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Best & Worst What's your best and worst experiance with a business? Share your thoughts with other members and discuss it here.

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Old 11-16-2005, 09:18 PM
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Default Abner's in Norman

At the old Pizza Hut location at 12th & Alameda in Norman is a new restaurant named "Abner's" (named after Abner Norman, the City of Norman's namesake). Abner's is an American-fare restaurant. More specifically, it is of the "comfort food" variety. On the menu you will find entrees of meatloaf, chicken-fried steak, steak & fries, various sandwiches (including a "Thanksgiving Sandwich" which, if I remember correctly, is a turkey sandwich served with brown gravy on the side, sort of like a french dip).
My first visit there was their fourth or fifth day of being open. I had the chicken-fried steak. It comes with garlic mashed potatoes, so you get to choose one more side instead of two sides. I chose the broccoli and rice casserole.
I initially thought the steak was a bit bland. It then occurred to me that it was not actually bland; it's just that it had far less salt than I was used to having with every other chicken-fried steak. Once I added a little black pepper, it came to life!
The broccoli and cheese casserole was quite tastey, too. What really surprised me, though, was the macaroni and cheese my companion ordered. It was obvious from looking at the M&C that it was not some noodles with Velveeta poured on top and stirred in; it was M&C made the old fashioned way - with milk heated, cheese melted in, and then poured into a casserole dish for baking.
Additionally, the mashed potatoes were obviously not instant, and the garlic was coming thorugh loud and clear. (I love garlic in my mashed potatoes).
I was so impressed that I asked management about the restaurant. As it turns out, the chef is a graduate of the Scottsdale Culinary Institute (which is a fine west coast-ish school). The owners wanted to open a first-rate home cooking style restaurant on the east side. I think they succeeded.
I've been back a second time. IF (and I do mean IF) the restaurant can keep up its quality and be consistently good, it will do well.
Dinners are moderately priced at about $6.00 - $9.00 per plate. Very casual, very informal (don't hesitate to wear jeans).
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Old 11-16-2005, 11:30 PM
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Default Re: Abner's in Norman

This is interesting to know as my forman at work went there and was saying its a waste of time and money. He complained the plates of food were small too pricey for what you ordered. And was not fullfilling when he left. But I rarely believe anything he says anyway, It sounds as if its like a craker barrel restraunt, that home cooked comfort food. I may just have to take the risk and try it for my self just to see what its like.
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Old 11-17-2005, 09:49 PM
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Default Re: Abner's in Norman

You did not say exactly why your supervisor did not like the food at Abner's. The most significant thing I saw was that he did not think the food portions were large enough. Well, I think they're at least average, and probably larger than average. Maybe your boss is concerned solely with getting as much food as possible for his dining dollar. That concern comes with a trade-off.
You cannot inhale food like a dog, then complain that it's no good. If your supervisor wolfed down a plate in order to get back to work in 30 minutes, then he needs to go to a buffet where quantity is more important than quality. There are several places like that in any city; I need not name them here.
Abner's IS a bit like Cracker Barrel; both are american fare restaurants. Both, also, charge approximately the same price for (roughly) similar items. Personally, though, I think the quality of Abner's is better. Also, I live closer to Abner's than to Cracker Barrel.
The only real advantage to Cracker Barrel is that it's service is more intensive. At Abner's, you order at a central counter and then seat yourself. You are given a glass which you fill yourself at a fountain. Although kitchen staff brings your food out to you, the waitstaff does not hover over you at your beck and call. Certainly, if you need something it will be brought to you. Alternatively, if your drink is low you're better off refilling your glass yourself.
As i noted in my original post, Abner's is a very informal place. The food is the star of the show - not the decor, not the service. I'm willing to live with that.
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Old 11-17-2005, 09:53 PM
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Default Re: Abner's in Norman

Well he went at night to eat dinner but he is finiky anyways was a drill sarge in the army years ago fro 20 years so that pretty much says how he is and he still is that way. Alot I think his deal was he expected alot out of somethnig small. I will have to check it out myself maybe try it this weekend. If its like a craker barrel I am pleased with it already craker barrel was good place.
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