DSC_1223.JPG originally uploaded by Jay Ebue
According to this article in the MSP Business Journal, Buffalo Wild Wings (BW3) continues to rout the competition and post both strong sales and extraordinary growth. I want to know how a company that serves domestic beers and shitty wings can pull this off quarter after quarter in a market which sucks for every other single restaurant out there.
Let’s take a look at BW3 in Apple Valley. That particular restaurant is known as their training store. They bring in management from all over the damn place to see how the Apple Valley store does it so that they can go back to their own restaurant and hopefully emulate what’s going on here. Now, that’s a great idea in theory but surprisingly enough, the Buffalo Wild Wings in Apple Valley has some of the worst BW3 food and definitely the worst service I have ever experienced at the many locations I have visited in numerous states. Why is it that they continue to tout the store here as the place that should be training staff elsewhere and how is it so damn successful?
If you take a look at any of the other local restaurant surrounding Apple Valley’s BW3 and sample their wing offerings, you’re going to find meatier wings, better tasting sauces, and lower prices. Why is it that people are not flocking to Major’s or Rascal’s instead? They offer the same mix of ambiance and food (sports bar) but their food is quite a bit better. Major’s attracts a younger crowd–especially those that want to be in some sort of nightclub on the weekends and Rascal’s attracts a distinctly older crowd but the food is 10x better–especially the wings which aren’t even close to being their flagship offering like they are at BW3.
So what is it? Why does BW3, with its crappy service and shitty, overpriced food make money hand-over-fist every fucking quarter while we watch as restaurants who serve at least mediocre food end up closing like it was going out of style? I mean, I’m sure many of you have eaten there, what do think makes them so successful? What can the other restaurants learn from Buffalo Wild Wings so that they can stay in business and maybe even expand while the rest of the restaurant world collapses? Please comment on below and share your thoughts as I’m utterly stumped on this one.
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November 2nd, 2009 at 10:56 am
hate to tell you this old buddy, never been there, never plan on it!
bb
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:06 am
How Does Buffalo Wild Wings Do It? http://tinyurl.com/yaeep8s
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:13 am
Bill,
You can’t empathize, because you like good food and a little flavor/variety in pretty much every aspect of your life. So, why is this a problem, my friend? Because you sadly are a minority.
BW3 is like buttered toast. Domestic beers and shitty wings? Boooooring! You, me, and just about everybody who reads this site agrees. But I think the majority of the sheep around us just love boring. Boring is predictable. Predictable is comfortable…. for them. It would kill you and me.
So, face it: you’re a freak. You’ll never understand. =:-D
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:26 am
Advertising is probably key.
Reasonable prices and happy hours in today’s economy attract people, too, and they do both of those fairly well. No your or my ‘cup of tea,’ but obviously has good appeal to others.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:28 am
because a) they’re a sports bar with a TON of TV’s showing games… MAJOR selling point. b) they’re a bar, alcohol equates to a large amount of profit, c) while they’re food does suck, people love their sauces. They’re wings, the actual chicken wing is over-steriod’d and disgusting. and d) they’re packed all the time. See point A.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:31 am
I’m not sure I have the answers, but here is why it works for me. (Summary: the right “formula”)
In the AV location (and Milwaukee and Irving, TX..the locations I’m most familiar with), I make a beeline for the center of the bar, sit and it’s just me, the bartender (Denny at AV) and a dozen sports events/the trivia game. A bomb could go off and take out the rest of the restaurant behind me and I wouldn’t notice (unless it took out the bathroom) or care.
I can go, waste a couple hours without a hint of boredom and be left alone. BW3 is actually VERY relaxing for me in a way that I haven’t found in other places.
I also don’t think the wings are bad. They aren’t Runyan’s (IMO, the best wings in MSP) but they have enough meat and enough sauce varieties to keep most people happy. The Parmesan Garlic sauce is a guilty pleasure of mine. With about 20 varieties of sauce, just about anyone can find a “guilty pleasure” there.
