A pizzeria owner in Melbourne has attracted significant attention for his humorous and sharp responses to negative online reviews. Ali Cengiz, who owns Sunnyside Sliced, a New York-style pizzeria located in Mentone, has chosen to take a lighthearted approach to criticism, which has resonated with many social media users. Cengiz, a 38-year-old who spent a decade living in New York, believes that when reviews cross a line, they warrant a cheeky comeback.
Cengiz’s responses have gained traction after a series of one-star reviews highlighted perceived shortcomings at his establishment. For instance, one reviewer described his pizza as “expensive” and criticized its flavor, claiming that the sizes, priced at $9 (approximately $6 USD) for slices and between $40 and $60 (about $26 USD to $40 USD) for 18-inch pies, were “outrageous.” Cengiz retorted, “No more pizza for you! Lifetime ban.”
Another dissatisfied customer complained about the service and declared they would “never go back.” Cengiz’s response was equally candid: “The same staff member you had an issue with has received countless praise. In this particular circumstance, I side with them.” Such exchanges have sparked debate among Australians, with opinions divided on whether his approach is entertaining or unprofessional.
While some critics suggest that Cengiz’s replies come off as “mean” rather than constructive, others appreciate his candidness. One supporter stated, “The sass makes me want to fly to Melbourne just for that pizza.” Cengiz’s unique method of addressing reviews has not only garnered attention on social media but also serves as a form of advertisement for his business.
Cengiz emphasizes that he values constructive feedback. “If someone’s had a bad experience, I want to know so we can make it right,” he told news.com.au. He believes that thoughtful criticism is essential for improvement, but he also feels a responsibility to defend his team against unfair or damaging comments. “You can be honest without being hurtful, and that’s the standard I try to hold on both sides.”
The owner also highlighted the potential impact of negative reviews on his staff, particularly younger team members. “The impact of that can be real,” he stated. “Sometimes reviews feel disrespectful because we haven’t even been given a chance to fix the issue.” Cengiz aims to keep his responses light-hearted, maintaining that a little banter can help defuse tension.
Born and raised in a suburban pizzeria on the outskirts of Melbourne, Cengiz initially sought a career in finance after swearing he would never return to the food industry. However, a renewed passion for pizza emerged during his time in New York, leading him to establish Sunnyside Sliced in 2020. His aim is to share his story and bring joy to customers through his food.
“Everyone I’ve crossed paths with has been incredibly kind,” Cengiz remarked. “It’s a journey worth sharing, one slice at a time.” As he continues to navigate the challenges of running a pizzeria, his viral responses serve as both a reflection of his character and a testament to his commitment to customer engagement.
