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Wheat City Bar + Grill

Wheat City Bar + Grill

Spike

Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 36

Spike
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 36

Wheat City Bar + Grill
2/22/2018 at 11:56 PM

Hey Brandon, I've been running the WCBG for a couple months now and have heard your concerns with the a la carte menu. ... I have made a new menu which we will be launching within the next week or so I have also brought with me the same great wings from the Kelsey's/O'Kelley's days (not an easy task to get them right).

If you have any questions, concerns or comments please send them my way from now on!!

I look forward to being a part of this awesome community again!!

Spike Foster
General Manager
Wheat City Bar + Grill
sf@8jag.ca
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Questions
2/23/2018 at 10:27 AM

Hi Spike

Thanks for reaching out on the forums to answer any questions folks might have. I may have a few questions to post myself but will wait until the menu update you’ve mentioned since a lot of my questions relate to the most recent menu I’ve seen and would very possibly be irrelevant by the time the menu update is put out.

I do hope you’ll consider having that menu's PDF file posted on here and will make sure you have the email address you can send that file to should you wish. Just to clarify for anyone else that might be reading thats in the restaurant business, having a menu PDF posted is free of charge and I can be reached through the contact link at the bottom of the page to coordinate. This style of reach-out for questions on the forums is also fair game. It can sometimes be a fine line between taking questions and simply promoting in a 1-way fashion but I know that folks are passionate about their eating options in town and think theres great opportunity for valuable discussions around questions that might be out there. I can’t guarantee that every question will be an easy "softball" so to speak but I do think that the readership respects it when a business is willing to take on a variety of questions and that when all is said and done we all come out better informed.
GordonM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 18

GordonM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 18

Wheat City
2/23/2018 at 10:27 PM

A group of us went after the hockey game last week. Had the $3.50 beer special and the wings were great. We will go back
Integritynhonesty
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 59

Integritynhonesty
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 59

Wheat City Bar &; Grill
2/24/2018 at 8:20 AM

We have been several times. Happy with the food and service.
Great place to go!
Ms.Daisy
Joined: This month
Posts: 256

Ms.Daisy
Joined: This month
Posts: 256

Wheat City Bar
2/24/2018 at 10:23 AM

Tried to go with a bunch of girls once but was told we had to pay $10 because there was a UFC or something?? We weren't going to be forced into paying a fee to go have a girls night so the restaurant could cover the costs of showing UFC. That was kind of a turn off.

Went with husband to try again. Menu was all over the map. Too many apps, sauces, add this add that and just down right confusing. Food was not good complained to female that said she was a manager and she could care else. Far too many tvs and just didn't have the atmosphere/vibe Browns had. We really enjoyed Browns and were sad when it left so quick after.

Good luck Spike, we wish you well with your restaurant but you need to do a lot of improving and it certainly won''t be just adding "Kelseys" wings.

Edited by Ms.Daisy, 2018-02-24 10:26:06
1904
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 79

1904
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 79

WCB&;G
2/24/2018 at 11:25 AM

Great place to wind down. Love the drink specials and in my opinion the food is great. The whole concept apealls to me and many friends.
LovnLife
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 275

LovnLife
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 275

....
2/24/2018 at 11:28 AM

Sounds great never been !! Maybe tonight should check it out!!
Flutterby

Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1554

Flutterby
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1554

2/25/2018 at 9:04 AM

I agree with the comment of too many tvs. It does nothing for atmosphere. It is distracting for those wanting to socialize without screens present.

I too enjoyed the Brown's relaxed atmosphere. The street tacos, spicy beans and coleslaw plate were my favorite! I don't normally like spicy, but some how that worked for me.

Street tacos are unique to Brandon, and I would encourage some exploration in this area. I think it is a cool concept.

A variety of desserts that are not just pre-bought cheesecakes (and mini donuts) would be nice. Something unique, made in house would be great! Even an unbaked cheesecake would be something easy & slightly different.

An option we would appreciate that nobody seems to offer is a hearty whole grain bun/bread option. I prefer this over the usual glue that people call bread.

We like the new brunch menu. It is good and the prices seem reasonable.

We also liked getting the little bit of friendly special attention when we asked about jam for toast. As much as it is really a little thing, we knew that this small detail had some importance and was taken seriously. Thank you!