I agree, the rest of the menu is mostly misses. And I agree that the bill for average-to-above average food can ring up. But, again, to me I’ll gladly drop a $20 and change to sit, zone out, and be left the hell alone like Denny and company does for a couple hours. It’s big enough, and set up such that I don’t feel any pressure or guilt to vacate my seat at the bar quickly.
So, for me, it’s a formula that works very well and, I imagine, works well for a lot of other types of people. Sort of like Chipotle. It serves a purpose, and does it in an accessible way.
One other observation re: the AV location at least. Every time I’m in there, it appears to be a popular gathering spot for school after-sports events. It seems to draw huge crowds of hockey teams/soccer teams, etc. every day. It’s family friendly in a way that Major’s, Champp’s, etc. aren’t.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:33 am
Greg,
But their prices aren’t reasonable! 40c wing night is astronomical compared to 25 cents for larger, meatier wings elsewhere. Their beer isn’t cheap either. “Beer of the month” specials run at $3.50 or more for what’s usually Bud Light or the like.
Matt,
Other local places have TVs and a bar too.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:50 am
But I think for the average consumer (i.e., a non-reader of Lazy Lightning) the advertising draws them in, and they think the specials & prices are good. We know better, but they seem not to.
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:08 am
Give me a restaurant with LOADED TV’s, not just 2 or 3, and a Bar, and I’ll make a profit with crappy food. :)
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:37 am
Let’s be serious Bill: it’s because they’ve got direct access to courtside photographers whose well-timed flashes can alter the outcome of a game as well as to NFL referees who can be bought. How can anyone else compete with that?!?
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:46 am
baaaaa… baaaaaaaa…
Sheep 1 here, reporting in.
I love BWW. I’ve never had bad service at the Apple Valley location. I like their selection of sauces, albeit not “gourmet” wing sauce. And my healthier eating wife likes the naked tenders with the spicy garlic sauce. Their Chips & chili cheese dip is one of our favorites. Its probably Velveta and Hormel chili. I really don’t care though, it tastes good.
I’m not exactly a sophisticated guy. For instance, if a place doesn’t serve eggs, hash-browns & toast for breakfast, I refuse to eat there. (That Jensen’s breakfast place in Burnsville for instance – Fuck you – its un-American to not have that on your menu. Get some normal syrup for your pancakes while you’re at it, that caramel syrup is gross.)
I digress…
I think advertising is another reason, and BWW is most everywhere. I know theres one in Appleton WI and whenever we’re visiting we go there to watch the Wild games. They are *always* willing to change a TV channel for us. And I can count on the same menu. I think this is why McDonald’s is so successful – no matter where you are, you know what you’re going to get.
They sponsor a lot of sports teams and clubs – the one in Appleton was sponsoring the local “UFC” type club – and the place was packed with them.
I’ve never heard of Rascal’s. I absolutely hate Major’s. Their food sucks, and their service is worse. We have one a mile from our house. I never go.
While food quality is important, I think “easy” and “consistent” is high up on the list for many people as well. It seems people know they can take their kids here and no one will bitch about them running a muck.
Just my 1/20th of one wing on Tuesdays…
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:49 am
I had a longer post that got eaten, so here’s the outline version:
1) Branding
2) Advertising
2) Location
3) Centralized Operations
FWIW, I am not a fan of BW3. These reasons aren’t about why they’re good, it’s about why they make money.
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Sheep #2 following suit.
Granted, I will agree with Bill that there are a number of places that serve better food, better service and better pricing, however, the national chains do have their place.
Case: Spent weekend in Fargo, ND. we were hungry, not all to familiar with the area, but knew there was a BW3 next to the Fargo Dome from when we helped with sandbagging last march. Being it 3pm on Sunday, not wanting to spend time digging for places, we knew we’d get a decent basket of wings, and be able to cruise home. – It’s a staple that you know will have the same food wherever you go.
