My age is showing with this comment, when they first opened, it was called Boston chicken. This company made rotisserie chickens a thing. Then they, for reasons only known to them, rebranded as Boston market.
@@BlasianBobbi215 Any more when there's a name change, or anything changes on a trusted product such as the labeling or quantity you can bet it is not for the better. A sign of the times as they try to deal with increased labor and fuel costs, not to mention gubmint imposed tax/fee hikes.
@@BlasianBobbi215 I remember them having good beans and portions. Then Kenny Rogers came along with a rib/chicken quarter platter with mashed potatoes, green beans and cornbread. Those were the days.
This video broke my heart a lil. I was a gm there about 20 years ago. Even the spinach looked horrible and over cooked. The mashed potatoes and Mac and cheese was our most popular sides. There was a string still attached to your chicken. I would have wrote the cutter up for that. I worked in 2 of our million dollar stores. Line out the door every day and Sundays we couldn't cook the chicken, ham, turkey fast enough. This was sad😢
Charging more than on the sign is a violation of the NJ Consumer Fraud Act. But this place has bigger problems than that. The food is clearly spoiled and the Board of Health should shut them down.
Dude don't let this convince you all outdoors food is bad there's some really great taco trucks I know where the food is really good there are burger joints that are great
I am surprised you didn’t get food poisoning. When you said you were the only customer in the entire store my immediate thought was that food is definitely not fresh
Not always. Common scene anymore in a fast food place even Panera. People just aren't eating out or together. If it is, it's takeout. But yeah, that food was CRINGE.
@@uaeats i know a deli who dosent use a computer labls because they steal sales tax on exempt and taxable items i figured that because they taxed me on exempt items once like potato salad and tuna in a cup or wahtever cold food
I bought my 84 year old mother Boston market last week. She text me and said don’t buy this anymore, it was disgusting. She loved BM back in the day. I should have known when I saw I was the only customer 🥴
I would buy my 83 year old mother Boston market also. It was one of the only fast food type eateries she can eat now. All the ones closed down a year ago around us. 😢
I worked at BM when I was 16 years old (Im now 46) They had me working late one night (After midnight on a school night which was a violation of child labor laws. I was tired and I still had a ton of closing chores to do including de-boneing the chicken meat for about 12 chickens as that meat was used in the soups and salads the following day for the while chickens they didnt sell. I said F it and threw the chicken out so I can cut out of there. When I got home (after midnight on a school night) my manager called my house and asked why I threw the chicken out and wanted me to come back take the chicken out of the garbage and finish my job. I told him no thanks. Next day they told me I was fired. I filed a child labor law dispute with the state for unemployment. Met with a mediator and the mediator ruled in favor of them.. They were pretty powerful back then like you said so not surprised the arbitrator ruled in their favor...Corporate bastards.. I always like Kenny Rogers better. He faced similar consequences although believe it or not he has locations in Asia Anyway sour mash potatoes indicates they were spoiled..hope it digested ok.. Keep it up UA!!!
That's disgusting. I worked there when I was 18, I'm not 48 -- it was Boston Chicken then. I got myself fired after a year and a half of being there --- did a burn out on the mats there they were cleaning out back and tor them up.
Yep. It was my very first job, and I remember "picking the chicken". They had me do it when it was still hot so it came off the bone easier. I had to wear two pairs of gloves to do it. And I had to spit the chicken, applying that vinegar mixture to it. I then did "cook cut" and cut the chicken and other proteins. I would come home feeling COVERED in chicken grease. Still, it was a fun job for a sixteen year old. I didn't have to work late because my store closed early. I especially miss their turkey with stuffing, their carver sandwiches, and their sweet potatoes with marshmallows. Good times.
The sour taste is probably coming from the fact the food has spoiled. Either they aren't throwing out expired food or they are reusing food from the day or days before. Sorry you had to experience that, but thanks for doing it.
@@Digger-Nick it is if you don't pay attention to the quality of the food the food could have gone bad and then you serve that to someone who gets sick I remember back in Shakey's there was always a policy about throwing out old Pizza we never reused anything of course that meant the workers took everything home
Boston Market is another example of what happens when a business that was very successful because they did one or two things extremely well starts doing a hundred things poorly instead of sticking with what made them great.
You guys are so negative, as if they intentionally tanked the business. The type of food they sell is expensive to make because, you have to make it quality for people to like it. Garbage mac n cheese is nasty. Good mac n cheese is expensive because it's hard to make in bulk.
@@MrShiningTyme The food that they sell is exactly the same thing you find at the Walmart deli. Or Costco. It's just four times the price and inconveniently located.
Pre-pandemic I remember the stuffing, sweet potato casserole, meatloaf & rotisserie chicken being must haves (especially around Thanksgiving). Just not the same. Painful and disappointing. Glad you didn’t risk it.
Even the most generous interpretation would include something like the company actively trying to avoid debit/credit transaction fees in a desperate bid to find profit anywhere.
The saddest part was the corn bread muffin, which were always golden brown, crunchy on top, and burst with steam as you split it open to schmeer butter all over it.
the one by me closed down last year because on Thanksgiving Day 2023 only one person showed up to work and there was a line around the building of people who had full pre-ordered thanksgiving dinners and no one got them, they were all pissed and had to figure out thanksgiving dinner that day.
Boston Market was my first job when I was 16. Worked there for 3 years and the food was good. This was back in like 2004, it's crazy how far downhill it has gone.
If those sides are sour, I have to believe they were going bad. The irony is you could probably go to a grocery store and buy the same things out of the freezer section. Would be interesting to compare if it's a corporate recipe or the lousy franchise ownership that others have reported.
NOT UNLESS HE GOES TO ANOTHER TOWN THE FROZEN ONES ARE THE LEFTOVERS FROM THE LOCAL BOSTON MARKETS SO THE ONES AT HIS LOCAL GROCERY STORE WOULD TASTE LIKE SHIT TOO
@@GOPRepubliklan LOl, not they aren't....If they are talking about The frozen Boston Market Dinners/Entrees that you can find in the freezer aisle of a supermarket, than those are made in a factory. The company that makes them probably isn't even owned by Boston Market and the name and recipes were just licensed off of them,
Sad. Ten years ago my office was a mile from a Boston Market. I ate there 3-4 days per week and eating their turkey plus being selective about sides made it tasty and diet friendly. Lost about 10 pounds eating there and enjoyed the meals. The staff was friendly and hustled. They've all but disappeared. Haven't thought about them for years. Que lastima.