We went yesterday and enjoyed our time there. Thank you for listening (on here and in person). It is the best way to make a perfect and popular place to hang out.
Amaxinlin
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 683

Amaxinlin
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 683

Re: Ms. Daisy
2/25/2018 at 10:38 AM

Anywhere that hosts the UFC charges $10.00 at the door. Nothing new or unheard of, Smitty’s, Boston Pizza do it as well. Avoid those restaurants on UFC night if it turns you off, but hosting UFC serves a great purpose to the general public. Keep up the great work Wheat City.. have no complaints thus far, but impressed you took to the public to get suggestions and ideas.

Ms.Daisy
Joined: This month
Posts: 256

Ms.Daisy

Joined: This month

Posts: 256

UFC

2/25/2018 at 12:51 PM

Amaxinlin said "Anywhere that hosts the UFC charges $10.00 at the door. Nothing new or unheard of, Smitty’s, Boston Pizza do it as well. Avoid those restaurants on UFC night if it turns you off, but hosting UFC serves a great purpose to the general public. Keep up the great work Wheat City.. have no complaints thus far, but impressed you took to the public to get suggestions and ideas. "

Well I can see that at Smitty's, I mean after all its called the Sportsline Lounge. Also Boston Pizza still has a restaurant side that people can use, they don't just turn you away. But hey if having 10 young guys sitting in there watching UFC over a full restaurant keeps the doors open and lights on, then do what you got to do.

CL
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2625

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 2625

2/25/2018 at 11:13 PM

Ms.Daisy said "

Amaxinlin said "Anywhere that hosts the UFC charges $10.00 at the door. Nothing new or unheard of, Smitty’s, Boston Pizza do it as well. Avoid those restaurants on UFC night if it turns you off, but hosting UFC serves a great purpose to the general public. Keep up the great work Wheat City.. have no complaints thus far, but impressed you took to the public to get suggestions and ideas. "

Well I can see that at Smitty's, I mean after all its called the Sportsline Lounge. Also Boston Pizza still has a restaurant side that people can use, they don't just turn you away. But hey if having 10 young guys sitting in there watching UFC over a full restaurant keeps the doors open and lights on, then do what you got to do. "

I've seen on their facebook page that if you aren't wanting to watch the UFC matches, the "patio lounge" area when you first walk in won't be charging for admission

artsylikes
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 168

artsylikes
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 168

Huge fan
2/26/2018 at 1:16 AM

Well I am a huge fan of UFC and Boxing! That is a decent cover charge to get in the door to watch the fights!

Next time I will check it out! That’s great!

fdsafdsa
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 108

fdsafdsa

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 108

For perspective

2/26/2018 at 7:54 AM

CL said "

Ms.Daisy said "

Amaxinlin said "Anywhere that hosts the UFC charges $10.00 at the door. Nothing new or unheard of, Smitty’s, Boston Pizza do it as well. Avoid those restaurants on UFC night if it turns you off, but hosting UFC serves a great purpose to the general public. Keep up the great work Wheat City.. have no complaints thus far, but impressed you took to the public to get suggestions and ideas. "

Well I can see that at Smitty's, I mean after all its called the Sportsline Lounge. Also Boston Pizza still has a restaurant side that people can use, they don't just turn you away. But hey if having 10 young guys sitting in there watching UFC over a full restaurant keeps the doors open and lights on, then do what you got to do. "

I've seen on their facebook page that if you aren't wanting to watch the UFC matches, the "patio lounge" area when you first walk in won't be charging for admission "

I’ve heard that the contract to show UFC at an established business or restaurant is managed by a third party company like ticket master. For 200 person maximum occupancy venue I have heard costs are as high as $6500 bucks to show the fights. That being said the $10 a head doesn’t even recoupe the showing cost. All in all I don’t think UFC is a money maker for most resteraunts, but an investment in their patrons. If I owned one I wouldn’t show UFC as it rejects potential patrons and is a money sink hole.

fdsafdsa
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 108

fdsafdsa
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 108

Menu posted?
2/26/2018 at 7:55 AM

It’s not in this thread... is it posted?