I am all for trying new places, and finding a nice place to take your someone special, but for a night out with friends where I’d rather enjoy the chatter than worry about my meal being great, BW’3 works for me.
Also, lets face it. Our beloved Bill is a food snob. I mean this in a good way, as he’s educated his readers on new and different foods in the local area, and has exposed me to a few great places, one being Ronin of course, where I returned with more friends at a later date. I’ll read lazy lightning for food reviews before I’ll read other places, because I know Bill won’t sugarcoat his opinion.
I believe most restaurants have a place in society, it keeps people employed, and allows us to both seek out new likes, and to have a staple to fall back on when we’re in unfamiliar areas, short on time.
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Dude, I know you have a Blackberry. Fire up Google or Urbanspoon and get it done. This is not an acceptable reason, seriously.
I am not saying that BW3 doesn’t have a place, it does. In fact, when I was in college (BW3 was actually BW3 then and not the “Applebee’s for Wings” that it is now) I ate there nearly every Tuesday night. But back then the wings were meatier, the sauces tastier, and the consistency was a lot better. For instance when I order “Blazin’” I expect it to be spicy every time. Unfortunately the last 3 or so times I’ve been there I’ve had to order extra on the side for dipping in order to ensure that it was hot enough and even then, sometimes it just wasn’t as hot as the time before. Isn’t that shit just bottled? Why is it different one time to another?
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:21 pm
It is one place that we can take our three kids to go out to eat without breaking the bank. The two college ones can’t wait until they come back home to go to BW3. I am not a fan of eating anything off a bone, so my choice usually goes to the buffalitos. I love the mango hab sauce. They also are very good to the community. They host fundraisers where a portion of the sales will go to your organization. Their beer selection is limited, but I save my beer adventures for Old Chicago. And Denny is a great bartender!
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:24 pm
-Their wings are good, not great but good and people know what to expect there. Either way, enough people think it’s good enough.
-Their food seems to be incredibly consistent.
-I think there is some uniqueness to the atmosphere although I know many of you think a sports bar is a sports bar. Major’s atmosphere is waaaay more annoying overall to me.
Btw, I can’t go to the AV BW3 location any more because every time I’ve been there I feel like I’m surrounded by junior high and high school kids. This catering to youth and families might be part of their success as someone already stated.
The one I don’t understand is Carbone’s in Lakeville. How can a place with such disgusting food be so successful?
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:26 pm
jf, Carbone’s Lakeville location (at least in my experience) destroys the living shit out of BW3’s food and service in every single way.
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:48 pm
[...] Lightning points out a piece in MSP Business Journal about the ongoing success of the St. Louis Park-based Buffalo Wild [...]
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:18 pm
How Does Buffalo Wild Wings Do It? | Bill Roehl: I mean, I’m sure many of you have eaten there, what do thi.. http://bit.ly/2NYpoa
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:19 pm
I Agree 110%.
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:46 pm
I don’t love BW’s, but I’ll eat there on occasion. But beer doesn’t matter to me, and neither do wings, really.
I love Carbone’s in Lakeville. Their patty melt is the best I’ve ever had anywhere.
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Sheep #3 for BW3 – Good kid friendly place
Savage location has always provided an expected experience, exceptional – not really. The comment of “Applebee’s for Wings†– nails it spot on. Then again Applebee’s is really just Perkins with a liquor license.
Makes one wonder, could you get a Blazin’ Eggs Benedict? it just might make it edible.
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Oo, I had a Patty Melt at Carbone’s last winter, and was blown away by how good it was. I agree, one of the best I’ve ever had.
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:37 pm
The Carbone’s in Lakeville is busy every single day. I think they’re keeping that entire stripmall alive. I haven’t been there in a while, but I loved the place when they first opened. It was small, but it was a nice hangout type of bar. When they expanded and added the disco ball I was so annoyed that I quit going to the place. I want to check it out now after the second expansion.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Muk, comparing Perkins to Applebees is the worst comparison I have ever heard.
