OT: While we're on the restaurant topic, is Bonefish Grill...
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Bonefish is not an average chain. It's one of the best chain restaurants around anywhere. Their appetizer menu is actually superior to most restaurants, chain or otherwise. I wouldn't be disappointed if they opened at the Mill, but I don't know if a restaurant like that could make the numbers work.
I too disagree on Bonefish being average. I've never walked into a Bonefish anywhere during a night shift and not had at least an hour wait, and that includes Mondays and ****.
It's not a 5 or even 4 star restaurant but it's damn good. If you want chain seafood I will take anything that's better that the OP might have in mind, I can't think of one.
It's not a 5 or even 4 star restaurant but it's damn good. If you want chain seafood I will take anything that's better that the OP might have in mind, I can't think of one.
I agree ... Bonefish is very good. It's certainly a lot better than other seafood chains, like Red Lobster. I think BF would do well in Starkville.
Like I've said before, a town Starkvilles size can only support a certain number of local restaraunts. You can roll your eyes at chains but it's the nature of the business.
As a seafood restaurant it is average. As a seafood chain it is above average. That being said I have never gotten anything that was worth the wait at the madison location.
I read an article about six months ago about statistics of Mississippi cities. Highest Population, highest median income, ect. Starkville actually made the list for highest number of restaurants per capita. I loved this when I was a student, because there was always a ton of options to choose from when we went out, and some pretty awesome places to eat. Unfortunately, everyone can't survive with all of that competition.
Also, totally disagree that bonefish is in any way average or subpar. It was one of the few places that I could reliably order fish and it not taste old/ rotten.
Also, totally disagree that bonefish is in any way average or subpar. It was one of the few places that I could reliably order fish and it not taste old/ rotten.
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I agree. If you want Starkville to grow, you had better hope that either the University grows (however you wish to define that - enrollment, research, etc.) and adds jobs, or the GTRA area adds more technology jobs. That is what gets people there and keeps them, and people is what attracts restaurants, and keeps them. Growth in Columbus and West Point would help too.
You cannot just open up a bunch of restaurants, with no projections, and expect them to stay open. We would all like more options but it simply is what it is.
You cannot just open up a bunch of restaurants, with no projections, and expect them to stay open. We would all like more options but it simply is what it is.
they catch the fish as they are ordered. the lag comes when they are getting it to the table. chilean sea bass takes close to 20 hours.
Slight thread hijack, but has anyone been to the grill lately?
That place has gone way downhill since they moved locations
That place has gone way downhill since they moved locations
Best pork chop I've ever had a seafood place. (that isn't an endorsement)
I made the mistake of trying the soft shell there once. At least I wan't paying for that meal. Maybe it's just the one in Madison that sucked balls, but I remember that meal for all the wrong the reasons. Oh, but the pork chop was good the second time I went... because I was invited and wasn't paying again. Maybe that's being a bit harsh as the only two restaurants I trust with seafood in Jackson are Walkers and the Mayflower. I'm trying Seafood Revolution next weekend based on the New Orleans connection so there may be three. But after those, you're better off hitting the Duggan's trailer and cooking it yourself.
I made the mistake of trying the soft shell there once. At least I wan't paying for that meal. Maybe it's just the one in Madison that sucked balls, but I remember that meal for all the wrong the reasons. Oh, but the pork chop was good the second time I went... because I was invited and wasn't paying again. Maybe that's being a bit harsh as the only two restaurants I trust with seafood in Jackson are Walkers and the Mayflower. I'm trying Seafood Revolution next weekend based on the New Orleans connection so there may be three. But after those, you're better off hitting the Duggan's trailer and cooking it yourself.
"Nobody goes there anymore, its too crowded!" I always get good food and great service @ Madison Bonefish, BUT, personally its not worth standing around the doorway for 30 mins to an hour getting pushed a different direction every time another sardine is pushed into the can. I go occasionally when my wife and kids need a bang bang fix but last couple times I sat in the car w/ a couple beers catching up on Six Pack on my phone until table was ready.
Yeah it blows now. Have gone several different times since the move and it seems to get worse every time I go.
Back in December we ate at Seafood Revolution And it's pretty good. If we are talking about Seafood chains the best one I've ever had is The Oceanaire Seafood Room. I've eaten at the one in DC and it was pretty incredible.
It's always interesting when I see the chain discussion. I have an interesting pov being a restaurant family for my whole life. I spent a lot of my early years at chains. I'm not exactly sure what the disdain for chain's is among non food business people. Many people want to hate on the food but chain food does not always equal bad food like privately owned food doesn't always equal better quality. It's like the "they only use Sysco crap" talking point which is easily as stupid.
