Legacy Restaurant Chain Discussion

[Bagels]

Continuing from:
viewtopic.php?t=4668&start=30

@ClownLoach - I’ve always though that Black Angus is a true step up from most legacy chains. IMO, it’s the best value around if you take advantage of promotions. You can buy a $100 gift card from Costco for $80 and combine that with promotions. You need to join their club to get the old school Dinner For One / Campfire Feast promo pricing, but wow, what a bargain - for $34 you could get an 8 oz sirloin steak (plus the two sides), appetizer (like 8pc chicken tender) and dessert. For $6, you could add on a 6pc fire grilled shrimp (which comes on a bed of rice). For $40 ($32 with gift card), that’s enough food for a family of four. Bonus - go on triple points day and after 7 meals, get an entree up to $35 for free.

They did recently downgrade the steak to 6 oz. Bit they continue to run perpetual BOGO deals. And you can score an even better deal on the above meal if you pay through Groupon (can’t pay with gift card). It’s obvious the chain is hanging on by a thread…. Most everyone in there is of Medicare age. Their customers are literally dying off.

I’ve ate at Norma a lot, but I agree that food is often mediocre. Like elsewhere, their breakfast pricing doubled. It’s really hard to justify paying $15 (not including tax or tip) for a meal you could make at home for $2-3.

Last year we did the Black Friday deal and got $150 gift card for $75, so we’ve been there a few times this year. It’s obvious crowds are down from years past. I’m really surprised they’re expanding - they bought the chain from its founding family but the family kept - and later resold - the real estate. It’s kinda obvious they’re struggling as promotions often end as soon as they begin. But if you stick with basics, the food is good. Makes for a quick evening out.

I’m surprise to learn Shakeys restated up their buffet. Most of the pizza places near me - Round Table, Mountain Mke’s etc didn’t. I will have to check it out - will be nice and inexpensive place to spend some time in the coming month with family. We were planning on Knott’s but the $20 weekday buffet that was to be offers via year end abruptly ended. Probably weren’t making money off it.

[storewanderer]

I'm not sure if every Shakey's still does a buffet. That one I referenced in Oroville for instance, does not do a buffet. The website seems to indicate many in SoCal do a lunch buffet.

Black Angus has worked hard to keep relevance but the chain sure shrunk a lot...

[ClownLoach]

@Bagels Black Angus seems to be an inconsistent operator unfortunately. Last couple times I had it was Fountain Valley and it was pretty awful. Had it in Phoenix where they were obviously trying a very different asthetic for a while and it was better. Heard awful things about the one here in the staredown with the newish Longhorn.

I do remember for a while it felt more upscale than it does today and the menu was stronger. The tall dark booths were nice even if dated in appearance.

I never liked Outback. Got a gift card once that had an attached free appetizer sticker and tried it. They flat top grill their steaks but don't season them well.

Texas Roadhouse is the best value, but I've had problems each of the last three times I've been. They were supposed to have a brand new location in Temecula opened by now but it hasn't come to fruition. I think they have a ton of traffic, sell a ton of steaks, but don't make a lot of money.

[storewanderer]

Black Angus and Texas Roadhouse both sell raw steaks. Any thoughts on that program? I have never tried to purchase any.

[ClownLoach]

Black Angus and Texas Roadhouse both sell raw steaks. Any thoughts on that program? I have never tried to purchase any.

I've never seen Texas Roadhouse sell raw steaks out of the case. I do recall an advertisement for a mail order program similar to Omaha Steaks. At Texas Roadhouse the display is for the customer in the know. If you know the program, you can "shop" the case and pick a steak, then ask the host to put a ticket on the exact steak you want them to cook. They get out a couple of raffle tickets, put one on the steak and hand you the other. I believe they put their best cut steaks in there, but unfortunately if you don't pick one you might get a poorly cut one like some of the haphazardly cut ones I've had lately where they wind up burned on one thin wide and almost raw on the thick side. I think when they get busy they get really sloppy on the cut in house meat. I've had a couple of very badly cut ribeye lately that were probably one of the end pieces.

[storewanderer]

Black Angus and Texas Roadhouse both sell raw steaks. Any thoughts on that program? I have never tried to purchase any.

