Ceramic Grill Works - Pittsburgh

duckman1958

Anyone have recent experience with Ceramic Grill Works? NOT Ceramic Grill store...this is the group out of Pittsburgh. I did see some older posts on them in a discussion but nothing recent.

I recently placed an order for a two tier swing rack...got the order confirmation email, than nothing. I followed up after a while with an email and phone call (got voicemail) and received no further follow up. Since then I've followed up numerous times via email and phone (voicemail each time) and get no response. 

Not looking to hurt anyone's reputation here, just trying to figure out what's going on... Any experiences or info anyone has would be appreciated.

Duck

theyolksonyou

Sounds about right based on other experiences. 

Moleman

The physical store location shut down a few months back. Franco was a nice enough guy but the hours were never as posted. You always needed to call ahead of time to see if there was ever anyone actually there. For a while he was looking for a new location but the last time prior to them closing there was no news of a new store. Sorry. 

Ozzie_Isaac

At least this time they don't bother getting your hopes up by responding.  If I were in your shoes, I would call the CC company and cancel.

duckman1958

Thanks for the info everyone...I'm cancelling my order.

Ozzie_Isaac

If you like the swing grate idea, check out Smokewares Grate Stacker.  It has a similiar idea.

Also, check out ceramic grill store, they are top notch folks.

The Cen-Tex Smoker

abort. Nothing good can come of this.

caliking

They went tits up from what I last remember. @CGW1?

lousubcap

As above, run,don't walk away.
Here's a link that reflects their inability to service the customer:

Ceramic Grillworks - Beware

BTW-welcome aboard and enjoy the remainder of the journey.

stlcharcoal

Check out Grill Gear in Charlotte, NC as well......they have a swing rack coming out.  I don't see it on the website, but I saw some pictures of it before. 

And as others have said, call your credit card company and stop payment.

blasting

Moleman said:

Franco was a nice enough guy 

How nice of a guy is he really?  He's ignored his customers and screwed people consistently since I've been on this forum.

We have some terrific companies within our hobby.  Ceramic grill store, Thermoworks, Rockwood, Smokeware, Firecraft - all terrific.  We don't need the ongoing problems like Franco and his kind.

keepervodeflame

I got his swing rack grate combo years ago and still use it for big cuts of meat. He was great to me and responded in a professional manner. However, sadly this is not the first post like yours I have read. I would probably cancel the purchase and look at the similar smoke ware product. Sorry for your troubles. 

Fred19Flintstone

Run away.


No, really.  Run Away!



SERIOUSLY!  RUN AWAY!!!!

Legume

Strangely doesn't look like the original north by northwest.  Can't quite put my finger on it.

Ozzie_Isaac

Legume said:

Strangely doesn't look like the original north by northwest.  Can't quite put my finger on it.

No corn.  Thought there was corn in the original.

Moleman

Blasting, I speak of the times that I personally dealt with him. I also spoke of the store. Take it for what it is. I wish the store were more professionally run and still open to be honest. I prefer a local store than to amazon but all I can do. 

thetrim

blasting said:

Moleman said:

Franco was a nice enough guy 

How nice of a guy is he really?  He's ignored his customers and screwed people consistently since I've been on this forum.

We have some terrific companies within our hobby.  Ceramic grill store, Thermoworks, Rockwood, Smokeware, Firecraft - all terrific.  We don't need the ongoing problems like Franco and his kind.

And don't forget Wicked Good Charcoal!   I jest!   I don't want to rip the scab off an old wound, but @caliking and his rant against them was one of my funniest memories in here.   They were the top of the lump charcoal food chain, but no more.  

duckman1958

Thanks for the comments everyone...I've cancelled my order and have disputed my payment with my card vendor. Hopefully based on history with this guy I'll receive a refund. 

I guess what really chafes my arse most is that this Franco continues to have his website up and running, accepting orders and payments that apparently he has no intention of fulfilling. Not only is that unethical, it is borderline illegal!

And I guess I'd like to see the Naked Whiz which reviewed his swing rack and actually promotes the product either pull their review back or follow up with a disclaimer. 

Thankfully most of the people and vendors in our community are top-notch that provide outstanding quality products and customer service!

Jeremiah

@duckman1958 I've got one you can have. PM me your address and cover shipping and its yours.