One thing about Bonefish is its parent company, Bloomin Brands, is a great company. They have certain standards and food purveyor relationships where that ensure they are getting quality food. Is it Captain Anderson's in PC? Hell no but we're talking about a seafood restaurant 3.5 hours removed from water and not someone who recieves fresh catches on the dock daily.
Just a couple examples to illustrate what I'm saying. I worked for fine-dining establishment in 601 that served redfish at $30. What they bought did not even remotely justify that pricing. I know another place that sells the same fish for 13.99 right now. It's s dang good farm raised redfish out of Houma but you get my point.
Logan's roadhouse employs a butcher full-time. When you go to this chain you get a high grade choice steak that has been hand cut, fresh. They only get shipped the whole loins. Is it a prime steak you'd get at Tico's? Hell no but it's a dang good product for the price. Pair that to what Ive seen in Jackson Sam's. A well-known 5-star restaurant chef in his restaurant coat buying a basket full of filets. Sam's sells quality high-grade choice filets but in no way should they be served for $45 a piece at a fine dining establishment. The kicker is I bet not a single one got sent back. I bet those folks had no clue they ate a Sam Walton special but I'm sure they raved about how good the steak was.
My point is that not all chains are bad. Chains, especially the upper level chains, are a safe bet food wise because of their food purveyor relationships. You know you'll get a good quality. Non chains, you're leaving yourself to the integrity of the owner if you're getting quality food, fairly priced. But to be honest, 90% of "foodies" don't have the pallet or training to know the difference anyway.
Last thing: if you're holding out for Starkville to get more fine dining places, don't hold your breath. It's all about simple economics. Fine dining is the most volatile form of restaurant. They're the first ones affected by any disturbence in the economy. Starkville can only support so much. Look at Veranda and Tyler. Veranda was very slow early on and the only thing that saved them was the bar. It had to be a college bar on certain nights early on to pay the bills. Tyler's busiest shifts are the $10 blue plate days. I love both those places but even Tyler and Veranda had to do what they had to do to make it in Starkville. I commend them with nothing but respect.
Bonefish grill is a nice addition for Starkville. Nothing wrong with its quality or value. Sadly, it's about as high-end a population as small as Starkville can support. Busy on gamedays isn't making money year round.
One thing about Bonefish is its parent company, Bloomin Brands, is a great company. They have certain standards and food purveyor relationships where that ensure they are getting quality food. Is it Captain Anderson's in PC? Hell no but we're talking about a seafood restaurant 3.5 hours removed from water and not someone who recieves fresh catches on the dock daily.
Just a couple examples to illustrate what I'm saying. I worked for fine-dining establishment in 601 that served redfish at $30. What they bought did not even remotely justify that pricing. I know another place that sells the same fish for 13.99 right now. It's s dang good farm raised redfish out of Houma but you get my point.
Logan's roadhouse employs a butcher full-time. When you go to this chain you get a high grade choice steak that has been hand cut, fresh. They only get shipped the whole loins. Is it a prime steak you'd get at Tico's? Hell no but it's a dang good product for the price. Pair that to what Ive seen in Jackson Sam's. A well-known 5-star restaurant chef in his restaurant coat buying a basket full of filets. Sam's sells quality high-grade choice filets but in no way should they be served for $45 a piece at a fine dining establishment. The kicker is I bet not a single one got sent back. I bet those folks had no clue they ate a Sam Walton special but I'm sure they raved about how good the steak was.
My point is that not all chains are bad. Chains, especially the upper level chains, are a safe bet food wise because of their food purveyor relationships. You know you'll get a good quality. Non chains, you're leaving yourself to the integrity of the owner if you're getting quality food, fairly priced. But to be honest, 90% of "foodies" don't have the pallet or training to know the difference anyway.
Last thing: if you're holding out for Starkville to get more fine dining places, don't hold your breath. It's all about simple economics. Fine dining is the most volatile form of restaurant. They're the first ones affected by any disturbence in the economy. Starkville can only support so much. Look at Veranda and Tyler. Veranda was very slow early on and the only thing that saved them was the bar. It had to be a college bar on certain nights early on to pay the bills. Tyler's busiest shifts are the $10 blue plate days. I love both those places but even Tyler and Veranda had to do what they had to do to make it in Starkville. I commend them with nothing but respect.
Bonefish grill is a nice addition for Starkville. Nothing wrong with its quality or value. Sadly, it's about as high-end a population as small as Starkville can support. Busy on gamedays isn't making money year round.
