OT Applebees

"Shawn Hirn" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

Applebee's is a favorite for my parents and my sister and brother-in-law
when we go out to eat, although its not in my list of favorites.

Same here! When I get to choose I nearly always want local "mom and
pop" places, or good down-to-earth local restaurants with good food
and decent prices. Or, places in Raleigh, NC like 42nd Street Oyster
Bar--which is a nice, cavernous, airy restaurant with a full, lovely bar
and decent entertainment perfect for while you wait for your table.

The

Quoted message said:

food I have been served at Applebee's has always been okay, not great,
but edible and a reasonable price.

I like their Weight Watcher's menu items because I can get a decent
dinner without taking on a lot of unnecessary fat and calories and the
food's not bad.

If I have to go there again (and don't get me wrong, I always appreciate
when someone takes me to lunch, regardless of where) I want to try the
tilapia on the Weight Watcher's menu.

The other thing that looked good (but a little too heavy for me that day)
was a dish called "Crispy Chicken Bowl" or something similar. It had
fried white meat filets on rice with various vegetables. Looked good!

JoeSpareBedroom said:

I've been to Applebee's. One time, it was good. Next time, it was just OK.
Next, not good. Then, good. Two more times, passable. Next time, boring. The
time after that, fabulous, although the margaritas might've had something to
do with it. Last time, boring. I'm thinking that the next few visits will be
assorted, in terms of quality, too.

Everyone I know who is involved with those industrial restaurants and
sees "behind the curtain" has said the same thing. The big box
Applebees/Fridays/whatever type places have next to nothing in the may
of standardization and quality control. Staff are minimally trained and
poorly paid. Stuff drops on the floor and gets picked up etc. Sanitary
conditions are hit or miss.

My buddy who has a commercial refrigeration business has had his workers
call in and refuse to work on equipment at these places because it was
filthy.

They have said that the only 2 fast food places that actually have
really tight quality control and standards are Wendys and McDonalds.

Julie Bove said:

"Pete C." <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

My one and only experience with Applebee's was so bad that I blacklisted
the entire chain and haven't been back since. So you don't think I
overreacted, the location in question had been open for about one month,
so it certainly should have had some corporate supervision at that
point. The experience was universally bad, bad service, bad food, bad
customer service, etc. Not a single acceptable point in the entire train
wreck, and not even a visit from a manager to apologize.
Plenty of competition, no need to give them a second chance.

I have never gotten anything remotely edible in an Applebees.

Actually had lunch at Applebees yesterday. My salad was actually pretty
good. The chicken was cooked just right. Mostly my experience there
has been just ok. Not a destination place for me at all, but a
convenience place or where my dining companion wants to go.

Mostly it's a good place to catch up with a friend, oh and have a snack too.

--
Queenie

*** Be the change you wish to see in the world ***

"Julie Bove" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:znxpi.2715$0v4.1161@trndny01...

Quoted message said:

"Pete C." <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

My one and only experience with Applebee's was so bad that I blacklisted
the entire chain and haven't been back since. So you don't think I
overreacted, the location in question had been open for about one month,
so it certainly should have had some corporate supervision at that
point. The experience was universally bad, bad service, bad food, bad
customer service, etc. Not a single acceptable point in the entire train
wreck, and not even a visit from a manager to apologize.
Plenty of competition, no need to give them a second chance.

I have never gotten anything remotely edible in an Applebees.

We went once, coming down off the mountain from a hiking trip as I recall,
starved. I don't know what they did to the food, but it was awful. Denny's
was up the road; it probably would have been much better; at least you could
see; this particular Applebees was a little dark. The waitress was ticked
off at us for just sitting down, I believe. That's been at least 10 years
ago. They won't get another go out of me. Plenty of truckers around to
give them all the business they need.
DeeDee