By your description , sounds like either the butter or milk used for potatoes Mac n cheese and gravy was rancid. Dairy gets a super sour tangy taste when it goes bad. Hope you didn’t get sick
Thank you! Yes I love doing the steakhouse videos but I also want to switch things up here and there. I know most people don't dine at those fancy places regularly so I feel some common chain reviews are relatable
@@uaeats I watch your channel just because you're always authentic. Always tell the truth of how good (or horrible) a place is. Even if you have to do it from your car or home later - just do not lose the authenticity you have please (like other food UA-camrs I will be polite and not mention negatives about a place).
How about Friendly's? Theirs only a few left ive been to two on long island , good soups , fribble shake good but not exactly taste from my childhood . Please review one of your jersey Friendly's
@@uaeats please don’t become just an average guy reviewer eating regular food. You don’t need to dumb down the reviews. Elevate them. Go to great places that aren’t expensive but don’t just go to Chilis and Cracker Barrel. I’d like to see you go to Texas for bbq
Back in the 90's it was Boston Chicken. When they opened up stores in NJ and PA there were literally lines outside the door. The food was great. Then some corporate genius decided to violate the rule, 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it'. The menu was expanded to include turkey, ham, and meatloaf, and they became Boston Market. They couldn't maintain the quality they used to have among the expanded menu. Done.
Exactly and service went down hill. They were making too many things. The sandwiches were great. Everything took too long to make. Their food was always so good. It sucks what happens to a chain that keeps getting purchased. McDonald’s once owned them for awhile in the 2000’s.
It is hard to maintain quality as the chain expands. It's REALLY hard to sell this type of food, because it's expensive to make. Quality sweet potatoes. Quality mac n cheese. You have to use good cheese. Good macaroni. Cook it right. Right seasoning. This is hard to do at scale.
EDIT: After looking into further, I realized that my initial comment was slightly inaccurate. The individual responsible wasn’t an owner of NJ franchises, but was the man that purchased the entire chain in 2020. He apparently employed shady practices throughout the entire chain & with an entirely different brand/chain that he owned as well. FYI Almost all Boston Markets in NJ were owned by one man & he wasn’t paying the employees their legally required overtime wages. As a result, the NJ state government shut down 23 locations. So it’s less an example of a dying chain & more about one corrupt guy running it into the ground.
Interesting. That's terrible. Thanks for sharing as I didn't know that. It looks like those shut down NJ locations were allowed to reopen last year after the employees were all finally paid. I wonder how many reopened and how many stayed closed.
@@uaeats Your comment made me look into the story further. I actually got it slightly wrong in my initial comment. The individual responsible wasn’t an owner of NJ franchises, but was the man that purchased the entire chain in 2020. He apparently employed these shady practices throughout the entire chain & with an entirely different brand/chain that he owned as well. I’ve edited my first comment to reflect this new info.
I miss Boston market so much, it was a staple of my childhood and it was always super special when we were able to splurge and get it for dinner growing up.
Shame what happened to that brand. I trained kitchen staff when they opened the first couple of Philly locations. Everything was made in house. From peeling potatoes to zesting lemons for lemon squares. Within a year, potatoes showed up pre peeled and there were prepackaged spice packets for every item. Just heat and serve
Central preparation isn't necessarily a bad thing. Howard Johnson's perfected it where they had remarkable quality and consistency using commissaries that sent out to multiple restaurants. Even a lot of fine dining restaurants prepare well ahead of time, refrigerate, then reheat. But if the quality of the central preparation is poor, it's not going to make things better.
I remember back in the early 2000 that they will charge you for only one roast chicken and get a free one with extra cornbread 1 hour to 1hour 30mins. Before closing for the night.
In Philly there’s one that’s been open for 30 years, then there’s shuttered KFCs and Checkers that for some reason had Boston Market signs pop up on them, but they’ve NEVER opened. It’s the most bizarre thing I’ve ever seen
My irrational hatred of Boston market started when I had it on a field trip to the Smithsonian Air/Space museum and I mistakenly ordered corn thinking it was Mac and Cheese. 5th grade me was so disappointed
That sour taste from the mac and cheese and potatoes and gravy probably came from improper refrigeration. I bet a big batch of the cheese sauce and the gravy were made, kept warm all day and at closing were sealed up hot and stored in the fridge while still being hot. Storing hot, sealed food like that causes bacteria growth and gives food that signature sour, vinegary taste. That can DEFINITELY make you sick if you eat too much of it. Good move spitting it out!
Great video as always, I remember years ago when Boston Market was decent. They're starting to fade away. Please keep the videos coming me and my family love your videos 😁👍
It's called capitalism and it doesn't work, you can see capitalism failing everywhere from the top down, capitalism equals greed that never stops, until the greed stops itself. This is what is happening right now to whatever yum brands takes over they ruin!! Complete greed, quality continues to go down until no one goes there anymore, but capitalism persists that they're always has to be a prophet and more and more profit! NeverEnding squeeze for more profit kills everything! Greed kills everything!! Thank you CEOs for taking all of the money for yourself!!
@@uaeatsI think you will get a receipt so that would not be possible. It is more likely to avoid the extra charge credit cards charge. They are trying to increase revenue. They are in a great deal of financial pressure to do this. Many small businesses do this but for a chain restaurant to do this,is so bad.
Was just at the car wash down the block from where you are and while waiting outside said to my wife “ I’m surprised Boston market is still open” and we used to get from there frequently back in the day. Now we just get the Rotisserie chicken Costco.
The last BMarket near me ( south eastern Mass) closed a few years ago. I went one day out of nostalgia, and got food poisoning. Food was horrible but it was expensive and I was hungry so I just ate the chicken and some mash. Worst decision ever
I ate at the last Boston Market in my area a few months ago. They did not ask for cash, but if you paid with cash, they asked for exact and said they couldn't give change! The chicken was ok but the sides were bad. I miss the glory days of Boston Market!
