Five New Restaurants Coming to Town Center

[remc86007]

I've only eaten at Red Robin once (the one in Tallahassee), but the burger, to me at least, was indistinguishable from a Burger King Whopper (all the way down to the fake "flame grilled" taste). The burger plus one beer came out to $18 before tax. Needless to say, I haven't been back. I hope that it was just a one-off experience and the one at the town center location isn't going to be a million dollar peddler of Whoppers.

[spuwho]

I've only eaten at Red Robin once (the one in Tallahassee), but the burger, to me at least, was indistinguishable from a Burger King Whopper (all the way down to the fake "flame grilled" taste). The burger plus one beer came out to $18 before tax. Needless to say, I haven't been back. I hope that it was just a one-off experience and the one at the town center location isn't going to be a million dollar peddler of Whoppers.

Having eaten at the original Red Robin in Seattle almost 30 years ago, I can easily say that one's experience today is pretty much a mixed bag.

The franchisee's all have some variations that can make a big difference in the what's and how well's it comes to you.

I remember how excited I was when the first franchise opened in the Chicago area (Schaumburg - Woodfield Center) only to be really disappointed that some RR staples were ignored or not available. To top it off, the food was as you said, average.  So it really comes down to the supplier the franchisee uses and how well they adhere to the RR guidelines.  RR is not as strict at the food level as McDonalds is, they are franchising mostly a theme and a menu.

I have since been back to the west coast and ate at a RR in Modesto, California, and it was like I remember it in Seattle. Good thick burgers, unlimited refills, even on mixed lemonades, and quality service.

I went to a RR in Baltimore last year and I was back to average again with limits or missing items.

My guess is this RR will be a lot like the one in Port Orange.

[spuwho]

I've only eaten at Red Robin once (the one in Tallahassee), but the burger, to me at least, was indistinguishable from a Burger King Whopper (all the way down to the fake "flame grilled" taste). The burger plus one beer came out to $18 before tax. Needless to say, I haven't been back. I hope that it was just a one-off experience and the one at the town center location isn't going to be a million dollar peddler of Whoppers.

Having eaten at the original Red Robin in Seattle almost 30 years ago, I can easily say that one's experience today is pretty much a mixed bag.

The franchisee's all have some variations that can make a big difference in the what's and how well's it comes to you.

I remember how excited I was when the first franchise opened in the Chicago area (Schaumburg - Woodfield Center) only to be really disappointed that some RR staples were ignored or not available. To top it off, the food was as you said, average.  So it really comes down to the supplier the franchisee uses and how well they adhere to the RR guidelines.  RR is not as strict at the food level as McDonalds is, they are franchising mostly a theme and a menu.

I have since been back to the west coast and ate at a RR in Modesto, California, and it was like I remember it in Seattle. Good thick burgers, unlimited refills, even on mixed lemonades, and quality service.

I went to a RR in Baltimore last year and I was back to average again with limits or missing items.

My guess is this RR will be a lot like the one in Port Orange.

I am in Seattle this weekend and decided to give Red Robin a try again. Confirms my earlier comments.  All of the orginal menu items, more craft beers this time, but skimpy on the fries (but still unlimited refills on drinks and fries).

Not the same as Port Orange or Baltimore. Yes, yes, there are 20 thousand better places to eat in greater Seattle and I have been to quite a few. I just wanted to see if anything changed.  They still have the the Bonzai Burger, but have dropped the Teriyaki Chicken Burger, which was one of my favs. I had the Guacamole bacon Burger and it was as I remembered it.

Hopefully, if time permits, I can get down to Elliotts on the Pier and get some fresh salmon.