The Economy

[Cosmo]

Regarding B-Dubs, I've been served medium rare wings there on multiple occasions. It's a no-go for me.

 

[BurnsWhenIPee]

I've got a buddy who was a regional GM for Chili's, a real up-and-comer as he oversaw about 20 locations in a three-state region. Was cool because he would give us stacks of Chili's gift cards and ask us to go to various sites and basically serve as secret shoppers. Had a website where we could go and answer questions about if we were offered signature margaritas, did they push particular appetizers, how many times did they check on us, etc.

Then he got sideways with his direct supervisor and was laid off. Moved out of state and became a regional manager for BWW. That didn't last and now he's a GM for a single Hooter's location.

Whenever we talk and the subject of work comes up, he sounds so down and defeated. Makes me sad.

 

[BTExpress]

I've only been to Red Robin a couple of times, and found it decent for what it is.

The last time I was there was probably 15 years ago, when my wife saw something in her drink, and pulled out an ice cube that had a mouse turd in the middle of it. Haven't been back since.

I shouldn't ask this, but . . .

How was the, uh, object in the ice cube identified as a mouse turd?

 

[BurnsWhenIPee]

She put it on a napkin and allowed it to melt. It was pretty clear what it was.

 

[dixiehack]

I need to put this thread on mute for a week until the topic changes. That's revolting.

 

[BitterYoungMatador2]

There used to be a restaurant in White Oak called Stan's that was a favorite of all of the old timers. My mom and I went there once when I was in grade school and a cockroach walked by our booth. That was the last time we went there and, if you say to my mother, "hey you remember Stan's Restaurant?" she'll reply, "I remember the roach we saw there."

 

[Mr._Graybeard]

I've got a buddy who was a regional GM for Chili's, a real up-and-comer as he oversaw about 20 locations in a three-state region. Was cool because he would give us stacks of Chili's gift cards and ask us to go to various sites and basically serve as secret shoppers. Had a website where we could go and answer questions about if we were offered signature margaritas, did they push particular appetizers, how many times did they check on us, etc.

Then he got sideways with his direct supervisor and was laid off. Moved out of state and became a regional manager for BWW. That didn't last and now he's a GM for a single Hooter's location.

Whenever we talk and the subject of work comes up, he sounds so down and defeated. Makes me sad.

Chain restaurants is a tough business. They rise and they fall. When I see successful restaurateurs, they hook up with a star chef and set up a trend-setting venue ... with the knowledge that the good things aren't going to last. Gotta plan that next step forward all the time. It makes journalism look like a stable career.

 

[BTExpress]

Chili's became dead to me when they discontinued their Original Chicken Crispers.

 

[Neutral Corner]

Chili's was pretty darn good when I was living in Houston in the 80's. Lately, not so much. It's been years since I ate there.

 

[Inky_Wretch]

Last Sunday, while the kiddo was at youth group, the Mrs and I went to Chili's on a whim. It had probably been a year since I ate there. We got out of there for less than $30 (pre-tip) thanks to the pick three menu and had leftovers for the next day.

 

[BurnsWhenIPee]

When we were newly married and could roll into a Chili's and get some nice quality chicken fajitas and a few cold beers/margaritas for reasonable prices, it felt like we were living large.

Now, not sure if our tastes have changed or they have changed, but feels a lot closer to Applebee's-level dining.

 

[sgreenwell]

Most of the national chains that swelled during the 80s and 90s are in No Man's Land now. You either have to go really cheap with things, and offer food by the bucket, or you're competing with local or regional chains that probably know the market better when it comes to sourcing and tastes. I think the latter is the biggest thing when I think about the food of my childhood (80s and 90s) vs. now. There's just way more access to better food, so there's no way I'm going to Friendly's for a chicken finger platter or Applebee's for a microwaved chicken parm.