I lived in San Diego twenty years ago, and I used to visit the Encinitas Boston Market nearly every day... loved that food and it was almost always packed with customers. So regrettable to see the decline; I was actually hoping one would pop up in my current home town, but not likely. Thanks UA, for the informative visit!
I worked at Boston Market one summer in the late 90s. The place was so busy. A line almost out of the store. What a shame. I did like the food. Awesome creamed spinach.
i make cream spinach frozen ok harlic cream chz milk butter whip in chpper or blender creamy add feta cheez and parm can make spin pie also w crust from dairy or frozen
Back in the mid 90's I was a bachelor living alone going to school part time and working full time. My friends and I would skip Psychology class once or twice a week to go to Boston Market for lunch. What they should do is focus on quality of food and just strictly do carry-out. That way they don't need expensive rent or maintain interior restaurant.
@@FatherAxeKeeperY'all really need to stop saying that. The employees there don't give two damns about a fee. They (probably some young kids working the register) were pocketing some orders.
These used to be everywhere in the 90s and they were great. Especially in cold weather. Honestly I didn’t know there were any left. They all closed where I live.
The last time I ate BM was 1995 in Frederick, Md. When I got home (15 min drive) I had a diarrhea attack so bad I couldn't make it to the bathroom, I went in a litter box ( had no choice) . It was a bad scene ...... the cat went Arrrrreeeeerrrr ! and took off running. It's funny now but was not when it happened .... Man, what a day. All I had was chicken, mashed potatoes and zucchini. I got a stomach ache just writing this.
That mac&cheese and potatoes looked gross af! Respect to you for sampling it. I would have demanded my money back and called the Board of Health. Looked like a place where you can get food poisoning. Revolting! 🤢🤮🤮
Man, the Boston Market next to my house holds so many memories for me, and the staff in there were the only ones that would talk to me when I was at my lowest and thinking of unaliving. That was 20 years ago, and it closed down this year. I went to the parking lot and kept the parking lot sign that they threw out. It's hanging in my game room now.
Was just in Staten Island today and the Boston Market there closed down as well.. last time I went to that location there was no one eating inside and 1 lady working.. The sides looked like they were laying there for days... I just walked out, glad i didnt order anything
I did the same thing when I walked into the Boston Market in Fresh Meadows, Queens back in 2022. I’m not even sure if it’s still open. The food looked terrible! I walked in and walked right out.
Glad you disposed the food. I just found out 2 days ago that my location closed down. When I last went to Boston Market, the quality of food was not the same as before. Also the portions were smaller and the prices were higher. Boston Market use to be one of my family's favorites.
I visited that one in North Arlington a couple of years ago, took one look at the food and left. Nearby is Vinnie's Mootz in Lyndhurst you might want to try someday. Check out their site. They make their own mozzarella and have special events.
So glad I found your vids again. I saw you a while back but didn't sub, I am now subbd. I remember getting Boston Market IPO back in college, wow how far they have fallen. Wow, mashed potatoes and mac'n cheese turned I think.
The last time I went to Boston Market, the cashier handled my money then without washing her hands went and made my food without gloves. I demanded a refund and have never been back. You gotta stick to your guns. That board clearly said $3.49.
they are allowed to serve without gloves as long they are not touching the food directly. They used spoons to serve the food, that is ok, at least in NY and NJ.
Lol. I’m old. I remember when you didn’t wear gloves. Lol But you never handled money and then food without washing your hands. See that’s management. 100% management
@@DiegoMaradona-g4w The rule is before they begin food prep, they are supposed to wash their hands. Doesn’t matter what they were doing prior. In her case, she just handled money, which means that spoon is extra disgusting. You should google what is on money when observed under a microscope.
I get your point….but u must really not know what goes on in full service kitchens, especially Ma and pa places… I’d suggest not going out to eat at most places lol
I remember working there in CA in Burbank back in 2016. The work was pretty heavy but I was lucky to have a great crew to work with. But after 2017 it started to become a living hell working there. The Corporate Management was the worst ever! We always ran into problems, such as online registers were would shut down, Ovens would break down, No chicken sometimes, late online orders, etc. The work kept piling on and on with no end. Corporate would never reply to our concerns and tell us "you figure it out". I remember quitting right on time in 2018 cuz the location slowly died out and closed down. I miss the food before the quality died. The only good memory was working with my crew and having good laughs. RIP Boston Market.
I used to love boston market. I used to love the chicken, meatloaf and mash potato's. I actually have no idea why i stopped going there except it was kind of expensive and took forever to get the food back in the day.
Im in Jersey too. Drove past the one in Edison NJ on Route 1 which closed down too. Always wondered what happened to BM. After Covid they most likely couldnt stay opened.
Boston Market used to be real good about 12 years ago in my neighborhood. Now it sucks. I went there about 3 months ago and there were no chicken spinning. I asked the cashier what happened to the chicken and she said, "Oh someone just took them out." There were no one sitting down eating like before. Right after eating, my stomach started turning and I violently threw up about 5 times. I was done. I will never eat there again. Before this day, I haven't eaten there in years. It's expensive crap! The sides are getting smaller and you're paying more.
I am Sorry But when you took that bite of the mash potatoes with gravy at 13:46 I legit laughed at your facial expression. You almost wanted to throw up immediately 😂😂 And then the cleaning your tongue with the napkin legit made me LOL.
I also remember when this was called Boston Chicken back in the day. The food was excellent. I wouldn't go near BOSTON MARKET now. I have one in my area and it is the same. Looks abandoned when it's open, but I don't see it being there for much longer. At this point it's an eye sore. Be careful with that food, it looks spoiled and soooo nasty. The Mac and cheese looks like it's floating in water, cornbread looks pale and undercooked, and that gravy on the mashed potatoes 🤮🤮🤮The cash thing, ummmmm suspect. Great video!
It’s like when certain people buy a restaurant and starts replacing quality ingredients with crap and the patrons aren’t stupid. Eventually it’s dies. Same thing with businesses, grandpa starts it and gives himself a modest salary to be able to pay employees a good wage. Son takes over and pays himself more but the employees still do well. By the time it gets to the grandson, he has a collection of cars, two homes, and employees that quit on the daily due to less pay, unsafe practices and everything breaking without getting stuff fixed. Then before you know the place is closed.
This is really sad. I remember when they first came out, you could hardly get into a Boston Market because of the crowds. I really loved their prime rib and their rotisserie chicken.
