Foster's Grille

We went to Foster's Grille last week and, as usual, really enjoyed the food and experience. Our meals *might* have taken longer than usual, but not so long that we would complain - they were pretty busy. When the waitress brought our daughter's meal she noticed that ours weren't ready and checked on it for us. She also sent the manager over to talk to us. We told him there wasn't really a problem. I filled out the comment card stating that we were happy with the visit. A couple of days ago I got an email from the owner thanking me for my comments. That's good customer service!

 

We've been there 5 or 6 times already. Really love the place. Everyone is very nice there.

 

Food and atmosphere are so muuch better/consistent than 5 guys.

 

couldn't agree more!

 

the fries reminded me of 5 guys---and to be honest--i'd go back to fosters before i go back to 5 guys. i don't need to throw peanut shells on the floor....

 

i think they are different "classes" of burger joints- 5 guys is above fast food but below a regular restaurant- superior quality in that class. Fosters is in a class by itself- closer to an Applebees than a McDonalds- also superior burgers. can't go wrong with either menu, so you pick the atmosphere between those wo!

 

We decided to check Foster's out tonight; to see if they are better than Five Guys. Burger's were better mainly because it was one large patty versus the two on Five Guys. Can you get hot sauce on your burger at Fosters? But we waited forever for our food... which leads me to...

Here's the scenario: service is taking a long time for lots of customers/families... I hear my name called out (a single syllable, common male name) but another table raises their hands as well. The server goes over there and the lady takes one of the baskets... looks over a basket and from the gestures there seems to a problem with "their" order but the server rectifies it... I figure that the gentleman at the table must have the same name as me. More time passes so I finally talk to the manager... as soon as I say the name on our order, he knows what's up... the other table took our food. The name on their order was not even close to mine (their order was under her name -- manager gave me the details). I'm thinking that it is greater than 70% probability that the lady knew that she had the wrong order but was tired of waiting.... I saw her look at the slip so she probably saw my name and handwriting (hence my 70% guess). Pretty amazing if true.

The manager was very calm and cool about it. He quickly got our "new" order out and we got vouchers for another meal there. So we'll go back for the free meal but if the wait is always that long (not including the time to redo our order) then we won't be regulars.

 

Maybe they need to go to the numbered table system they use in some of the other Fosters locations. That seems to work well and you don't have the wait staff calling out names, which I kind of find annoying after a while. Or maybe they should give you one of those numbered placards you can place on your table...

 

As I also have a very common first name, I rarely use it when asked. I will use something very unique and try to be topical.
I have used Bruno or Rocco when ordering Italian. At Fosters I have used Dundee.

 

Have not been to Foster's yet but looking forward to it.
Went to 5 Guys again yesterday--had a free burger coupon since last time they gave me the wrong one. Redeemed it yesterday and again received wrong burger. Oh well. Did not say anything this time as it was too busy in there and it food was still good (though I did not ask for grilled onions or hot peppers on my burger). One thing that annoys me about the place is the system of calling our orders esp at Noon when it is busy. No microphone and it is very noisy in there so difficult to hear and some of the workers do not seem to speak too good of English?
Maybe they need a light up board (like Safeway gas price board? ha!) to display order #s?

 

From my experience with both the ashburn 5 guys and the broadlands fosters they take roughly the same amount of time for burgers. About 5-10 minutes. It looks like fosters is still training people though so I have had a few times waited a little bit extra but I've never waited more than 15 minutes. I've gone to calling ahead of time and it's ready when I get there Having a common name like Eric I tend to put the first letter of my last name as well but we generally put the order under my wife's name that is not as common. I have considered coming up with an alternate name but have yet to figure out a good one that will make me laugh every time I hear it

 

I have to say I am offended as an Italian that you would profile names this way. When you order from Chipotle do you call yourself Mr. Gomez, or from Kirkpatricks Mr. O'Shea. Do us all a favor and use the name you were born with. ???????????????? I wonder if the forum bylaws mention anything about using racially offense language.?????????????????

avventurato novizio anno!!!!!

 

First, Chipotle and Kirkpatricks do not ask for names, but sure, I would use any name I see fit to use. Maybe El Guapo and Sean.

As for you being offended, I could care less!

And yes, the forums do police cetain posts. But good luck finding where I was being "racially offense"! What I choose to label MYSELF is my perogative!

 

Chill Localcritic ..I'm Italian as well and wasn't offended.....my goodness!! Those names were not racially offensive in my book....get a sense of humor!!!

 

T8erman, feel free to use Tyrone or Jayquon any time you go to a soul food restaurant- I won't mind! but be warned- there will likely be 10 REAL Tyrone's to compete with- you're better off using Ichabod or Niles... lol!!!!

 

Redon1 - In a job a LONG time ago, I would occassionaly go to Ben's Chili Bowl in D.C. with some co-worker "brothers" (no disrespect intended). I was GIVEN a nickname, "Wannabe Brother", shortened to just Wannabe.

 

the day the term "brother" becomes disrepectful in relation to a black man is the day the "Christmas" becomes a dirty word. oh, WAIT...

whenever I'm met with someone supersenistive, I quote the great Bill Murray... LIGHTEN UP FRANCIS.

Now Happy New Year, ya'll!!!!!!

 

Ahhhh, one of top 10 movies!

Glad there are some here that do not get their knickers in a twist over something that is OBVIOUSLY harmless, inane, trivial...

Everyone have a great New Year, I am work all weekend so someone have a drink for me (several if you wish!)

 

i volunteer- in the interest of being a good neighbor! )
with each beer i drink while watching the UFC PPV tonight I will toast "The Wannabe"!!