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Seabag Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I'm not so sad to see change, La Chardon was

> pretty poor. But it would have been nice to see

> something a bit more grown up there. It's a lovely

> building and Byron will take advantage of that,

> but there's some competition in the 'meat in a

> bun' market now, GBK now being the dullest of the

> offers on LSL

>

> And a new cheese monger, how nice, I hope he/she

> smiles some. But i'm glad to see the good old

> guard still delivering quality, as last nite we

> ate a very good meal at Franklins. I've eaten

> there for at least the last 15 years, its good to

> see a neighborhood restaurant that can keep doing

> what it does, and doing it well.

>

> Red leg partridge anyone?


Byron isn't much better than GBK to be honest.

It's almost as if the burger franchises see a potential opening, then take their eye off the ball in respect of parallel attempts by similar franchises to do same - it doesn't seem viable for them all with so many similar types of outlet.

Xoco also does burgers.

So three chains/franchises replacing 3 indies?


The problem with independent outlets is that, when it comes for the owners to retire/ move on there will be no continuity - obviously there are 'family' businesses (Le Chandelier, in its declared ownership was technically one of those) - but the family may not actually wish (or be able to afford) to continue the business. Le Chandelier had its remaining lease on sale for some time - so the business was always aiming to close anyway. Chains/ franchises offer continuity of delivery. When you have true independents then almost inevitably you will get (eventual) change. This only doesn't happen when an owner is able to sell the business as a going concern to someone else - but even then you get change. Both Le Chardon and Le Chandelier had formulae which were no longer (if they had ever been) cutting edge. They may not thus have been attractive businesses to buy into as going concerns (and I don't think Le Chandelier was ever offered as such).

I have found Byron mediocre at the last three goes, all of which were at different locations. The Mac N Cheese side is particularly carelessly made; watery sauce with a lump of cheese melted on top but completely unintegrated with the pasta. They also rank the four wines in terms of quality with what I believe they must believe are witty descriptors. This is an issue when one's usual habit is to order the second most expensive bottle since they have ruled out the chance of being in ignorant bliss.


In my view honest burger, our new Meat Liqour, and Burger Bear (when they are visiting) all have good offerings. If I had to make one critism of each it would be Honest for offering no choice but their Rosemary chips (even though they are not bad), Meat Liqour for having their only double beef offering as that one with "Dead hippy sauce" and white cabage, when a simple bacon double cheese burgeresque offering would also be welcome, and Burger Bear for their fries which are a little too thin imo.

Anywhere that sells 'Mac N Cheese' deserves to bloody sink. Its macaroni cheese and always will be

And don't get me started on cupcakes - style over substance - FAIRY cakes or nothing.


Feeling curmudgeonly and veering off topic.


HP

PS - Liking the cheese jokes though.

hpsaucey Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Anywhere that sells 'Mac N Cheese' deserves to

> bloody sink. Its macaroni cheese and always will

> be

> And don't get me started on cupcakes - style over

> substance - FAIRY cakes or nothing.

>

> Feeling curmudgeonly and veering off topic.

>

> HP

> PS - Liking the cheese jokes though.


HP


You sound thoroughly 'cheesed off'


*groan*

Nice cuppa tea HP. That always makes the world a Feta place...



hpsaucey Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Anywhere that sells 'Mac N Cheese' deserves to

> bloody sink. Its macaroni cheese and always will

> be

> And don't get me started on cupcakes - style over

> substance - FAIRY cakes or nothing.

>

> Feeling curmudgeonly and veering off topic.

>

> HP

> PS - Liking the cheese jokes though.

"Anywhere that sells 'Mac N Cheese' deserves to bloody sink. Its macaroni cheese and always will be

And don't get me started on cupcakes - style over substance - FAIRY cakes or nothing."


hpsaucey, I think I've fallen in love - brie mine!

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