I used to love the meatloaf. I went to try Boston Market a few months ago and it was the saltiest grossest thing I ever had. I went to another location a little more recently and it was the same.
Man, remember Boston Market and Kenny Rogers Restaurants were so good back in the day and the pretty good deal when they opened. Mismanagement really and market tastes changed these places towards the worst.
In 2011 I was in the process of moving & down the street was a Boston Market. It was the 1st & last time. My husband absolutely hated every thing. I bought a whole chicken & meatloaf, green beans & mashed potatoes. Everything was just bland to me
Here in woodbridge, Virginia, they recently closed their store. I couldnt freakin believe it. Even though their prices scorched my wallet..All their food was a torcher.
The Board of Health should be contacted and that location shut down. Thieves are running it with no regard for public health or safety. Disgusting.
Employees definitely were trying to skim.
@@Earthling247 yess people had options but the owner didnt pay his bills was busy and closed some stores franchises
@@rogerrosen2323 what people?
How do you know?
@@alexcastro7339 i read a story he was npt paying well known used to be good
In the 90s, Boston Market was high end fast food that always had top notch food.
until greed took over
More like expenses took over.@@DAViDD767
My age is showing with this comment, when they first opened, it was called Boston chicken. This company made rotisserie chickens a thing. Then they, for reasons only known to them, rebranded as Boston market.
@@BlasianBobbi215 Any more when there's a name change, or anything changes on a trusted product such as the labeling or quantity you can bet it is not for the better. A sign of the times as they try to deal with increased labor and fuel costs, not to mention gubmint imposed tax/fee hikes.
@@BlasianBobbi215 I remember them having good beans and portions. Then Kenny Rogers came along with a rib/chicken quarter platter with mashed potatoes, green beans and cornbread. Those were the days.
Man if you go to a fast food restaurant and the worker insist on you paying cash they probably walking away with that money 😂
debt by crporate they are under water
food is reused too long not like before
Most people pay in credit. No cash to give change. Not that complex
@maxwelljacobfreedom if u trust banks with ur money,ur a fool
@@maxwelljacobfreedom Not at Mcdonalds plenty of cash in that safe for change
This video broke my heart a lil. I was a gm there about 20 years ago. Even the spinach looked horrible and over cooked. The mashed potatoes and Mac and cheese was our most popular sides. There was a string still attached to your chicken. I would have wrote the cutter up for that. I worked in 2 of our million dollar stores. Line out the door every day and Sundays we couldn't cook the chicken, ham, turkey fast enough. This was sad😢
Why did you leave?
I worked at a Boston Market back in like 1998. The food was actually pretty good. I liked the sandwiches and the pot pie
@@BruceCultureAllen the food was amazing in the 90s
Impressive spelling for a black guy
I LIKED YOUR FOOD. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
If those two sides tasted vinegary, they were positively spoiled
Bingo. "Vinegary" is the sign of fermentation/spoilage.
💯💯💯💯
the food out of state you did looked good yes the owner is broke and owes everything
@@NajSinghs...CreativeRecipes good down to earth place and review
HE SHOULD OF TRIED THE COLDSLAW
Charging more than on the sign is a violation of the NJ Consumer Fraud Act. But this place has bigger problems than that. The food is clearly spoiled and the Board of Health should shut them down.
Samurai Sams charges higher than the retail price posted on their in store electronic menu board
RIP - in the 90s they were incredible
I get this random recommendation and then see Geekdom in the comments 😆
They were also fine in the early 2000's, wonder what went wrong sigh...
I remember when it was called Boston Chicken. Our team used to order dinner when we worked late.
Not anymore. Food quality was lacking. You better off cooking it yourself.
Boston market been complete trash for a long time you can get better food in random college food court on a college campus
The meal looks more like something you'd expect in an institution, school, or hospital. How dare they go up on their prices!
Hospital food is fine dining compared to that garbage.
@@user-or6yn8pm3c Wow! lol
@@user-or6yn8pm3c i got charged 50 bucks for a turkey sandwich no mayo turkey was dry af a small snack bag of chips and a small juice. so no.
Democrats did that
It taste like Boston CAT !!!
$20 for that? Yikes thanks for reminding me why going out to eat is foolish.
I went years ago I was so full and left with leftovers and got two meals for $15.
@@summerdowlig yes coupons also 4 off 20
I can go find a nice steak meal for that amount
Dude don't let this convince you all outdoors food is bad there's some really great taco trucks I know where the food is really good there are burger joints that are great
Bidenflation
I am surprised you didn’t get food poisoning. When you said you were the only customer in the entire store my immediate thought was that food is definitely not fresh
Not always. Common scene anymore in a fast food place even Panera. People just aren't eating out or together. If it is, it's takeout.
But yeah, that food was CRINGE.
Boston Market's quality dropped many years ago. It's no wonder they're slowly going out of business.
Before this video I haven't had it for many many years. A shame that the drop in quality was a few years back
@@uaeats i know a deli who dosent use a computer labls because they steal sales tax on exempt and taxable items i figured that because they taxed me on exempt items once like potato salad and tuna in a cup or wahtever cold food
@@uaeats the drop in quality was like 15 years ago
Big franchise... I can literally buy a franchise spot right now and run it horribly just like anybody else could.
@@uaeatsinteresting though I see food posts about them that they get insane overloaded orders on Thanksgiving like thousands of orders per store.
I bought my 84 year old mother Boston market last week. She text me and said don’t buy this anymore, it was disgusting. She loved BM back in the day. I should have known when I saw I was the only customer 🥴
I would buy my 83 year old mother Boston market also.
It was one of the only fast food type eateries she can eat now.
All the ones closed down a year ago around us. 😢
Don’t get sick from these restaurants man. Not worth it. If it’s sour, it may be bad.
watch put for meats in deli 9 dead
Extra fermented flavor 😋!
@@rogerrosen2323yes, Boars head I’ve heard is bad. Many contaminated meats
@@fenixlavande4755 I really like their product so it's sad
@@fenixlavande4755 heard that all other meats in the same counter must be thrown out along with the bad meat too. Lots of money down the drain.
I worked at BM when I was 16 years old (Im now 46) They had me working late one night (After midnight on a school night which was a violation of child labor laws.
