Friend's Garden

This information pertains to Friend's Garden, a Chinese restaurant located at 56 Central St in Winchendon, Massachusetts (01475). Friend's Garden can be contacted at (978) 297-2277 or via their mobile number +1 978-297-2277. As a Chinese restaurant in Winchendon, Friend's Garden likely offers a variety of Chinese dishes, potentially including both dine-in and delivery/takeout services.

However, it is crucial to address significant negative feedback received from recent customers, as this information is essential for local users considering dining or ordering from Friend's Garden. The two publicly available reviews paint a concerning picture regarding the restaurant's food quality, order accuracy, and customer service, particularly concerning their delivery system.

One highly critical review strongly advises potential customers to "Don't waste your hard earned money here." This reviewer detailed multiple issues with their order, including it not being correct and being charged extra for items they did not receive or even order. Furthermore, they found the food to be overwhelmingly "bland," specifically describing the rice as "awful" and lacking any flavor, suggesting it was comparable to plain white rice. The crab rangoon was also criticized, with the filling being deemed "not terrible" but the dough described as "gross and not cooked right" and containing a minimal amount of filling. The ribs were noted as "dry" and "not flavorful," and even the General Tso's chicken, while not the worst, did not receive a positive rating. The beef lo mein was also described as "flavorless." This overwhelmingly negative experience led the reviewer to state they "will never go back here" and considered it a "waste of money and a huge disappointment." They also expressed a desire for another Chinese option in Winchendon, implying that Friend's Garden is significantly lacking. The reviewer concluded by stating they were unsure how anyone could enjoy the food and wished they could give a zero rating.

The second review focuses heavily on negative experiences following a change to a "separate delivery system." This long-time customer of almost 28 years reported consistent problems with their orders arriving "wrong, cold and usually late" since this change. They also described the delivery company as "rude" and unconcerned about order accuracy or delivery times, even citing issues with drivers being unable to locate apartment units despite clear signage. The customer's attempt to resolve these issues by speaking with the "manager" resulted in an "appalling experience." The person on the phone, who initially presented as a customer representative, claimed to put the customer on hold to find a manager but was overheard having a casual conversation with a colleague about putting the customer "on mute." This same person then allegedly pretended to be the manager, promising better service in the future. This egregious lack of professionalism and deceptive behavior led the customer to vow to never order from Friend's Garden again, opting instead to travel to another town for Chinese food. This review highlights severe issues with both the delivery service and the apparent dishonesty of the staff.

Given these two recent and extremely negative reviews, local users in Winchendon, Massachusetts, should be extremely cautious when considering Friend's Garden. The complaints extend beyond mere dissatisfaction with taste, encompassing incorrect orders, extra charges, poorly prepared food, and severely unprofessional customer service, particularly concerning the delivery system. The allegations of bland and flavorless food across multiple dishes, poorly cooked items like the crab rangoon, and issues with dryness further indicate significant problems with food quality and preparation.

The reviews provide no positive feedback regarding the environment of the restaurant for dine-in customers. The focus is entirely on negative experiences with the food and service, especially delivery. Therefore, no information can be provided about the ambiance, cleanliness, or overall dining atmosphere at Friend's Garden.

The services offered by Friend's Garden presumably include takeout and delivery, given the detailed negative experiences with the latter. However, the issues reported with the delivery service, including late and incorrect orders and rude drivers, are significant deterrents. The mention of incorrect takeout orders in the first review also suggests potential problems with order accuracy regardless of the service method. Dine-in service is likely available, but the severe criticisms of the food quality would apply to this option as well.

There are no positive features highlighted in these reviews. The consistent themes are bland and poorly prepared food, incorrect orders, extra charges, and unprofessional customer service, especially with the outsourced delivery. The long-term customer's negative experience after the delivery system change is particularly concerning for the restaurant's reputation and service standards.

No promotional information is mentioned in either review. Given the overwhelmingly negative feedback, it is unlikely that any current promotions would outweigh the reported issues with food and service quality.

For local users in Winchendon seeking Chinese cuisine, these reviews strongly suggest exploring alternative options, even if it requires traveling outside of town, as recommended by one of the reviewers. The consistent complaints about bland and poorly cooked food, coupled with serious issues regarding order accuracy and unprofessional customer service, paint a picture of a restaurant that is currently failing to meet basic customer expectations.

In conclusion, based on the provided customer reviews, Friend's Garden at 56 Central St in Winchendon, MA, has received significant negative feedback concerning bland and poorly prepared food, frequent order inaccuracies, extra charges for missing items, and severely unprofessional customer service, particularly with their new delivery system. Long-term customers have reported a significant decline in service quality. Local users are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution and consider alternative Chinese dining options due to these serious and consistent complaints.