Symons General Store & Wine Cellar

The posted hours say the store closes at 6:00 PM on a Sunday- I arrived well before then, around 5:30, and asked for a simple sandwich. The staff told me they stop serving after 6, but when I pointed out it wasn’t 6 yet, they still refused to take my order. To make matters worse, the customer in front of me placed a brand-new order and was told her sandwich would be ready in 10 minutes — and she received it with no problem. I mean, how Difficult is it to make a sandwich!?

There were no signs anywhere stating that the kitchen closes earlier than the store, and nothing to explain why one customer was served while another was turned away. It felt completely inconsistent and unfair. If they truly stop food service before the store closes, that needs to be posted clearly for customers to see. Otherwise, it just comes across as poor service and picking and choosing who to serve.

I left disappointed, without the sandwich I came for, and with the impression that this store doesn’t value treating customers fairly.

Best sandwich I’ve had in a long time thank you so much

Symons General Store has always been one of our absolute favorite places to stop in Petoskey. The shop is amazing, and the sandwiches are the best — we often come up from Grand Rapids just for them.

Unfortunately, today’s visit was very different from what we’ve experienced in the past. We arrived at 6pm to place an order (knowing they close at 7), and the service was disappointing. As we stood at the deli counter, the employee making a sandwich for another customer told us, “Sorry guys, we’re closed, and we’re out of almost everything, we’re not taking any more orders.” If that had truly been the case, we would have completely understood.

However, the exchange between the employees felt unprofessional and left us questioning whether that was accurate. As the employee was saying “we’re out of almost everything,” another employee went into the prep room clearly to check, and came back smirking. Meanwhile, a child walked up and asked about his own sandwich order — which made it even more confusing, as orders were still being made.

What was most disappointing wasn’t just being turned away, but that no effort was made to ask what we wanted or to check if they could prepare something from what was still available. Considering sandwiches were still being made at that moment, it would have meant a lot if the employees had simply said, “Let me see what we do have left — what were you hoping to order?”

We truly love Symons and have always looked forward to visiting, but this experience was discouraging and very different from the great service we’ve come to expect.

I sometimes hesitate writing reviews for small places our of fear they'll get too popular and blown up. But honestly, that's exactly I'm writing it. I'm a die hard, punch card local that orders lunch here at least once a week, and without fail, regardless of season, day of the week, staff, or other factor, Symon's never misses a beat. They've never messed up an order. They've always been on time. Theyre always chill. They operate like a top. The food is always hot, it's always consistent , and the prices are approachable. 10000/10 couldn't give Symon's, it's employees, and it's management enough stars. Lots of businesses could learn a thing or two about this awesome crew and how to run an award winning business. I'll keep coming back forever.

Good selection of wine at decent prices in the basement, and a very tasty breakfast burrito at the deli counter.

Awesome selection and friendly staff

The Best, Avocado BLT and 5 Dragons!!!! The most friendly staff with the best service. They really care no matter the size of your order!

Fun, interesting food store. Something for everyone! Best sandwich's,very delicious! Great staff, very friendly and accommodating. Thank you Symon's!

Neat old store

Sandwiches are really good here. I would suggest the BLT hot. They also have a great selection of gourmet treats which I really enjoyed. All the employees were smiling and it was a pleasure to visit here.

I walked in and it smelled amazing. I walked to the back to find the source. I ordered the fresh baked ham and cheese croissant. It was fantastic! The staff was very friendly. Thank you. Symons has all sorts of great products for sale. Lotions, soaps, chocolate, cheese, wine and more.

Amazing Sandwiches! ? full on reco the shipwreck , warmed on a tortilla! ❤️❤️❤️

Just order a sandwich to be delivered downtown. Super fast and outrageously delicious! Highly recommend!

Stop for a quick sandwich. We got in and out quickly with delicious sandwiches. We'll worth working the Summer traffic to get downtown.

Amazing selection of local liquors and sweets. Chocolate pastry was AMAZING. Great variety with reasonable prices. Staff were also quite friendly.