Not sure where the hate is coming from. I stopped in for lunch to get a sandwich and charge my phone in between errands and shopping- the waitresses were super nice and friendly, chatted with me about what I bought at Ivy & Leo (apparently they love that boutique as much as I do), and gave me a tip to get the hand cut chips. I've been there twice now and gotten a reuben- which was delicious- both times. No complaints on the bread, the size, or the toppings. It's just a really solid reuben.
I did, however, talk to the new owner- she is also from Michigan and said she bought the place a while ago. I'm sure she is the reason Phil's is turning around! Since I am new to Charlotte I have only experienced the really, really delicious reubens. No complaints here!