In regards to BW3, I do enjoy eating there on occassion but completely agree it is ridiculously overpriced. And the wings are the tiniest I have ever seen. But the sauces are pretty good, I like the variety instead of mild, medium and hot most bars/restaurants offer. And I personally think that is why they are successful. Obviously people love chicken wings, but where else can you go if that is all you want to eat? Unlike Pizza, there just isn’t a ton of choices when it comes to wings and you aren’t ordering off the appetizer menu.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Where else can you go if that is all you want to eat? I can not beleive no one has mentioned Hooters. I have not been in a Hooters in 8 years or so but they use to be know for their wings among other things, not sure if this is the case anymore.
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:02 pm
We LOVE Carbones in Savage and were very sad to see the Burnsville location close down years ago. Never knew they had a Lakeville location …
November 3rd, 2009 at 4:33 am
[...] Tart explains why a 2 oz. scoop is so fabulous, Bill Roehl demands to know how BW-3, which he hates, makes so much money, a vegetarian take on the Blue Door Pub, detailed notes on Surly Darkness from The Captain’s [...]
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:31 am
I find it hard to take seriously the opinions of anyone who needs repeated profanity to express them.
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:40 am
“I find it hard to take seriously the opinions of anyone who needs repeated profanity to express them.”
Ok, cool, don’t take them serious then.
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:51 am
Want to weigh in on the Buffalo Wild Wings debate at Lazy Lightning? http://bit.ly/31i9zW
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:09 am
Hey Russ Brown,
If I ran into your kitchen, stayed for 20 seconds then started immediately casting opinions/judgments about you, would that make any sense at all?
Welcome to LazyLightning. Take a load off…stay a while. You might end up with a….gasp and rue the day….more open mind!
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:19 am
I’m not sure what disliking profanity and having an open mind have in common, but whatever.
My take on it is this: I wouldn’t use the kind of language Bill uses for a number of reasons, including that I’d rather serve a broader audience. I also have a few siblings who are still pretty young who read my blog.
But that’s my blog. This is Bill’s and if I don’t like what he’s got to say or how he says it, I can quit reading it.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:25 am
As the son of a sailor, I feel right at home at LazyLightning.org. I second Joey’s comments. There are plenty of profanity-free places to visit on the web, if that is your desire. I enjoy the humor and camaraderie here … oh, and the great advice about local eateries.
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:06 am
Does it really need to be spelled out Joey?
Disliking profanity, disliking the look of the site, not trusting anyone named Bill…whatever. To come to a place and immediately judge the quality/credibility of the opinions based on a trivial quality demonstrates a closed mind.
Someone with an open mind will explore beyond the immediate. An open-minded person will spend some time reading the content, listening to what goes on in here, getting to know Bill before they decided to take him seriously or not.
Profanity or not, I take Bill’s opinion on a lot of stuff, especially restaurants, very seriously because I’ve taken the time to exercise an open mind and understand his credibility and his passion for the subjects. A lot of times I wholeheartedly disagree (including this thread).
Russ Brown wants to judge? How about this: Based on his one and only comment here, Russ Brown is a worthless, ignorant douche who is too much of a pussy to stick around and add something meaningful to the discussion on here.
Now do you get what having an open mind and disliking profanity have in common?
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:33 am
That makes more sense. I guess the way I read it initially was that you were connecting his dislike of profanity to whether or not he was open-minded (which I would disagree with) but it looks like I read it wrong.
This is why I need to get back to work and quit reading Bill’s blog…
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:06 am
“I find it hard to take seriously the opinions of anyone who needs repeated profanity to express them.”