I've never seen Texas Roadhouse sell raw steaks out of the case. I do recall an advertisement for a mail order program similar to Omaha Steaks. At Texas Roadhouse the display is for the customer in the know. If you know the program, you can "shop" the case and pick a steak, then ask the host to put a ticket on the exact steak you want them to cook. They get out a couple of raffle tickets, put one on the steak and hand you the other. I believe they put their best cut steaks in there, but unfortunately if you don't pick one you might get a poorly cut one like some of the haphazardly cut ones I've had lately where they wind up burned on one thin wide and almost raw on the thick side. I think when they get busy they get really sloppy on the cut in house meat. I've had a couple of very badly cut ribeye lately that were probably one of the end pieces.

Maybe it was only during COVID... because the price here was lower than the grocery stores at the time.

[ClownLoach]

Black Angus and Texas Roadhouse both sell raw steaks. Any thoughts on that program? I have never tried to purchase any.

I've never seen Texas Roadhouse sell raw steaks out of the case. I do recall an advertisement for a mail order program similar to Omaha Steaks. At Texas Roadhouse the display is for the customer in the know. If you know the program, you can "shop" the case and pick a steak, then ask the host to put a ticket on the exact steak you want them to cook. They get out a couple of raffle tickets, put one on the steak and hand you the other. I believe they put their best cut steaks in there, but unfortunately if you don't pick one you might get a poorly cut one like some of the haphazardly cut ones I've had lately where they wind up burned on one thin wide and almost raw on the thick side. I think when they get busy they get really sloppy on the cut in house meat. I've had a couple of very badly cut ribeye lately that were probably one of the end pieces.

Maybe it was only during COVID... because the price here was lower than the grocery stores at the time.

There were some $$$$ restaurants that set up markets during COVID. That was an incredible time period for the market-restaurant concept that has existed in a small form for years, mainly other seafood restaurants. The company that owns King's Fish House and Water Grill is a large distributor of fresh seafood and also premium meats.

They were opening up full markets at Water Grill's stunning restaurant across the street from South Coast Plaza, a $12 Million dollar building. The line went around the entire parking lot. They converted the oyster bar to a beautiful meat and fish counter. They had the same premium breads, produce, herbs and dairy products they use in the restaurant. Everything was full service, just point to what you want and they would bag it up and give you a ticket. You paid at the register with the tickets. It was not cheap but you were getting a huge dry aged porterhouse or ribeye steak for $25 that would probably be $100+ on its own at the restaurant. Incredible fine dining opportunity for anyone who is a good cook and has the right skills and equipment at home. I wish they kept doing this.

[Bagels]

@Bagels Black Angus seems to be an inconsistent operator unfortunately. Last couple times I had it was Fountain Valley and it was pretty awful. Had it in Phoenix where they were obviously trying a very different asthetic for a while and it was better. Heard awful things about the one here in the staredown with the newish Longhorn.

I do remember for a while it felt more upscale than it does today and the menu was stronger. The tall dark booths were nice even if dated in appearance.

I never liked Outback. Got a gift card once that had an attached free appetizer sticker and tried it. They flat top grill their steaks but don't season them well.

Texas Roadhouse is the best value, but I've had problems each of the last three times I've been. They were supposed to have a brand new location in Temecula opened by now but it hasn't come to fruition. I think they have a ton of traffic, sell a ton of steaks, but don't make a lot of money.

I agree the Fountain Valley location is terrible. We usually go to Santa Ana. Coincidently, a few weeks ago I made my first visit to FV in years (long before COVID). I’ve always had problems with additional charges and this visit was no different. There were 7 of us, they gave us one bread and we asked for a second. We were charged $3.99 for it, plus $2.50 (!) for the butter. We got a couple “Wagon Wheel” starters and asked for plan chicken tenders with one BBQ and one ranch. They charged us $4 to “upgrade” each tender and $2.50for each sauce. Mind you, one the menu plain tenders are the same price and even the flavored tenders include a sauce. But my favorite… we asked for the salad dressing on the side and were charged $3.50 each, since appearently that’s extra. Waitress gave me an atitude, so I played naughty and didn’t tip. Only the second time in my life (and first in almost 20 years).