I was tired and I still had a ton of closing chores to do including de-boneing the chicken meat for about 12 chickens as that meat was used in the soups and salads the following day for the while chickens they didnt sell.
I said F it and threw the chicken out so I can cut out of there. When I got home (after midnight on a school night) my manager called my house and asked why I threw the chicken out and wanted me to come back take the chicken out of the garbage and finish my job.
I told him no thanks. Next day they told me I was fired.
I filed a child labor law dispute with the state for unemployment. Met with a mediator and the mediator ruled in favor of them..
They were pretty powerful back then like you said so not surprised the arbitrator ruled in their favor...Corporate bastards..
I always like Kenny Rogers better. He faced similar consequences although believe it or not he has locations in Asia
Anyway sour mash potatoes indicates they were spoiled..hope it digested ok..
Keep it up UA!!!
That's disgusting. I worked there when I was 18, I'm not 48 -- it was Boston Chicken then. I got myself fired after a year and a half of being there --- did a burn out on the mats there they were cleaning out back and tor them up.
That's why it's better to record things that they're doing that are illegal so if they try that crap again they get caught red-handed
@@ingamingpc1634 I was 16 yrs old..no one had any cell phones w recording capabilities then
Yep. It was my very first job, and I remember "picking the chicken". They had me do it when it was still hot so it came off the bone easier. I had to wear two pairs of gloves to do it. And I had to spit the chicken, applying that vinegar mixture to it. I then did "cook cut" and cut the chicken and other proteins. I would come home feeling COVERED in chicken grease. Still, it was a fun job for a sixteen year old. I didn't have to work late because my store closed early.
I especially miss their turkey with stuffing, their carver sandwiches, and their sweet potatoes with marshmallows. Good times.
@@rumrunner8019 yeah their turkey was better then their chicken lol
The sour taste is probably coming from the fact the food has spoiled. Either they aren't throwing out expired food or they are reusing food from the day or days before. Sorry you had to experience that, but thanks for doing it.
if in fridge shd last a few days but it sits too long
Reusing food from the day before is not the issue lmao
@@Digger-Nick it is if you don't pay attention to the quality of the food the food could have gone bad and then you serve that to someone who gets sick I remember back in Shakey's there was always a policy about throwing out old Pizza we never reused anything of course that meant the workers took everything home
They aren’t getting too many customers so they are probably reheating the previous days food instead of throwing it out.
Bro litterally risking his life for us!
So dramatic
Boston Market is another example of what happens when a business that was very successful because they did one or two things extremely well starts doing a hundred things poorly instead of sticking with what made them great.
the chicken is still pretty good they just need to have fresher sides
@@ramoncarter3121 Unfortunatley all of the Boston Market locations in my area closed well over 10 years ago. :(
You guys are so negative, as if they intentionally tanked the business. The type of food they sell is expensive to make because, you have to make it quality for people to like it. Garbage mac n cheese is nasty. Good mac n cheese is expensive because it's hard to make in bulk.
It's called peak corporate. They wanted to make all the money but fumbled everything.
@@MrShiningTyme The food that they sell is exactly the same thing you find at the Walmart deli. Or Costco. It's just four times the price and inconveniently located.
Pre-pandemic I remember the stuffing, sweet potato casserole, meatloaf & rotisserie chicken being must haves (especially around Thanksgiving). Just not the same. Painful and disappointing. Glad you didn’t risk it.
They asked for cash because they're probably pocketing it and voiding the transaction.
Yeah ... Felt a little too suspicious. Probably worth reporting
Even the most generous interpretation would include something like the company actively trying to avoid debit/credit transaction fees in a desperate bid to find profit anywhere.
Employees aren't getting paid on time
There's no "probably" about it...they were 100% going to pocket the money
@@xoreignnah let them get some moola
The saddest part was the corn bread muffin, which were always golden brown, crunchy on top, and burst with steam as you split it open to schmeer butter all over it.
They wanted him to pay cash so they can pocket the $1.50 difference. They probably do it all day long to anyone who doesn't complain.
I think you're right
Not only the $1.50 but the entire transaction then say there was no customers and everything went to waste and was tossed out
They dont want to pay the credit transaction fees.
I would think that most people who eat at McDonald’s pay in cash (unless you have a huge family).
@@uaeatsThat woman was Shady af
the one by me closed down last year because on Thanksgiving Day 2023 only one person showed up to work and there was a line around the building of people who had full pre-ordered thanksgiving dinners and no one got them, they were all pissed and had to figure out thanksgiving dinner that day.
Wow. Once in a blue moon I think about visiting a Boston Market since it's been years. Your review has basically killed any desire for me now.
Boston Market was my first job when I was 16. Worked there for 3 years and the food was good. This was back in like 2004, it's crazy how far downhill it has gone.
If those sides are sour, I have to believe they were going bad. The irony is you could probably go to a grocery store and buy the same things out of the freezer section. Would be interesting to compare if it's a corporate recipe or the lousy franchise ownership that others have reported.
NOT UNLESS HE GOES TO ANOTHER TOWN THE FROZEN ONES ARE THE LEFTOVERS FROM THE LOCAL BOSTON MARKETS SO THE ONES AT HIS LOCAL GROCERY STORE WOULD TASTE LIKE SHIT TOO
@@GOPRepubliklan LOl, not they aren't....If they are talking about The frozen Boston Market Dinners/Entrees that you can find in the freezer aisle of a supermarket, than those are made in a factory. The company that makes them probably isn't even owned by Boston Market and the name and recipes were just licensed off of them,
Sad. Ten years ago my office was a mile from a Boston Market. I ate there 3-4 days per week and eating their turkey plus being selective about sides made it tasty and diet friendly. Lost about 10 pounds eating there and enjoyed the meals. The staff was friendly and hustled.
They've all but disappeared. Haven't thought about them for years. Que lastima.
By your description , sounds like either the butter or milk used for potatoes Mac n cheese and gravy was rancid. Dairy gets a super sour tangy taste when it goes bad. Hope you didn’t get sick
10 years ago my wife and I used to order our family's Thanksgiving dinner from Boston market, and it was delicious.