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I have had some of the shittest service I have ever had at the Madison location. 2 different times and I am not the type of person that worries about it too much because my wife works in retail customer service.
Ahhhh Walkers Drive Inn. So little disposable income. So many delicious options. My favorite Resturant in central Mississippi hands down. Mayflower is good too if you like downtown parking.
Very good, informative post by FreeDawg. I'm not sure a Bonefish could make it because of the dry summer months. They would need an everyday bar clientele to make it. Plus, I'm not sure if even the best seafood restaurant in the world could make it in rural north MS. Outside the college crowd, the country folks of the area won't know what to order on the menu without word of mouth advertising. It's definitely a gamble.
Seriously, I can't believe the Oxford mentality. Nobody has still come up with a chain seafood joint that's better in this thread.
I think you hit on the reason right here. It is very easy to be ignorant when it really matters. I think 99% of "foodies" are nothing but arrogant hive-minders. Same with beer snobs and what not. Oh, you enjoy good food and good beer? So does everybody else, elitist pricks.
Great insight, thanks.
A restaurant of the same caliber as veranda and Tyler is coming to starkville, I would classify it as fine dining. It will be near the Mill.
As far as bonefish, I'm not saying it's not coming but it's currently not in the plans for the mill. But I suppose the developer could be working on it.
Maybe I misread the op. Bonefish would be a good addition in my opinion but I was more addressing a line of thinking. At the end of the day, I don't care what "nice" restaurant comes in the new projects. I'll want whoever it may be to have success.
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Hey FreeDawg, you make some great points. I did not mean to impune the integrity of BoneFish Grill. In fact, I would be thrilled if they came to Starkville. I heard a rumor they were coming and simply wanted someone to confirm or deny.
And I realize the harsh economics of running a "nice" restaurant in Sville, but I think the clientele is changing...for the better. The condo R/E market is heating up and more and more alumni are buying second homes here, including me, and we want nice places to eat. I really like Veranda, Harvey's, Tyler (my fav), and Commodore Bob is a great new addition if it lasts. But I want more. I don't claim to be a restaurant snob, but I know good food and good service when I get it. And we need more upscale dining in Starkville.
And I realize the harsh economics of running a "nice" restaurant in Sville, but I think the clientele is changing...for the better. The condo R/E market is heating up and more and more alumni are buying second homes here, including me, and we want nice places to eat. I really like Veranda, Harvey's, Tyler (my fav), and Commodore Bob is a great new addition if it lasts. But I want more. I don't claim to be a restaurant snob, but I know good food and good service when I get it. And we need more upscale dining in Starkville.
Ha. I didn't mean to come off angry or matter of fact. Just giving some thoughts. You're exactly right that Starkville is changing for the better and is transitioning to supporting more quality restaurants. I completely agree about the condo market helping. Starkville is definitely on the upswing. I'm not saying another nice dinner spot can't make it, there just going to have to be creative in how they generate business and aggressively market.
If i was told I got the keys and had to do a "nicer restaurant" in Starkville, I'd be scared to death but I'd put a huge premium on a kick *** lunch mon-fri and some great specials nights Mon-Thur to keep a steady flow of cash. Kill it fri and sat night dinner service on the high end menu and do a killer Sunday brunch. Id also do a large tapas menu. You can maintain your high end feel but not out price the college kids. I think it can work but you'll have to be awfully innovative so you won't starve in the summer (and bball season for the foreseeable future). Sorry for the TL;DR ramble but I love this stuff.
If i was told I got the keys and had to do a "nicer restaurant" in Starkville, I'd be scared to death but I'd put a huge premium on a kick *** lunch mon-fri and some great specials nights Mon-Thur to keep a steady flow of cash. Kill it fri and sat night dinner service on the high end menu and do a killer Sunday brunch. Id also do a large tapas menu. You can maintain your high end feel but not out price the college kids. I think it can work but you'll have to be awfully innovative so you won't starve in the summer (and bball season for the foreseeable future). Sorry for the TL;DR ramble but I love this stuff.
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Starkville is blessed to have a wonderful dining establishment like Harvey's. Normally, you'd have to drive to real city like Jackson or Tuscaloosa to enjoy food and atmosphere of such a high caliber, but we have it right here in our hometown. They pioneered the artisanal food scene in Mississippi.
Bonefish Grille on the other hand is total dogcrap. The menu is both pedestrian and stomach churning. You'd be right at home there in acid-washed jorts and puffy white sneakers.
Bonefish Grille on the other hand is total dogcrap. The menu is both pedestrian and stomach churning. You'd be right at home there in acid-washed jorts and puffy white sneakers.
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