I like that most people at BA dress nicer (granted, they’re older) aand also like the look of BA, although in some remodels they ditched the tall booths, claiming they were dated. That’s the other thing that irritated about FV — at one point in time it got so much business that they shoved as many booths possible. So it’s a very beautiful restaurant but where do they seat everyone? Right next to the entrance, where a draft comes across every time the door opens.

Texas Roadhouse basically combined Outback’s menu with the ambiance of the so-called Texas style steakhouses. For years, their signature was peanuts… you’d toss the shells onto the floor. They stopped letting you litter awhile ago and got rid of the peanuts during Covid.

They make money because they run a high volume business. Sears crammed everywhere. A few years ago, they said the average dining experience was around 40 minutes. I think that’s one of the reasons they’re not in LA/ OC - a lot of ethic families will congregate for hours and that doesn’t work here. That’s the reason Marie Callendars and others got rid of their blue plate specials.

[Bagels]

Black Angus and Texas Roadhouse both sell raw steaks. Any thoughts on that program? I have never tried to purchase any.

They still sell them at some Texas Roadhouses. A location near Disney World was selling them in August. Kinda surprising since it’s all tourist traffic…

I’ve bought them from BA a few times. They’re reasonably priced - $60 for a six pack of 8 oz sirloin steaks back in August and they included 6 “steak house” potatoes (uncooked). I don’t like that o have to tip… they toss on a $2.99 service charge and CA doesn’t have a tipping wage. But I guess I’m suppose to shell out $10 to them since they put a prepackaged item in a bag…

[veteran+]

@Bagels Black Angus seems to be an inconsistent operator unfortunately. Last couple times I had it was Fountain Valley and it was pretty awful. Had it in Phoenix where they were obviously trying a very different asthetic for a while and it was better. Heard awful things about the one here in the staredown with the newish Longhorn.

I do remember for a while it felt more upscale than it does today and the menu was stronger. The tall dark booths were nice even if dated in appearance.

I never liked Outback. Got a gift card once that had an attached free appetizer sticker and tried it. They flat top grill their steaks but don't season them well.

Texas Roadhouse is the best value, but I've had problems each of the last three times I've been. They were supposed to have a brand new location in Temecula opened by now but it hasn't come to fruition. I think they have a ton of traffic, sell a ton of steaks, but don't make a lot of money.

I agree the Fountain Valley location is terrible. We usually go to Santa Ana. Coincidently, a few weeks ago I made my first visit to FV in years (long before COVID). I’ve always had problems with additional charges and this visit was no different. There were 7 of us, they gave us one bread and we asked for a second. We were charged $3.99 for it, plus $2.50 (!) for the butter. We got a couple “Wagon Wheel” starters and asked for plan chicken tenders with one BBQ and one ranch. They charged us $4 to “upgrade” each tender and $2.50for each sauce. Mind you, one the menu plain tenders are the same price and even the flavored tenders include a sauce. But my favorite… we asked for the salad dressing on the side and were charged $3.50 each, since appearently that’s extra. Waitress gave me an atitude, so I played naughty and didn’t tip. Only the second time in my life (and first in almost 20 years).

I like that most people at BA dress nicer (granted, they’re older) aand also like the look of BA, although in some remodels they ditched the tall booths, claiming they were dated. That’s the other thing that irritated about FV — at one point in time it got so much business that they shoved as many booths possible. So it’s a very beautiful restaurant but where do they seat everyone? Right next to the entrance, where a draft comes across every time the door opens.

Texas Roadhouse basically combined Outback’s menu with the ambiance of the so-called Texas style steakhouses. For years, their signature was peanuts… you’d toss the shells onto the floor. They stopped letting you litter awhile ago and got rid of the peanuts during Covid.

They make money because they run a high volume business. Sears crammed everywhere. A few years ago, they said the average dining experience was around 40 minutes. I think that’s one of the reasons they’re not in LA/ OC - a lot of ethic families will congregate for hours and that doesn’t work here. That’s the reason Marie Callendars and others got rid of their blue plate specials.

That was a shocking experience with all those extra charges.

Kudos to you for being so calm