Remind me not to visit you cheapskates at Thanksgiving
Fine dining food porn is great, but you’re quickly re-defining your own brand of reviewing. Love it dude, keep ‘em coming
Thank you! Yes I love doing the steakhouse videos but I also want to switch things up here and there. I know most people don't dine at those fancy places regularly so I feel some common chain reviews are relatable
@@uaeats I watch your channel just because you're always authentic. Always tell the truth of how good (or horrible) a place is. Even if you have to do it from your car or home later - just do not lose the authenticity you have please (like other food UA-camrs I will be polite and not mention negatives about a place).
How about Friendly's? Theirs only a few left ive been to two on long island , good soups , fribble shake good but not exactly taste from my childhood . Please review one of your jersey Friendly's
Agree! Well said. No need to break the wallet.
@@uaeats please don’t become just an average guy reviewer eating regular food. You don’t need to dumb down the reviews. Elevate them. Go to great places that aren’t expensive but don’t just go to Chilis and Cracker Barrel. I’d like to see you go to Texas for bbq
Back in the 90's it was Boston Chicken. When they opened up stores in NJ and PA there were literally lines outside the door. The food was great. Then some corporate genius decided to violate the rule, 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it'. The menu was expanded to include turkey, ham, and meatloaf, and they became Boston Market. They couldn't maintain the quality they used to have among the expanded menu. Done.
Exactly and service went down hill. They were making too many things. The sandwiches were great. Everything took too long to make. Their food was always so good. It sucks what happens to a chain that keeps getting purchased. McDonald’s once owned them for awhile in the 2000’s.
@@Cotelw8345 Yeah McDonald's took a stake in BM in the late 90's after BM's first bankruptcy. McDonald's sucks too.
It is hard to maintain quality as the chain expands. It's REALLY hard to sell this type of food, because it's expensive to make. Quality sweet potatoes. Quality mac n cheese. You have to use good cheese. Good macaroni. Cook it right. Right seasoning. This is hard to do at scale.
You don’t know that
@@Snowboarder16 Yes I do.
EDIT: After looking into further, I realized that my initial comment was slightly inaccurate. The individual responsible wasn’t an owner of NJ franchises, but was the man that purchased the entire chain in 2020. He apparently employed shady practices throughout the entire chain & with an entirely different brand/chain that he owned as well.
FYI Almost all Boston Markets in NJ were owned by one man & he wasn’t paying the employees their legally required overtime wages. As a result, the NJ state government shut down 23 locations. So it’s less an example of a dying chain & more about one corrupt guy running it into the ground.
All of the Boston Market's in my local area in Ohio are all closed too - they shut down around the same time that the NJ stuff was happening.
Interesting. That's terrible. Thanks for sharing as I didn't know that. It looks like those shut down NJ locations were allowed to reopen last year after the employees were all finally paid. I wonder how many reopened and how many stayed closed.
interesting. thanks
Boston Market Corp should sue that man, and take over the locations.
@@uaeats Your comment made me look into the story further. I actually got it slightly wrong in my initial comment. The individual responsible wasn’t an owner of NJ franchises, but was the man that purchased the entire chain in 2020. He apparently employed these shady practices throughout the entire chain & with an entirely different brand/chain that he owned as well. I’ve edited my first comment to reflect this new info.
I miss Boston market so much, it was a staple of my childhood and it was always super special when we were able to splurge and get it for dinner growing up.
When they say it's cash only at a chain restaurant, that cash is going into someone's pocket and it's not the restaurants.
The banks don't recognize Boston Market any longer so it's 100% cash
man, just go to a supermarket deli, get some mash n mac, and grab one of their rotisserie chickens, and spend 12-15 bucks for twice the food
Sadly, THAT is a better idea then going to BM today...
Exactly!.👍
yes some have seating i know a marhet w seating
Shame what happened to that brand. I trained kitchen staff when they opened the first couple of Philly locations. Everything was made in house. From peeling potatoes to zesting lemons for lemon squares. Within a year, potatoes showed up pre peeled and there were prepackaged spice packets for every item. Just heat and serve
Sad. That's often how it goes when places focus on rapid expansion and cut back on quality.
wait, what? Pre peeled potatoes? that's one step above packaged mashed potatoes where you only need to add water
Central preparation isn't necessarily a bad thing. Howard Johnson's perfected it where they had remarkable quality and consistency using commissaries that sent out to multiple restaurants. Even a lot of fine dining restaurants prepare well ahead of time, refrigerate, then reheat.
But if the quality of the central preparation is poor, it's not going to make things better.
I remember back in the early 2000 that they will charge you for only one roast chicken and get a free one with extra cornbread 1 hour to 1hour 30mins. Before closing for the night.
At the one I went to if you bought a meal through the week, you could get a buy one get one free on Sunday. 😋
used to give bogo for following week on receipt
In Philly there’s one that’s been open for 30 years, then there’s shuttered KFCs and Checkers that for some reason had Boston Market signs pop up on them, but they’ve NEVER opened. It’s the most bizarre thing I’ve ever seen
You got guts man…that stuff is literally poison. 20 bucks for museum food.
My irrational hatred of Boston market started when I had it on a field trip to the Smithsonian Air/Space museum and I mistakenly ordered corn thinking it was Mac and Cheese. 5th grade me was so disappointed
I’m SO down for nostalgia videos and chains we all know. When Boston Market first got popular it was so tasty.
That's why we watch UA !!! He calls it as he sees it. No kissing butt. Now let's see UA call out the big time restaurants in NYC.
Like McVomits too !!!
That sour taste from the mac and cheese and potatoes and gravy probably came from improper refrigeration. I bet a big batch of the cheese sauce and the gravy were made, kept warm all day and at closing were sealed up hot and stored in the fridge while still being hot. Storing hot, sealed food like that causes bacteria growth and gives food that signature sour, vinegary taste. That can DEFINITELY make you sick if you eat too much of it. Good move spitting it out!
Great video as always, I remember years ago when Boston Market was decent. They're starting to fade away. Please keep the videos coming me and my family love your videos 😁👍
They kept lowering quality to the point that it was disgusting. Adding MSG, ect to use lesser ingredients is a tell.