Ergo, apparently the writings of J.D. Salinger, James Joyce, Henry Miller and D.H. Lawrence, to name a few, are also not on Mr. Brown’s reading list, along with this blog. It’s too bad, because maybe Mr. Brown could add the expertise of his profession/hobbies on many of the topics raised in this blog and contribute to this community, as the traffic engineers have about roundabouts, or the lawyers have about crimes and copyrights, or the parents about school issues, or the foodies about restaurants. Maybe I would have had a chance to get to know Mr. Brown a bit better and respect his opinion on a topic about which he was passionate. It’s a shame, really. Mr. Brown, we hardly knew ye.
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:20 am
At what point does it become dually sheepish to stage rallies against light beer and chain restaurants? Please.
If you can’t comprehend the success of Buffalo Wild Wings, you’re neglecting to think about its lack of competition. Obviously there are many other places one could order wings, and many of those places might have what is considered a “better” wing. I don’t think the CEO of BWWs could even argue this, which renders it a fairly ineffectual stance. What separates BWWs from your ill-fit Major’s example is that BWWs is a wing joint. Until a place enters the local chain market offering the kind of customizable wing meal options that BWWs does, they will sit comfortably alone in their niche making loads of money.
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:39 am
I dont know if I can agree with Ike or not, but he is probably on to something. And to steal a concept from Blue Ox, while many people profess to wanting lots of different beer options, at the end of the day, I would guess most bars/restaurants sell more Miller Light and Bud Light than any other 5 or 6 brands combined.
From a business point of view, it probably makes alot more sense to offer few options that cost less and have a higher profit margin, assuming that these options will still satisfy 90% of the market.
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:21 pm
I’ve never eaten at the BW3 in AV but I’ve had lunch once at Eagan. We happened upon a boneless wing special. I was dealing with major prednisone shakes and having difficulty hanging on to stuff so I asked for a plate. Waiter looked at me like I was on crack. Brought me a little paper basket. I asked again for a PLATE. He told me they didn’t have any! So I asked, “What do you serve your burgers on then?” I was then given a plastic basket/plate type thing. Thankfully, my lunch date knows my medical situation and was pretty appalled at how things were handled!
That’s how they make money–nothing to wash other than silverware and plastic cups.
The wings were average. If I ever go there again when I’m not feeling like I’m going to drop everything in my lap, I’ll be sure to be packin’ paper plates in my purse/tote!
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Regarding Carbone’s…
I can’t recall having bad service there, just bad food (sorry I can’t remember the details, I just know one of the times was top 5 worst restaurant orders ever for me). I’ve given it a few chances too. I’m not surprised that you guys like it though because I know they are absolutely killing it. It may have been bad luck. So…I’m sure I’ll end up there again at some point. Any other recommendations on the menu other than the Patty Melt? – Not sure if that would do it for me.
Regarding Wild Wings…
I agree with ike’s point about the niche. I actually came to the same conclusion after I thought about it a bit more. It is quite different from Major’s really.
November 3rd, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Food for the sheeple. Never been there, never will. Hubby got dragged there by a coworker once. Hated it. We try not to waste food money or wreck our health.
Sorry:-) :-)!
November 3rd, 2009 at 7:06 pm
OMG I HATE HENRY MILLER.
FWIW, I don’t like the swearing either. But it’s not my blog, and I like the people, so I come back.
And then I’m tortured by Whit and her freaking flashbacks to American Lit II and Henry f**king Miller.
At least she didn’t bring up Mamet. . .
November 4th, 2009 at 12:50 am
You go to BWW because its like Perkins. You know pretty much exactly what you are going to get, and pretty darn consistently. Yes, the wings have gotten worse, and yes, the beer selection keeps getting worse (How many crappy domestics can one have on tap!), but you know exactly what you are getting. Now if someplace could come up with: 1. The Number and quality of TV’s in BWW, 2. A large beer selection on tap, with some good stuff for the beer snobs, and 3. Good wings for the same price, they’d make a mint if they could get enough like minded people in the door.
I’d also point out that BWW does an excellent job catering to Fantasy Football leagues (we’ve held our draft there for several years – 100+ dollars in free food, draft board / kit, etc…), and the specials for teams coming in (and their support of local teams that come in regularly) certainly doesn’t hurt.
