Allison H.
Yelp
As someone who has stopped by Newts regularly for 2+ years, I can't believe that I haven't posted a review. In general, great staff who work their butts off and bring a smile to customers faces. Especially Mike Bishop, who was just fired from Newts. While I only have one side of the story, am under the impression that it was for no warrantable reason and that is a damn shame. Especially given his impeccable service to the restaurant, recently having picked up shifts meaning that he worked 7 days a week, often doubles, to help out other locations.
If you're looking for a decent burger, or unnecessarily large nachos, this is a good place to go without breaking the bank. They have some good appetizers that I'd recommend, including their Zippy Poppers. I actually enjoy their wings. Nothing really healthy on the menu, but they do offer a few salads, and you can exchange your burger for a chicken breast which may appeal to some. Not a very diverse menu, and the menu NEVER changes, but it's decent food.
I find it unacceptable, however, how the owners treat their staff. It's largely spoken among the the service industry in Rochester that Newts treats their employees poorly. Open on days where other businesses are closed (like major holidays or during serious winter storms), demoting or firing employees who are only trying to better the restaurant, only maintaining the employees who want to keep the status quo (i.e. play the game), and more. In the time that I've regularly gone to Newts (at least 1x a week over the past 2 years, often more) I've seen at least three people be fired who I thought were excellent staff, and were reasons I went to Newts. I can confidently tell you that I, and many others, go in knowing when Mike works.
I'm not sure whether I'll continue to support Newts. Sadly, there are still some quality staff that I'd love to continue to give my money to, but it really hurts me to now see how staff can be treated. I supported the people who work there, more than anything, and not sure that I need the stomachache.