Mitten Pizza Co. In Rockford Calls Out Guests For Throwing Temper Tantrums

Last week the Mitten Pizza Company in Rockford opened up and the restaurant was an instant hit, unfortunately, that caused some long wait times and terrible guest behavior.

Get our free mobile app

The pizzeria opened last week in what was called a 'soft opening'. In restaurant terms, that usually means opening while training staff and setting up procedures. Many times guests go in knowing that wait times could be longer than normal as they 'work out the kinks'.

Unfortunately, not only was Mitten Pizza company trying to train and establish procedures but they were also hit by Covid absences that further slowed service and increased wait times.

In a message on social media, Mitten Pizza Company co-owner Chris Andrus laid out the situation for prospective patrons:

During this “soft” opening period, we have been utterly overwhelmed with orders, and are trying desperately to find a balance between meeting your expectations and being fair to our team. Today we received more than 150 orders before we even opened. It is nearly impossible to make that many pizzas in a reasonable time frame.
We’re not complaining; rather, we are hopeful. The vast majority of things went right tonight, and our team stayed positive and did their best to have fun. But some things simply didn’t go as well as we would have liked. Orders got lost. Were made wrong. Were overcooked. Some guests understandably left unhappy. It happens. But please know that we are still training, and sadly some of our staff are out sick with Covid-19 infections.

All these challenges notwithstanding, I am so very proud of this young team. They are—without a doubt—some of the hardest working young people I’ve ever had the pleasure to know. On their behalf, I thank you for your support, and I ask you for your continued patience. I promise that we will only get better.

Unfortunately, after a very busy weekend, while thanking those who were patient and respectful, the restaurant called out those that decided to have temper tantrums...over pizza...directed at teens:

Our soft opening is officially in the books! To all the guests who were supportive and patient: THANK YOU. You have no idea how much it meant to us. We will work that much harder for you.

To all the guests who walked past this sign and STILL directed temper tantrums at teenagers because their pizza was late: You have NO IDEA how much that hurt. Do better.

Following the busy week, the restaurant has announced that their soft open will continue this week and they will ONLY be accepting online orders on a limited 'first come, first serve' basis. You can find out more and order on their website: MittenPizzaCo.com