A pizza shop owner in Melbourne has sparked an online storm with his uniquely blunt and unapologetic responses to customers who leave one-star reviews for his business.
The No-Nonsense Responses Dividing the Internet
Ali Cengiz, who runs Sunnyside Sliced in Mentone, in Melbourne's south-east, has adopted a confrontational style when replying to criticism on review platforms. His shop serves New York City-style pizza, inspired by his decade living in the Big Apple, with slices priced around $9 and 18-inch pizzas costing between $40 and $60.
One diner commented that the pizza was "on the pricey end, but not too bad," and suggested the establishment had been overhyped. Mr Cengiz's retort was succinct: "I have considered your feedback and decided that you are sour."
Another customer claimed their pizza was "dry and chewy." The owner's response was equally defiant: "Thank you for your feedback. I'll endeavour to change absolutely nothing."
A Heated Exchange and Public Reaction
The situation escalated further when a customer complained about the service, leading to a heated back-and-forth. Mr Cengiz defended his staff member, stating they had received "countless praise" and that he sided with them, signing off with a dismissive "So long." The dissatisfied reviewer fired back, criticising the owner's attitude and stating they wished they could give "negative stars."
The owner's unconventional approach has drawn a mixed response from the public. Some have criticised his lack of business etiquette. "The sass is hysterical but this is such poor form wtf? Never seen anything like it," one woman commented online. Another observer noted that while sassy replies can be funny, these responses to legitimate concerns were "disgusting."
Support for the Owner's Honest Stance
However, many have applauded Mr Cengiz for his honesty and for standing up to what they perceive as unfair criticism. "The sass makes me want to fly to Melbourne just for that pizza. I don't care if it's good or not. Good advertisement," one supporter wrote.
Others have theorised that the owner, who has told unhappy customers "No more pizza for you! Lifetime ban," is a fan of the classic TV show Seinfeld, referencing its famous "No Soup for You" line. This has led some to view his comments as attempted satire, though opinions differ on its success. One user even suggested he consider a mid-career change to comedy.
The debate continues to highlight the fine line businesses walk when managing their online reputation, balancing customer feedback with brand identity.
