Italian restaurant Criniti’s relaunch drama as some guests complain of lack of toilet paper and ‘appalling’ customer service

Service and toilet paper ran short, some complained, but the relaunch of Criniti's did have fire twirlers … even if they did set the smoke alarms off.

It’s been a drama filled opening week for Italian restaurant, Criniti’s in Parramatta.

After much hype, the Church St eatery, which has replaced the famed El-Phoenician Lebanese restaurant, held a VIP event for influencers and celebrities like Gogglebox’s Jad Nehmetalla.

On social media the event went down a treat, with guests posting photos of a the restaurant’s famed metre-long pizzas and fire dancers.

However behind the scenes, those present complained of lack of service and toilet paper.

The fire dancers were popular. But they set off the smoke alarm in the venue. Twice.

Relaunch of Criniti’s at Parramatta on the 10th of August 2022. Picture: Instagram

Relaunch of Criniti's at Parramatta on the 10th of August 2022. Picture: Instagram.

“The venue smelt like wet paint,” one guest commented.

Another noted that there was no toilet paper available and said the toilets, which are unisex, didn’t have locks on the doors.

Criniti’s disputes that, and said the night went by “without a hitch”.

“The venue is brand new, hence of course will smell brand new. We are positive, based on all the feedback that all invited celebs and influencers thoroughly enjoyed themselves on the evening, as their socials speak louder than any stories,” said Kathy Criniti, the sister of founder Frank Criniti said.

“As per the bathrooms, every door had locks on them. I don’t even understand where this comment came from”

“Criniti’s put on a show that night, which was adorned by our fabulous canape and cocktails menu, flowing champagne, iconic bikes and a huge Criniti’s crest ice sculpture. The night was full of theatrics: MC, live entertainment and a DJ.

“I have yet to hear a comment of disappointment.”

It’s the latest opening since the restaurant chain, which had 13 stores, went into administration in 2019, with debts of more than $16.5 million. The chain is now owned by Brunelli Group and Premix King.

The fire dancers set off the smoke alarm at the launch. Picture: Instagram

A selection of food at the relaunch. Picture: Instagram

The first reviews from customers on Google were equally rocky, with many complaining about the lack of service for the opening weekend.

“It started rather well,” one diner wrote, before detailing dishes that didn’t turn up. “The customer service from everyone was rather appalling. We got very smart attitude and no care whatsoever,” they said.

Another described the customer service as “pathetic”, saying: “We stepped out of this restaurant and moved to another one. I won’t recommend it to anyone!!!”

Criniti's Italian restaurant opened to the public at 328 Church St, Parramatta on August 11.

L-R Cosmo, Rosa and there daughter Kathy Criniti pose for photographs at Criniti's in Parramatta. Picture: AAP IMAGE/ Angelo Velardo.

It’s a full circle moment for Criniti’s in the area, where Frank Criniti and his now ex-wife Rima opened the first restaurant on Church St in 2003.

The new restaurant has a capacity to seat 340, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

They plan to open new restaurants in Brighton Le-Sands and Manly.

Originally published as Italian restaurant Criniti’s relaunch drama as some guests complain of lack of toilet paper and ‘appalling’ customer service