I'm with you, DeeDee. We stopped at an Applebee's and got the same
irritated look from the waitress. We arrived at least 1 1/2 hours before
closing time. Not being familiar with Applebee's menu, I stupidly ordered a
steak It was inedible - very tough and very well done - almost charred.
The waitress grudgingly took it back. While I was waiting, I asked for a
second glass of tea. By the time the steak arrived, I was ready for a third
glass. She informed me that she was authorized to serve only two glasses to
a customer. I said that I would pay for another glass. Although I had not
asked for the manager, she brought him to our table. He not only confirmed
the 2 glass limit, he asked me what my problem was. While the manager was
still at the table, I attempted to cut into the steak. This time, it was so
tough that my knife wouldn't even go through. I politely asked the manager
if I could exchange the steak for something else. He said they didn't allow
substitutions. I pointed out that I was not asking for a substitution. By
this time, we were fed up. Keep in mind that we are very easy going people
and rarely raise our voice. We quietly got up and walked out with the
manager close behind. We refused to pay. He let us go, but flung
obscenities at our back. Very professional. We drove around back to turn
around and saw the cook leaning up against the dumpster. To be polite, he
was vigorously cleaning out his nose with one hand while smoking a joint
with the other. He had long, greasy, uncovered hair and filthy hands. I
forever banned Applebee's from my 'don't eat there even if I'm starving'
list.

--
"Hope everyone is happy in your head - we're all doin' pretty good in mine."
--Unknown

"Dee Dee" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Julie Bove" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:znxpi.2715$0v4.1161@trndny01...

Quoted message said:

"Pete C." <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

My one and only experience with Applebee's was so bad that I blacklisted
the entire chain and haven't been back since. So you don't think I
overreacted, the location in question had been open for about one month,
so it certainly should have had some corporate supervision at that
point. The experience was universally bad, bad service, bad food, bad
customer service, etc. Not a single acceptable point in the entire train
wreck, and not even a visit from a manager to apologize.
Plenty of competition, no need to give them a second chance.

I have never gotten anything remotely edible in an Applebees.

We went once, coming down off the mountain from a hiking trip as I recall,
starved. I don't know what they did to the food, but it was awful.
Denny's was up the road; it probably would have been much better; at least
you could see; this particular Applebees was a little dark. The waitress
was ticked off at us for just sitting down, I believe. That's been at
least 10 years ago. They won't get another go out of me. Plenty of
truckers around to give them all the business they need.
DeeDee

Snickers said:

I'm with you, DeeDee. We stopped at an Applebee's and got the same
irritated look from the waitress. We arrived at least 1 1/2 hours before
closing time. Not being familiar with Applebee's menu, I stupidly ordered a
steak It was inedible - very tough and very well done - almost charred.
The waitress grudgingly took it back. While I was waiting, I asked for a
second glass of tea. By the time the steak arrived, I was ready for a third
glass. She informed me that she was authorized to serve only two glasses to
a customer. I said that I would pay for another glass. Although I had not
asked for the manager, she brought him to our table. He not only confirmed
the 2 glass limit, he asked me what my problem was. While the manager was
still at the table, I attempted to cut into the steak. This time, it was so
tough that my knife wouldn't even go through. I politely asked the manager
if I could exchange the steak for something else. He said they didn't allow
substitutions. I pointed out that I was not asking for a substitution. By
this time, we were fed up. Keep in mind that we are very easy going people
and rarely raise our voice. We quietly got up and walked out with the
manager close behind. We refused to pay. He let us go, but flung
obscenities at our back. Very professional. We drove around back to turn
around and saw the cook leaning up against the dumpster. To be polite, he
was vigorously cleaning out his nose with one hand while smoking a joint
with the other. He had long, greasy, uncovered hair and filthy hands. I
forever banned Applebee's from my 'don't eat there even if I'm starving'
list.

Never, ever, [censored] of rest. staff unless you are sending back the food
and leaving. You are usually dealing with low life people with bad
intentions.

You probably had some spit, urine, (in my case I saw a waiter swab his
penis over a dozen clams to a bunch of customers that were irritating
him,) and God knows what, put on your plate.

BTW, I was working the microphone in the kitchen that day.

When I go eat out, it's pretty much (unless I have no choice,) Ma & Pa
places. Where there is an impetus to provide excellent service and there
is a zero tolerance policy against BS.

Fast-food and large chains can all go under; I could care less about
their existence. Probably be healthier for the world.

R

I also hate Applebees. A few years ago I was on a business trip and
the hotel I was staying in didn't have a restaurant, but there was an Applebees
next door. I walked over and placed a to-go order. I waited patiently at the
bar. It was somewhat between lunch and dinner rushes so the place wasn't that
busy. Someone brought out a to-go order all bagged up and handed it to the
waitress, who then set it on the other side of the bar from me. I assumed it
wasn't for me, or she would have given it to me, right? I waited for about 20
more minutes, during which she moved the bag around a little to wipe the bar,
and even glanced at me a few times. Finally she brought the bag over to me.
Sheesh, thanks alot for the cold food. I just took it and left, because I was
STARVING.