I’m not saying you can’t find better wings, and I’m not saying you can’t find better beers, but for purely sports entertainment, they are tough to beat. Majors has let me down waaaaayyy to many times to even count anymore.
November 4th, 2009 at 8:13 am
Bill,
Maybe you need more each time because your t-buds are dying :)
RE: to it being bottled, – After having a conversation with our local bartender Rob about varied hotness between visits, he said that while it is mixed in mass quantity, (and actually bagged for store use, not bottled) there are some minor inconsistencies in the batches. I’ve noticed this at the same location, or in varied locations. I get the Hot BBQ flavor, and my better half usually gets the Asian Zing, and we’ve both left wondering why is wasn’t as hot as last time, and some times we’re leaving with our mouths very warm.
Also, I don’t have a complaint about the meat on the wings since I opt for the boneless option. I’m not a fan of little wings I need to dig the meat off of, so I can see your case there Bill.
To Jason’s comment about Majors, – I’ve had a sour taste for them since they killed a local poker night that brought in tons of money to that location, and banned a friend, because they chose to speak to the corporate offices about poor/favored service to the patrons in that location participating in the poker night. (they got no service, and the bar-staff was busy serving only regulars, friends and playing on their phones when the poker crew was out of drinks)
I’ll be sure to have my awesome slow-cooked wings on the menu at the next party we host!
November 4th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Jason,
“You know pretty much exactly what you are going to get, and pretty darn consistently. ”
If you go over to your neighbor’s at six pm every night and he punches you in the face, do you keep going there because you know pretty much exactly what you are going to get? Just curious!
When we support mediocrity it begets more mediocrity.
November 4th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Sandy,
You will note I never said they are the best, nor do I think they are the worst wings I’ve ever had. They are reliably mediocre, and that is enough for many people. That is a big difference from getting punched in the face.
It is NOT my first choice of a place to go, but I understand why it may be for others, and why from time to time, I go there when other friends want to. Same reasons I end up at Perkins once or twice a year.
November 4th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
K
November 5th, 2009 at 8:50 am
I actually ended up at BWW in Lakeville last night to meet up with some family. I had been to BWW one other time in the last year for their boneless “wing” special and was not impressed. This time I decided to order the traditional wings, mostly because I knew I could report back to all the food snob’s on Bill’s blog about my experience.
We had a table of six (including my two young sons) and our service was really quite good.
I ordered 12 wings for $8.99, 6 Mango Habanero & 6 Hot. When our food arrived, my 12 little wings were served in little paper trays and my cup of blue cheese (which you have to pay extra for) was served in a little paper fast food ketchup cup. I know I shouldn’t be expecting much in the way of presentation, but this seemed to be a bit lame. I had to lay out some napkins on the table to have a spot to place my bones.
The first wing I bit into was luke warm, so by the time I got to the last few wings, they were cold. The wings themselves were small, but the sauces were pretty tasty. Overall, even with low expectations, they were pretty disappointing.
My wife ordered a burger, she wasn’t too excited about it. I did give it a try and it tasted fine, but it was overcooked and dry.
I remember going to BW3 every single Tuesday for their $.20 wing special when I was in school. If they were still $.20 I’d go back, but even on Tuesday they are now up to $.45 each. At their normal price $8.99 for 12 I would expect more, even if it just meant a plate and no extra charge for blue cheese and celery.
November 5th, 2009 at 8:51 am
Sandy, I think you’re looking at this from the narrow viewpoint that you’ve selected to live under in your own life (which I don’t criticize at all…don’t mistake me for insulting your lifestyle, which I appreciate).
We can all talk about the food, but sometimes restaurant enterprises are not about the food. Let me repeat, sometimes restaurants are not about the food.
BWW is an experience that simply has no peer in our area. Even if they didn’t serve food AT ALL, I would still go there from time to time.
