we were not the only customers subjected to it. A couple who came in after us ultimately chose to eat outside after hearing the comments, and a group of softball players arrived shortly afterward as well.
This is Fazoli's, a quick-service restaurant, not a fine-dining establishment where guests linger for hours. We ordered, ate our meal, cleaned up after ourselves, and were out the door by 9:20 p.m.—a full 40 minutes before closing. We did not create extra work, make unusual requests, or interfere with the staff's closing routine in any way.
As a customer, it is difficult to understand what offense was committed by simply dining during posted business hours. Restaurants have every right to establish their operating schedule, but guests should never be made to feel unwelcome for patronizing a business while it is still open.
The unfortunate reality is that the food was good. Had the experience been judged solely on what was served, this review would look very different. Instead, what should have been a simple father-daughter dinner became an evening overshadowed by an atmosphere that made customers feel like a burden rather than welcomed guests.
If you're considering a late-evening visit, particularly after 9 p.m. on a weekend, I would recommend ordering takeout or choosing another option. The food may satisfy, but based on this experience, the hospitality left a great deal to be desired.