To say I was excited to try this establishment, would be an understatement. As a Roselle local, I had seen this building go dormant for years, and the slow process it went through to finally be open. I even followed the Facebook page which had colorful, honest, commentary of the process it takes to open a business. Pitfalls, setbacks, etc. They had their soft open about a week ago, and decided to wait a bit, let the rush of new people hopefully die down, etc. With such a long process to get this location open, I figured the staff would be ready by the time I visited.
I was wrong.
I arrived around 6pm on a Friday night. They were busy, understably, it's Friday night on a gorgeous summer night. Parking is limited, but in downtown Roselle, parking is very limited to begin with. This location is right next to the train tracks, so if you eat outside, be prepared. There was no host stand or signage saying "seat yourself" so some of the patrons told me "I guess go seat yourself" I sat outside because it was a beautiful day, and I knew there would be pros and cons to that. Pros, enjoying the weather, cons, train noise and slow staff. I sat down and waited for menus and service. That came about 10 minutes later. I saw about 3-4 servers rotating outside, and from the looks of it, those same servers were attending inside as well. Waters came out upon greeting, without asking, which was nice. The menu came and my waitress Giovanna was helping me. I asked for a Gin and Tonic and she asked me if I liked "Sweet Tarts" I said, sure, and that she was going to make me a unique Gin and Tonic that tastes like Sweet Tarts. Interesting. I was hoping for a beer menu, cocktail list, something, but they didn't have that. My guess is to keep it simple when it comes to drinks. Around 620 I ordered dinner. Pretzel bites and a Cheeseburger. Then began the waiting process. The outside patio is nice, lots of seating, and enough space to move around. I heard "Diners, drive ins and dives" but did not see it. I know TV's outside are tough, but it was an odd choice of sound. College football was heard next, sounded like a good game. Then came the rap music. 50 cent, and the lovely verse "unbotton your pants just a little bit", with kids in attendance outside with me. I mention the music because when waiting 45 minutes overall for your food, you start to notice it. The music is welcome to drown out the ear piercing train nose. If you sit outside, be prepared. My drink came within the 45 minutes though, and it was, interesting. It was in fact a sweet Gin and Tonic. The neon green color was off putting but, it did its job. I asked about the pretzel bites, and Giovanna said they were coming. She did stop by and apologize numerous times for the wait, but after 30 minutes and no appetizer, it starts to get frustrating and old. The music changed from Rap to some 80's music, but not the hits, some, abstract R&B techno sounds, which I couldn't place. Finally the food came! 705! Chips and Salsa and a Cheeseburger. I told the person who delivered the Chips and Salsa that I didn't order that, and she left the cheeseburger. Cheeseburger was huge. 1/2 pound at least. Brioche bun, and all the fixings, I'm excited! But, it was cold. Not even luke warm, cold. The fries next to it, were once hot, but now were just soggy and limp. My starvation got the best of me and since I had been waiting an hour fully, I mustered through it. Giovanna came by and I asked about the pretzel bites and she then gave me an honest answer by saying they were out, and put in chips and salsa to make up for it. Understandable, but I would of loved that to be communicated to me, early on. I asked for the bill. Gin and Tonic, Cheeseburger, Chips and Salsa. I was being charged for the wrong thing that I didn't eat. I asked her to correct the bill, which she did. and by that time all was said and done and I left, it was 720.
I know in early weeks of a business being opening, you're going to be busy, there are going to learning curves, but honesty goes a long way, and proper communication to your patrons. It's ok to tell your patrons you just opened and that the kitchen staff is slammed and behind. It's not unprofessional, it's honesty. If you are reading this in September of 2023, wait until October or November to go. I'm sure by then this business will hopefully be doing things in a timely manner. This business has an original location, they have good reviews, good service and seems like great food. I was disappointed that I didn't have this experience.
Also, the "slogan" for the restaurant "Where Dreams are Neutered" has to change. read more