Northeast Ohio - Western Pa Product and Service Reviews

Local, small businesses need to have the spotlight shown on them too.

I do not get to go out often, but when I do, I will post the best and the worst products and services that I find here in the North East Ohio and Western Pa area.

My spotlight will be bright.

I am my own secret shopper and I DO tell the truth so beware and be warned.

The Globe Restaurant is in the Truck World Mall near Interstate 80 in Hubbard, Ohio.

Good food for the family and/or for late night snacking.

They have one of the best and biggest Friday fish fry dinners around during the Spring and one of the best Reuben sandwiches I've ever had.

When you go, ask for Amanda - the BEST waitress ever.

She is nice, she is fast, she is just plain good !

Make sure you show your appreciation by leaving a good tip as well so that we can keep good workers like this around.

So good! So far, I've tried the Roasted Garlic Salsa; the Corn Salsa; the Ranch Dressing; the Steak Sauce; and a few varieties of mustard.

Didn't care for the dressing, but love everything else. My favorite so far is the Corn Salsa.

If you are near Hubbard, Ohio, stop by to visit my shop neighbor to try a few for yourself and let me know which is your favorite.

Rusty Jack's Man Cave Store and More at 6179 Youngstown-Hubbard Road in Hubbard, Ohio

Hermitage, Pa

My Mom, my youngest daughter and I were in Pat Catans Hermitage store on Monday, March 15, 2010 around dinnertime.

We were looking for some items for her and Dad's 50th Wedding Anniversary party in May.

I was having a tough time finding a few things and everyone was too busy so I couldn't find much help - UNTIL I was in the ribbon and floral department and needed some tulle cut and marked.

My daughter went up to the desk, rang the bell and within 30 seconds a store associate was there with a smile.

He so patiently listened while my daughter was regaling him with what we were doing in the store that day and why we wanted the tulle and that her Grandma and Grandpa both have been so sick over the last 5-6 years so we were so thrilled to have them both still here...

He then said how wonderful it was and that his own parents made it to 45 before his Dad died.

We chatted a little about family and how nice it is to celebrate them while they're here and how I lost my brother and he his Dad...

Now, he did not waste time standing around chatting with us instead of working - so don't any of you bosses get upset ;)

He chatted WHILE he worked and helped us.

Also, this was not an isolated incident.

We saw him several times in other departments in the store - he was always busy, but always had a smile for the customers and the other workers that came into his view.

I could also tell that he meant it - he was not being fake - he really enjoys his work and helping his customers and fellow workers alike.

As you folks know, I keep my eyes open and I watch for someone who merits being written about. I always try to find the best and to let you know about him/her or a certain place.

In this case, the name of my find for the Best is Rick Guerino from the Hermitage Pat Catans craft store.

Congratulations to you Mr. Guerino !

I hear from so many folks that these "...young people..." are lazy and don't know how to work or how to be responsible.

I see a lack of work ethic in so many folks - not just the young. Let me tell you a little story: Years ago, I was a bartender and cook and a local place in Pennsylvania by a steel mill (the old Sharon Steel). Several of the workers would come in every day for lunch and tease me because I had to work very hard just to survive. These men, who were twice my age or more, would brag about how lazy they could be and how they could get away with reading the newspaper/smoking/eating/lounging... and look out for each other in case the bosses were walking around and might catch them while they were supposed to be working AND that they made good money because it was union. After a few weeks of this, I just said "I was taught to be an honest, good, hard-working person and to take pride in my work. To be a good example and to reflect well upon my family. I am proud of myself and how hard that I work because I have EARNED my money." You steel time from your company and can't say the same thing so if I were you - I would very ashamed of myself." And then I quietly went about my business again :)

So, please do not assume that a young person would not make a good employee or that an older person will work hard because, as the old saying goes, "You can't judge a book by the cover."