Years ago, when the Ugly Mug down on Pilot Knob had NTN trivia, I used to go there and sink into a chair for a couple hours to relax (of course I would order food to be courteous, but again, it had nothing to do with the food).
There are a whole lot of people that, for one reason or another, want to get out of the house and sit somewhere for a while.
How many places are there that you can do that at night?
Hotel lobby?
24-hour Walgreens?
Sit in your car?
Sandy, for example: If you wanted to get out of the house from 9-11 p.m. and sit somewhere or meet up with friends, where would you go?
That’s how the Perkinses, the BWWs, the Starbucks/Caribous etc. of the world “do it”.
It’s not a “food philosophy”. The food is just an element to an overall experience. As I said in my first post, it’s pretty simple to figure out — it’s a formula that works well for a lot of people.
November 5th, 2009 at 9:50 am
WTF? Can’t a guy have a few crappy beers and mediocre wings and NOT be called names? I guess not. Oh well, sling the insults my way because I’m guilty of enjoying BWW.
November 5th, 2009 at 10:02 am
MSPD, great post. I often go to Barnes and Noble, order a white mocha, and sit and read for an hour or two while the world goes on all around me. Same concept I guess.
November 5th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
MSPD, why can’t we have places like that that serve good food? Wouldn’t that be great?
November 5th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Yes, sandy. Absolutely.
November 5th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Yes, sandy. Absolutely.
My guess is that we can’t have places like that because the idiots that are opening restaurants around here are sinking way too much money and effort into things like fancy tile, copper siding and far-too-enormous spaces for what they’re putting in them, and not any money and effort into putting out a good product/experience.
November 5th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
No it’s because the majority of people in the South Metro couldn’t give a fuck less about the ingredients, sourcing, and taste and more about the perceived popularity and price than anything else.
I mean look at Raising Cane’s. Nuff said.
November 5th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
I used to figure, live and let live. Why care about other people supporting crappy food – it’s their choice. But as I’ve become old and crabby I’ve realized that the more people buy garbage, then more garbage will be made available. That potentially means that less GOOD food will be available and that affects ME.
November 5th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
I have really enjoyed following this thread. Along the lines of MSPD, I think it is fair to say that for the majority of people that frequent restaurants ,they go to a restaurant for many more factors than just the quality of the food. Atmosphere, price, happy hour, kid friendly, kids favorite (Ramy’s), service, coupons, personal attention, speed of delivery of the food, the ability to go somewhere and escape, drive throughs, proximity to home are all reasons why people frequent these establishments.
Then you have the business side of the restaurant, if a chain or publically owned, they have the underlying objective to grow their revenue per share and reduce costs which often contradicts food quality.
When you put all of these factors into the mix you are going to end up with a restaurant that appeals to a certain demographic and the model will be tweeked to generate the most revenue and growth of their client base.
My concern if you focus only on food quality, or any other criteria for that matter, and not any of these other criteria such as price, atmosphere, service, we would end up with 122 (insert your personal favorite restaurant here) in the South Metro and no other choices for the many occasions and outlets you are looking to dine at when you have a slighly different requirement with kids, clients, friends, or by yourself. I think we need to look at these other drivers that obviously outweigh food quality for these consumers in their overall dining or drinking experience at BW3, but to say that BW3 or any other perceived garbage destination, Canes, the coming of White Castle etc should not exist is extreme. I really beleive that with more garbage food restaurants, it creates more demand for “good food” places. I do not think the density of good food places is going to ever surpass the density of garbage food places and they will more than likely not be chains due to the conflict of maximizing revenue per share and food quality.
February 10th, 2010 at 6:57 pm
the first comment said they attract a younger crowd…….well if you have somthing for everyday like they do and yes i agree that the food is bland but there boneless is the best ive ever had.
i think over all its a good place to get away.
i mean there own employee sings karaoke, then goes right back to tables.
great place.