JIMMY’S ON STARKEY RD √√√-1/2
Formerly Largo Family Diner and Formerly Old Ambrosia Restaurant
11335 Starkey Rd, Largo, FL 33773-4735 — 727-329-8974
This establishment used to be the restaurant called AMBROSIA, and I had eaten there more than a few times. It then became the LARGO FAMILY DINER, very similar in name to the Largo Family Restaurant located in Clearwater, but not the same — Not related — 
It changed hands about the beginning of the year. Its table service is familiar everyday American menu, with a lot of sides and several Greek Specialties and combinations. It’s a locals area favorite.
And it’s one of those places where the food is good, the place is clean, and almost habit forming — I used to drive the same route to work everyday and when I left earlier from home, I stopped and had a good breakfast. The new owners have stepped it up a notch.
Not Expensive, Foods Good, Local Business — ⬆︎$$$
And the place is medium priced based on the horrific food market today, almost inexpensive… but due to supplies and food prices skyrocketing compared to these big franchise operations.
The alternate franchises at close locations are higher priced, more portion controlled and that brings locals to this establishment. Locals find the bargains. Obviously, very friendly locals, lots of good mornings, nice experience, lot busier than before. Smoking outside, if you must, not inside, FL LAW more Jimmy is a good cook — important the food is good and generous.
I rarely comment on a place just on one trip or incident and this place changed hands about the first of the year Dec-Jan and went through the usual shakedown restaurant cruise with a different menu and personnel. Then it changed hands again, but now the Canadians and Northerners are going home, It's less crowded and easy access now.
And the guys in the kitchen can cook and do a good job.
So last week I ate there twice ( both breakfasts with my client) after noting the change and the food and service was good and met the mark for quality, which is freshness, service was right on and the place was very busy and this was the end of off season. Four different breakfasts all great. I love Biscuits and Gravy and any kind of omelets. And the steak special is a bargain at $6.99. It’s a six-ounce Sirloin done very nicely.
But something annoyed me, an attitude —
The Steak special comes with three eggs and I already had my share according to my doctor for the week so I requested just give me something else, grits or extra home fries, hold the eggs and was promptly told, out loud “ We don't substitute!” .
Had I not been with a guest for breakfast to talk business, I would have at that point packed up and said, “ OK, I’ll go elsewhere, Doctors orders” and walked out. And you would not be reading this critique.
But I understand the business and rules are rules but my health comes first. I get it, but did not like the tone.
DUMB COSTS - And a business breakfast for a new project for twenty people, average ticket about ten dollars a head is now re-scheduled elsewhere at another location, which just as good or better, at Perkins or Suzi's. Usually about a 225-250 dollar check.
The customer isn’t always right, nor wrong, but attitude can change things — And I wish them well, We have not been back — Win a battle, lose a war. √√√1/2
Loaded with locals. So something was different. Our locals are a "tough audience" in the food industry. Trust me on that one... And most of the tourists were gone, they were tough customers... some really hard to please... and after all my years in the industry I will drop a shocker on you. Now they are back with the weather up North. COVID OR NO COVID.
More complaints come from how eggs are cooked than anything else in the business. Breakfast is a tough gig if you don’t have a good guy on the flat top or egg pans. People are fussy about their eggs. The two gals serving, had the tables under control, the food was hot, refills on the coffee and water handled well and for a smaller homey type place did very well, had they not, I would be saying something.
We had a long very extended arduous tourist season due to the weather up North and in the Carolinas, tourists and snowbirds ( Canadian winter visitors), we had to change plans at certain restaurants which were too busy, restricted by COVID and long lines to even get into unless we went off hours. It's calmed down now and this was a convenient stop.
Three locations I screened lately had featured homemade soups, must be a trend in the area, soup and half a sandwich. Which is not a bad lunch deal health wise.