Custino's

[Steve]

No, it's not that bad. But they took what was a simple concept and made it far too ambitious for the revival and so it's tripping them up, making them very inconsistent...

[MikeOKC]

No, it's not that bad. But they took what was a simple concept and made it far too ambitious for the revival and so it's tripping them up, making them very inconsistent...

Agreed. I have heard very few people actually dislike their food, but it's the other things that seem to be ruining the experience. "Too ambitious for the revival..." That is a good way of explaining exactly what's happened.

[soonermike]

Tried it out this weekend and it wasn't quite what we were expecting with food served on styrofoam plates with plasticware, but no big deal, it made for easy clean up! Chicken parm and spaghetti w/ meatballs were okay, and the sausage with peppers sandwich was very good. The Alfredo sauce was a little watery, but not bad flavor. The biggest disappointment were the things that aren't available anymore. No pizza, no potato wedges, and no cannolis. We took my parents for a birthday dinner and my mom was really looking forward to the cannoli. She was told that they stopped making cannolis so they could be the exclusive distributor of an espresso mousse. We tried that and it a good flavor, but the texture was more like flan. Not bad if you're in the area, but I probably wouldn't make the trip up from Moore again.

[Steve]

Cutting back on the menu; sad, but inevitably what they had to do to survive. Again, it sounds like they're beginning to realize they got too ambitious with their starting menu....

[ou48A]

Don't ask

If you go in to visit Custino's Italian Kitchen, don't ask for Phil because you won't find him there. The transient chef from Chicago finally returned here to open a new concept with longtime friend Bud Elder, but Custino has already exited. Elder blamed ill health and heavy workload. Elder recently hired a new chef and they will continue to use Custino's original recipes


http://newsok.com/restaurant-at-top-...#ixzz22mseJmaO

I was told that the departure was actually on less than friendly terms.

[SoonerQueen]

Don't ask

If you go in to visit Custino's Italian Kitchen, don't ask for Phil because you won't find him there. The transient chef from Chicago finally returned here to open a new concept with longtime friend Bud Elder, but Custino has already exited. Elder blamed ill health and heavy workload. Elder recently hired a new chef and they will continue to use Custino's original recipes


http://newsok.com/restaurant-at-top-...#ixzz22mseJmaO

I was told that the departure was actually on less than friendly terms.

You heard right ou48A.

[okcbigeater]

Looks like the original owner of custino’s is going after the said to be owner of custino’s italian kitchen… after the last few times that I have been to this restaurant the food has been below average, it definitely isn't Phil Custino's quality that Oklahoma City has gotten used to over the past few years.

http://www.oscn.net/applications/osc...38&db=Oklahoma

After seeing this link posted all over the internet is shows a lot of whats really going on with this restaurant in town!

[ou48A]

After reading the PETITION link, it sure looks like the defendants don’t understand how to run any type of business. You certainly don’t shoot your mouth off as was described. There may be more involved, but the defendants side of the case sure looks like a tough one.

There are allegations embezzlement, accounting irregularities, harassment, and threats of murder.
Geez, bad food aside, I wonder if any of this could be considered criminal and if any charges could eventually be filed by authorities equaling jail time for the defendants?


All of this sounds like a script for a bad movie or book.
After this is all said and done, they may need money from a movie or book deal to pay off everything!

[Easy180]

Probably why partnerships shouldn't be formed over beers at McNellie's lol

[rizzo]

I won't be going back. IMO I don't see it weathering the storm anyways...

[Tydude]

i think it will involve with Money at the end if this trial does happen

[Steve]

I would warn everyone to wait until the full story is told - which will happen soon with my byline. Always question why someone new is posting information, and whether you're being told the full story. Angelo... I'd advise you to have your attorney return my calls or do so yourself.

[RadicalModerate]

duh buildin' is haunted! . . . haunted i tell ya' . . .

[Steve]

Come on now, OKC Big Eater.... surely you can let Angelo know I'm trying to reach him..... email me if you're at all confused - slackmeyer@oklahoman.com

[SoonerQueen]

Noticed tonight on the Custino's Facebook page, it has gone pretty blank. A few pictures are left but not the same activity that was there a few days ago.

[SoonerQueen]

This is what was put on Bud's Facebook page today.

Dear Facebook Friends

Tomorrow, you will read in the Business section of The Oklahoman about the trials and tribulations Barbie, Louie and I went through to achieve our dream of owning a small business in Oklahoma. When Steve Lackmeyer first approached me about the article last week, I was not thrilled about our business affairs being made public, however, he convinced me that my story might mak
e others more aware of who exactly they were in business with, so I cooperated fully.

There is actually no bad news here at all. After we legally dissolved the partnership, which has now been two months ago, the restaurant continues to thrive, people love our food and everyone has fun. This is because we were immediately helped by Tom Wynn, a restaurant veteran and dear friend who came in and straightened up the mess the Custinos (Caliendos) left behind, as well as our crew who has come to be part of our family – Oscar, Will, Amanda, Carlos and Jeffrey. They make sure that Custino’s offers a unique, affordable and delicious alternative to chain restaurants.