- Sharon
"Gravity... is a harsh mistress!"

"Sharon" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I also hate Applebees. A few years ago I was on a business trip and
the hotel I was staying in didn't have a restaurant, but there was an
Applebees
next door. I walked over and placed a to-go order. I waited patiently at
the
bar. It was somewhat between lunch and dinner rushes so the place wasn't
that
busy. Someone brought out a to-go order all bagged up and handed it to
the
waitress, who then set it on the other side of the bar from me. I assumed
it
wasn't for me, or she would have given it to me, right? I waited for
about 20
more minutes, during which she moved the bag around a little to wipe the
bar,
and even glanced at me a few times. Finally she brought the bag over to
me.
Sheesh, thanks alot for the cold food. I just took it and left, because I
was
STARVING.

- Sharon
"Gravity... is a harsh mistress!"

Call me 'paranoid.' I figure these things are usually intentional.
Maybe just in my case though ;-)
Dee Dee

"Dee Dee" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Sharon" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I also hate Applebees. A few years ago I was on a business trip and
the hotel I was staying in didn't have a restaurant, but there was an
Applebees
next door. I walked over and placed a to-go order. I waited patiently
at the
bar. It was somewhat between lunch and dinner rushes so the place wasn't
that
busy. Someone brought out a to-go order all bagged up and handed it to
the
waitress, who then set it on the other side of the bar from me. I
assumed it
wasn't for me, or she would have given it to me, right? I waited for
about 20
more minutes, during which she moved the bag around a little to wipe the
bar,
and even glanced at me a few times. Finally she brought the bag over to
me.
Sheesh, thanks alot for the cold food. I just took it and left, because
I was
STARVING.

- Sharon
"Gravity... is a harsh mistress!"

Call me 'paranoid.' I figure these things are usually intentional.
Maybe just in my case though ;-)

Do you mistreat servers?

"cybercat" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Dee Dee" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Sharon" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I also hate Applebees. A few years ago I was on a business trip and
the hotel I was staying in didn't have a restaurant, but there was an
Applebees
next door. I walked over and placed a to-go order. I waited patiently
at the
bar. It was somewhat between lunch and dinner rushes so the place
wasn't that
busy. Someone brought out a to-go order all bagged up and handed it to
the
waitress, who then set it on the other side of the bar from me. I
assumed it
wasn't for me, or she would have given it to me, right? I waited for
about 20
more minutes, during which she moved the bag around a little to wipe the
bar,
and even glanced at me a few times. Finally she brought the bag over to
me.
Sheesh, thanks alot for the cold food. I just took it and left, because
I was
STARVING.

- Sharon
"Gravity... is a harsh mistress!"

Call me 'paranoid.' I figure these things are usually intentional.
Maybe just in my case though ;-)

Do you mistreat servers?

Why is it that everything you say sounds like a condemnation --oops, it must
be my paranoia! LOL.
Dee Dee

Richard Periut said:

Edwin Pawlowski said:

"Pete C." <[email hidden]> wrote in message

Quoted message said:

None of the big chains generally qualify as five star, but they are
usually consistently decent. A result of that corporate
homogenization where all the brands in the chain end up pretty much
identical except for their decor. Cracker Barrel and Outback are
pretty typical in that you can usually count on being able to stop
at one pretty much anywhere and get a reasonable meal that at least
beats the fast food places.

Pete C.

I don't disagree with you, and that "consistent sameness" is one of
the reasons the chains do so well. I have, however, become much more
adventurous in the past few years. I go out of my way to try local
places. I've found more winners than losers and sometimes you find a
real gem.

IMO, Applebees, Olive Garden, and Red Lobster all fall into the same
category: to fulfill the appetite of the hungry for crapa ratta.
The only good thing in these places (for the most part,) is their
freshly made salads and breadsticks. The rest is nuked, pressure
cookec/heated, et cetera.

I don't know about now but when I worked at Red Lobster back in 1981 they
didn't have a microwave and there was nary a pressure cooker in sight. The
seafood was either run under a salamader (aka broiled) or deep fried,
depending on what was ordered. The crab legs were steamed; the whole
lobster was boiled. The baked potatoes went in to large ovens. The bread
(it was rolls back then, not those cheese biscuits I keep hearing about
which are, apparenly, nothing but glorified Bisquik biscuits) was by no
means freshly made; they were from frozen and popped in an oven.