It's called capitalism and it doesn't work, you can see capitalism failing everywhere from the top down, capitalism equals greed that never stops, until the greed stops itself. This is what is happening right now to whatever yum brands takes over they ruin!! Complete greed, quality continues to go down until no one goes there anymore, but capitalism persists that they're always has to be a prophet and more and more profit! NeverEnding squeeze for more profit kills everything! Greed kills everything!! Thank you CEOs for taking all of the money for yourself!!
Pay in cash? Alarm bells, staff aren’t ringing up full meal price
Agreed
@@uaeatsI think you will get a receipt so that would not be possible. It is more likely to avoid the extra charge credit cards charge. They are trying to increase revenue. They are in a great deal of financial pressure to do this. Many small businesses do this but for a chain restaurant to do this,is so bad.
That's when you walk.........🫡
@@katec4096 because the owner is in debt to the banks
@@katec4096no they don’t care about credit card charges. They are pocketing the difference on extra money and it’s blisteringly obvious.
Was just at the car wash down the block from where you are and while waiting outside said to my wife “ I’m surprised Boston market is still open” and we used to get from there frequently back in the day. Now we just get the Rotisserie chicken Costco.
As one of the first employees of that establishment sad to see it lose quality. Just amazed it’s lasted this long and lots of memories
Five fingers discount when it’s closing time 😂😂
The last BMarket near me ( south eastern Mass) closed a few years ago. I went one day out of nostalgia, and got food poisoning. Food was horrible but it was expensive and I was hungry so I just ate the chicken and some mash. Worst decision ever
I ate at the last Boston Market in my area a few months ago. They did not ask for cash, but if you paid with cash, they asked for exact and said they couldn't give change! The chicken was ok but the sides were bad. I miss the glory days of Boston Market!
hopefully none of that side dishes were spoiled. the sour taste sounds very alarming
I lived in San Diego twenty years ago, and I used to visit the Encinitas Boston Market nearly every day... loved that food and it was almost always packed with customers. So regrettable to see the decline; I was actually hoping one would pop up in my current home town, but not likely. Thanks UA, for the informative visit!
I worked at Boston Market one summer in the late 90s. The place was so busy. A line almost out of the store. What a shame. I did like the food. Awesome creamed spinach.
i make cream spinach frozen ok harlic cream chz milk butter whip in chpper or blender creamy add feta cheez and parm can make spin pie also w crust from dairy or frozen
Back in the mid 90's I was a bachelor living alone going to school part time and working full time. My friends and I would skip Psychology class once or twice a week to go to Boston Market for lunch. What they should do is focus on quality of food and just strictly do carry-out. That way they don't need expensive rent or maintain interior restaurant.
I remember working at Boston Market in 2009/2010. The location is Bel Air MD was rarely very busy, mostly older folks. Food was still good imo
Love your reviews
Cash only??? Lol!! The workers taking them dollas
No. They are trying to avoid swipe fees
wrong. using credit cards costs them a fee. cash doesnt.
Idiots 😂... had nothing to do with avoiding card fees..they were stealing that money guaranteed why you think they overcharged for the sides
@@FatherAxeKeeperY'all really need to stop saying that. The employees there don't give two damns about a fee. They (probably some young kids working the register) were pocketing some orders.
@@youareabsolutelyright2579 sure, but the shop owners probably care as they have to pay the fee. the employees dont.
Man paying $20 for that garbage looking food that’s likely cold. Yikes. I’d pay like $8 maximum for everything
These used to be everywhere in the 90s and they were great. Especially in cold weather. Honestly I didn’t know there were any left. They all closed where I live.
Thanks UA. Your Fuddruckers review got us to visit one for nostalgia but after seeing this, have no desire to visit a Boston Market.
When Boston chicken switched over to Boston market, it was downhill from there.
so that was like 30 years ago then.
@@asianstud7. More like 25 years ago.
Then the steady decline. 😢
The last time I ate BM was 1995 in Frederick, Md. When I got home (15 min drive) I had a diarrhea attack so bad I couldn't make it to the bathroom, I went in a litter box ( had no choice) . It was a bad scene ...... the cat went Arrrrreeeeerrrr ! and took off running. It's funny now but was not when it happened .... Man, what a day. All I had was chicken, mashed potatoes and zucchini. I got a stomach ache just writing this.
BM gave this guy a BM
@@parasocialsnail and then some !
Omg 😹😹😹
That mac&cheese and potatoes looked gross af! Respect to you for sampling it. I would have demanded my money back and called the Board of Health. Looked like a place where you can get food poisoning. Revolting! 🤢🤮🤮
It was disgusting food
Even the cornbread had no color. Gross indeed.
I pray he didn't get sick!
Man, the Boston Market next to my house holds so many memories for me, and the staff in there were the only ones that would talk to me when I was at my lowest and thinking of unaliving. That was 20 years ago, and it closed down this year. I went to the parking lot and kept the parking lot sign that they threw out. It's hanging in my game room now.
Was just in Staten Island today and the Boston Market there closed down as well.. last time I went to that location there was no one eating inside and 1 lady working.. The sides looked like they were laying there for days... I just walked out, glad i didnt order anything
Use to go to that one all the time when I lived there stopped by a year ago it was nasty looking decided to pass.
@@andyparstino7280 the building is still standing next to the KFC
I did the same thing when I walked into the Boston Market in Fresh Meadows, Queens back in 2022. I’m not even sure if it’s still open. The food looked terrible! I walked in and walked right out.
They’ll end up being nothing but a frozen food brand the way they’re going.
sheesh if the open boston market was that bad I can't imagine how bad the closed one must've been
Some comments at that location (North Arlington, NJ) said that the restaurant had a really off-putting smell
The state closed them for not paying taxes
Glad you disposed the food. I just found out 2 days ago that my location closed down. When I last went to Boston Market, the quality of food was not the same as before. Also the portions were smaller and the prices were higher. Boston Market use to be one of my family's favorites.
I visited that one in North Arlington a couple of years ago, took one look at the food and left.
Nearby is Vinnie's Mootz in Lyndhurst you might want to try someday. Check out their site. They make their own mozzarella and have special events.
So glad I found your vids again. I saw you a while back but didn't sub, I am now subbd. I remember getting Boston Market IPO back in college, wow how far they have fallen. Wow, mashed potatoes and mac'n cheese turned I think.