A special mention should be made here regarding Bill Zuhdi and Darla Zuhdi. They are no less than American heroes and have guided us through this legal process with both heart and hope. These two selfless and devoted friends are our champions.

We would also like to thank our customers, those who come in from four to six times a week as well as those who have tried us for the first time, to hungry diners who are planning to order their first tray of our lasagna. They have been supportive beyond belief.

Now as to the Custinos/Caliendos – we’ll let our lawsuit speak for their unspeakable behavior. You’ll notice that the Custino’s Facebook page is down now – that is some more of their appalling and cowardly methods to try to hurt people who tried to help them. Phil is deranged and sick and Angelo is illiterate and, now, a thief, who is unfamiliar with any level of the truth. I’m sure they’ll post all kinds of things about us – they already have, but, unfortunately for them, the truth wins out every time.

Now that all this malarkey is over, we want you to come to Custino’s, enjoy a $5.00 order of lasagna or spaghetti and meatballs and our other wonderful menu items. Thanks so much for your support.

[ou48A]

This is what was put on Bud's Facebook page today.

Dear Facebook Friends

Tomorrow, you will read in the Business section of The Oklahoman about the trials and tribulations Barbie, Louie and I went through to achieve our dream of owning a small business in Oklahoma. When Steve Lackmeyer first approached me about the article last week, I was not thrilled about our business affairs being made public, however, he convinced me that my story might mak
e others more aware of who exactly they were in business with, so I cooperated fully.

There is actually no bad news here at all. After we legally dissolved the partnership, which has now been two months ago, the restaurant continues to thrive, people love our food and everyone has fun. This is because we were immediately helped by Tom Wynn, a restaurant veteran and dear friend who came in and straightened up the mess the Custinos (Caliendos) left behind, as well as our crew who has come to be part of our family – Oscar, Will, Amanda, Carlos and Jeffrey. They make sure that Custino’s offers a unique, affordable and delicious alternative to chain restaurants.

A special mention should be made here regarding Bill Zuhdi and Darla Zuhdi. They are no less than American heroes and have guided us through this legal process with both heart and hope. These two selfless and devoted friends are our champions.

We would also like to thank our customers, those who come in from four to six times a week as well as those who have tried us for the first time, to hungry diners who are planning to order their first tray of our lasagna. They have been supportive beyond belief.

Now as to the Custinos/Caliendos – we’ll let our lawsuit speak for their unspeakable behavior. You’ll notice that the Custino’s Facebook page is down now – that is some more of their appalling and cowardly methods to try to hurt people who tried to help them. Phil is deranged and sick and Angelo is illiterate and, now, a thief, who is unfamiliar with any level of the truth. I’m sure they’ll post all kinds of things about us – they already have, but, unfortunately for them, the truth wins out every time.

Now that all this malarkey is over, we want you to come to Custino’s, enjoy a $5.00 order of lasagna or spaghetti and meatballs and our other wonderful menu items. Thanks so much for your support.

Suggested Goggling…. Ron Black and owner of restaurant.

[SoonerQueen]

Suggested Goggling…. Ron Black and owner of restaurant.

The only thing I could find is that the owner was part of a Christmas program Ron did on WKY radio. If there is anything I'm missing, message me.

[ou48A]

The only thing I could find is that the owner was part of a Christmas program Ron did on WKY radio. If there is anything I'm missing, message me.

http://ronblackradio.blogspot.com/20...er-pledge.html

[Larry OKC]

Am I reading that right? He goes on trashing Custinos (Caliendos), possibly bordering on slander...not a good idea if you are involved in a lawsuit...yet continues to run the place under that name? That seems to be a little on the shady side.

[Steve]

http://newsok.com/custinos-italian-k...rticle/3702159

[ljbab728]

http://newsok.com/custinos-italian-k...rticle/3702159

WOW, what a mess.

[soonerguru]

Am I reading that right? He goes on trashing Custinos (Caliendos), possibly bordering on slander...not a good idea if you are involved in a lawsuit...yet continues to run the place under that name? That seems to be a little on the shady side.

My thoughts exactly. Show a little class, even if you are the victim in this deal. Trashing the guy's name in public is not wise when you're amid a legal proceeding. I imagine his attorney is trying to put a muzzle on him now, but the damage is already done, as it is now in the public sphere.

[SoonerQueen]

Custino's Italian Kitchen partnership ends in legal entanglements

BY STEVE LACKMEYER slackmeyer@opubco.com
August 20, 2012

...

[ljbab728]

I posted the whole article because some people might not have access to the paper via the internet. Sorry it is so long, but Steve did a good job of explaining things in the article. Sounds like a mess on both sides.

SQ, I'm sure that you meant well, but Steve has asked in the past that we not post his full articles here, just a link to them. Anyone who has internet access can look at that article at www.newsok.com.