Quoted message said:

Do yourselves a favor and buy yourselves quality ingredients, learn
the basics of cooking, and have fun and cook your own stuff.

What exactly do you think we do here?! The point the OP was making was if
you *want* to go out to dinner and wind up at a place like Applebees, for
whatever reason, the food could be mediocre, could be bad, could be decent
if not spectacular.

Jill

Ken said:

I too prefer the little, hole-in-the-wall places. I think the owner
should either be cooking or greeting the customer at the door. Every
once in a while, I'll get a terrible meal at a mom-and-pop-place, but
the good meals more than make up for it.

Ah how I long for the days when a restaurant called Art Pieroni's in Memphis
was around. Art was the owner and the head chef. His wife, Danette, served
as hostess and bookkeeper. Absolutely fantastic Italian food, very
reasonably priced. Art made a point of coming out and briefly talking with
the customers when he wasn't swamped in the kitchen. Alas, as with so many
new restaurants, they didn't last much more than 2 years.

Jill

Richard Periut said:

Quoted message said:

Never, ever, [censored] of rest. staff unless you are sending back the food
and leaving. You are usually dealing with low life people with bad
intentions.

I don't think that's a fair statement. Most of the people I knew who worked
both back of the house and front were college-age kids just trying to make
ends meet or bored housewives who wanted to earn some extra $ while the kids
were in school. I never once saw anything like you've described.

Quoted message said:

BTW, I was working the microphone in the kitchen that day.

So you mean you mean you were the expeditor. LOL

Jill

Dee Dee said:

"cybercat" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
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Quoted message said:

"Dee Dee" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
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Quoted message said:

"Sharon" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...
> I also hate Applebees. A few years ago I was on a business trip
> and the hotel I was staying in didn't have a restaurant, but there
> was an Applebees
> next door. I walked over and placed a to-go order. I waited
> patiently at the
> bar. It was somewhat between lunch and dinner rushes so the place
> wasn't that
> busy. Someone brought out a to-go order all bagged up and handed
> it to the
> waitress, who then set it on the other side of the bar from me. I
> assumed it
> wasn't for me, or she would have given it to me, right? I waited
> for about 20
> more minutes, during which she moved the bag around a little to
> wipe the bar,
> and even glanced at me a few times. Finally she brought the bag
> over to me.
> Sheesh, thanks alot for the cold food. I just took it and left,
> because I was
> STARVING.
>
> - Sharon
> "Gravity... is a harsh mistress!"

Call me 'paranoid.' I figure these things are usually intentional.
Maybe just in my case though ;-)

Do you mistreat servers?

To Cybercat: How is placing an order and then patiently waiting for it
"mistreatment"?

Jill

Quoted message said:

Take heart, IHOP has either bought or is trying to buy Applebees. Tyler
couldn't help Applebees pull out of it. I still like IHOP now and then.
Maybe they'll improve Applebees.

Michael

Our local Applebee's is great. It all depends on the franchisee,
folks.

N.

In article said:

"Sharon" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I also hate Applebees. A few years ago I was on a business trip and
the hotel I was staying in didn't have a restaurant, but there was an
Applebees
next door. I walked over and placed a to-go order. I waited patiently at
the
bar. It was somewhat between lunch and dinner rushes so the place wasn't
that
busy. Someone brought out a to-go order all bagged up and handed it to
the
waitress, who then set it on the other side of the bar from me. I assumed
it
wasn't for me, or she would have given it to me, right? I waited for
about 20
more minutes, during which she moved the bag around a little to wipe the
bar,
and even glanced at me a few times. Finally she brought the bag over to
me.
Sheesh, thanks alot for the cold food. I just took it and left, because I
was
STARVING.

- Sharon
"Gravity... is a harsh mistress!"

Call me 'paranoid.' I figure these things are usually intentional.
Maybe just in my case though ;-)
Dee Dee

Yeah, I wondered about it, but couldn't think if a thing I'd done to
tick her off. Unless maybe she figured I wouldn't tip her for a to go order.
After that behavior, who WOULD tip her? Sheesh

- Sharon
"Gravity... is a harsh mistress!"