The last time I went to Boston Market, the cashier handled my money then without washing her hands went and made my food without gloves. I demanded a refund and have never been back. You gotta stick to your guns. That board clearly said $3.49.
they are allowed to serve without gloves as long they are not touching the food directly. They used spoons to serve the food, that is ok, at least in NY and NJ.
Lol. I’m old. I remember when you didn’t wear gloves. Lol
But you never handled money and then food without washing your hands. See that’s management. 100% management
@@DiegoMaradona-g4w The rule is before they begin food prep, they are supposed to wash their hands. Doesn’t matter what they were doing prior. In her case, she just handled money, which means that spoon is extra disgusting. You should google what is on money when observed under a microscope.
I get your point….but u must really not know what goes on in full service kitchens, especially Ma and pa places… I’d suggest not going out to eat at most places lol
I saw 3.49 too. That's a shady upsell!
Thanks for this video.Never been to Boston Market. Always wanted to try it, just never got around to it. Now I know why.
3:02 it literally says $3.49 LOL what... it dosent specify that is online only...
LoL it's "online only" because the order officially went through with a paper trail.
+$2.00 for sauce. its right there. he got sauce
I remember working there in CA in Burbank back in 2016. The work was pretty heavy but I was lucky to have a great crew to work with. But after 2017 it started to become a living hell working there. The Corporate Management was the worst ever! We always ran into problems, such as online registers were would shut down, Ovens would break down, No chicken sometimes, late online orders, etc. The work kept piling on and on with no end. Corporate would never reply to our concerns and tell us "you figure it out". I remember quitting right on time in 2018 cuz the location slowly died out and closed down. I miss the food before the quality died. The only good memory was working with my crew and having good laughs. RIP Boston Market.
UA on his way to be one of the greatest food vloggers on UA-cam!!
LOL. Fakes this whole video with a green screen. Wake up
@@ChargeNReactwheres the green screen????
@@ChargeNReactdoes not. He is actually there. 🤣
He
Fakes
His
Vids
WAKE UP PEOPLE!
Your face when you ate the potatoes was priceless 😂
I always got the boston market mac n cheese in the frozen section in the grocery store. Then all of a sudden it disappeared 😢
I used to love boston market. I used to love the chicken, meatloaf and mash potato's. I actually have no idea why i stopped going there except it was kind of expensive and took forever to get the food back in the day.
He just not only told everyone why Boston Market is currently dying. 3:50, but this is the reason why is no one is eating at BM
Im in Jersey too. Drove past the one in Edison NJ on Route 1 which closed down too. Always wondered what happened to BM. After Covid they most likely couldnt stay opened.
I needed a referee to eat the meat loaf 20 years ago. I could only imagine today.
Why did you need a referee?
meat loaf? why meat loaf?
Because it was fighting with me.
@@JonHop1 Beause it was on the menu.
@@mafatone No way Id ever buy meatloaf from a chicken chain store XD.. But I wont lie, back in the day, Boston Market Chicken was good.
Boston Market used to be real good about 12 years ago in my neighborhood. Now it sucks. I went there about 3 months ago and there were no chicken spinning. I asked the cashier what happened to the chicken and she said, "Oh someone just took them out." There were no one sitting down eating like before. Right after eating, my stomach started turning and I violently threw up about 5 times. I was done. I will never eat there again. Before this day, I haven't eaten there in years. It's expensive crap! The sides are getting smaller and you're paying more.
You took one for the team on this one. Happy that you threw it away. It obviously was spoiled.
Man, I thought that it was just in our area. Boston Market used to be a special treat, now we just point and laugh as we drive by.
Who knows how long those chicken carcasses have been on that rotisserie.
I am Sorry But when you took that bite of the mash potatoes with gravy at 13:46 I legit laughed at your facial expression. You almost wanted to throw up immediately 😂😂
And then the cleaning your tongue with the napkin legit made me LOL.
This is why Google isn't reliable. 2:02
I also remember when this was called Boston Chicken back in the day. The food was excellent. I wouldn't go near BOSTON MARKET now. I have one in my area and it is the same. Looks abandoned when it's open, but I don't see it being there for much longer. At this point it's an eye sore. Be careful with that food, it looks spoiled and soooo nasty. The Mac and cheese looks like it's floating in water, cornbread looks pale and undercooked, and that gravy on the mashed potatoes 🤮🤮🤮The cash thing, ummmmm suspect. Great video!
"Yuck I wouldn't feed it to my dogs" 😂😂 the chicken & the cornbread looked proper tho. Holy Hannah Barbera, poor UA 😂 had to take one for the team.
It’s like when certain people buy a restaurant and starts replacing quality ingredients with crap and the patrons aren’t stupid. Eventually it’s dies. Same thing with businesses, grandpa starts it and gives himself a modest salary to be able to pay employees a good wage. Son takes over and pays himself more but the employees still do well. By the time it gets to the grandson, he has a collection of cars, two homes, and employees that quit on the daily due to less pay, unsafe practices and everything breaking without getting stuff fixed. Then before you know the place is closed.
Call before you go. The internet will never be as sure as a call
This is really sad. I remember when they first came out, you could hardly get into a Boston Market because of the crowds. I really loved their prime rib and their rotisserie chicken.
I went to boston market once in 1999 and again in 2014. It was ok in 99 and disgusting and way expensive in 14
I used to love the meatloaf. I went to try Boston Market a few months ago and it was the saltiest grossest thing I ever had. I went to another location a little more recently and it was the same.
Man, remember Boston Market and Kenny Rogers Restaurants were so good back in the day and the pretty good deal when they opened. Mismanagement really and market tastes changed these places towards the worst.
Kenny Rogers Roasters still going strong in Malaysia and some other Asian countries.
In 2011 I was in the process of moving & down the street was a Boston Market. It was the 1st & last time. My husband absolutely hated every thing. I bought a whole chicken & meatloaf, green beans & mashed potatoes. Everything was just bland to me
Used To Love The Meatloaf Sammy Back In 1989 Would Never Even Think About Eating It Now
Here in woodbridge, Virginia, they recently closed their store. I couldnt freakin believe it. Even though their prices scorched my wallet..All their food was a torcher.
I bet they wanted you to pay cash so they could take the extra that they charged you from the till.
I worked for a commercial liquidator who auctioned off 58 Boston Market stores in Seattle, Portland, and Spokane.