Edited by fdsafdsa, 2018-02-26 07:56:24
nothingspecial..
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 190

nothingspecial..
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 190

.
2/26/2018 at 9:46 AM

Loved the food, and the service was good. Only thing I didn't like was the gratuity added to the bill. I prefer to add the tip accordingly. If I have a good waitress I tip more, if I have a poor one I tip less.
Amaxinlin
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 683

Amaxinlin
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 683

Re: Re: Ms Daisy
2/26/2018 at 10:33 AM

“10 young guys” well for one - I’m a woman. And when we go to UFC, we go with about just 10 of us alone, and it’s always packed. We go there at least an hour early to get a spot. So I don’t think you really know much about business and ufc. Lol
Amaxinlin
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 683

Amaxinlin
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 683

.
2/26/2018 at 11:08 AM

Not riled up at all, no worries there. and I wasn’t talking about this business per say on UFC night. I didn’t even know they hosted UFC but now I know because it gives other people a chance to watch when the other restaurants are full on those nights! Anyways... back on topic

~M~
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 106

~M~

Joined: Mar 2011

Posts: 106

...

2/26/2018 at 8:08 PM

nothingspecial.. said "Loved the food, and the service was good. Only thing I didn't like was the gratuity added to the bill. I prefer to add the tip accordingly. If I have a good waitress I tip more, if I have a poor one I tip less. "

Good to know! I ate at Browns a lot, but I haven't had much interest in trying it out since it switched to Wheat City Bar and Grill (parking lot is usually empty compared to Browns which was always packed - that says a lot right there) but now that I know a gratuity is automatically added to the bill, I have no interest at all in going there. Quality of service usually goes down when the servers know that no matter what they are getting a tip.

Johnbisonbear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 4183

Johnbisonbear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 4183

automatic gratuity
2/26/2018 at 8:24 PM

what percentage? Sounds like I won't be going. We always tip but to be forced to? Nope!
Bigsmalltownguy
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 23

Bigsmalltownguy
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 23

.
2/26/2018 at 8:51 PM

Automatic gratuity? Nope. Not a chance. Tips are to be earned. Since there are so many other places tripping over each other to get my money i'll let them earn it instead!
Suckie
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 208

Suckie
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 208

Wheat city
2/26/2018 at 9:21 PM

I went with a couple of friends one evening, To be honest I and all of my friends did not like the menu. Everything is spread out all over the place for one.

Two, you have to order 3 or 4 different things at inflated prices to get the equivalent of 1 meal from other restaurants.

Three, the prices really arent that good for the quality of the food. Don''t get me wrong, the food was good and there was nothing wrong with it. However, for the price they charge for a "main" here, you could get a full meal at another local business for the same or better quality and price. Makes it hard for me to support WCBG

I dont mind the atmosphere, the tv''s didn''t bother any of us. We simply glanced up occasionally and otherwise focused on conversation at our tables.

My friends are I agreed we likely will not be returning to WCBG, its a nice place but the menu/pricing needs to be changed.

Edited by Suckie, 2018-02-26 21:23:01
muu
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 14

muu
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 14

Expensive
2/26/2018 at 10:30 PM

I went to Wheat City and ordered a single patty burger and fries and it came out to $23.00 (I ordered the same meal when they first opened for $12.00.) The food was great, but the price was unreasonable. I wish prices did not increase because I really enjoyed the food and atmosphere. I will not be going back unless prices drop.
Ms.Daisy
Joined: This month
Posts: 256

Ms.Daisy
Joined: This month
Posts: 256

Spike??
2/27/2018 at 10:15 AM

Spike are you still out there??

Wondering if you are going to do any follow up or answer any of the questions? Or can someone give a little more info on this mandatory gratuity?! Is it for everyone out just large tables? Are the prices going to be adjusted on your new menu you made? Is it out yet or still in the works? Have the new wings hit the menu yet? Are you guys going to be showing UFC 222 this Saturday?? What else can you share with this awesome community??
one more thing..
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 493

one more thing..
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 493

Ms. Daisy
2/27/2018 at 10:57 AM

You seem to have already made your mind up about WCB&G all of your posts on the topic seem really negative and almost confrontational. Me and my friends eat/drink there regularly. So to answer a few of your questions
Yes the new wings are on the menus
Ive never been charged a mandatory gratuity nor have I heard of it
The drinks are great, the atmosphere is good albeit quiet sometimes. The bar staff are awesome.
As for the owners and whatever they allegedly do or do not get upto. I honestly don't care. I care more about having a decent place to go for a drink and food that has reasonable prices and decent quality.

My critique would be to stop putting a DJ on late on Fridays and Saturdays (I'm not sure if they even still do that) Ive personally never been there when the DJ has been playing but it's not something I would care for and I've been told it's so loud you can't have a conversation. Stick to sports and background music is what I suggest. If someone wants to hear a DJ there's roadhouse and Huston's for that.
Spike

Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 36

Spike
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 36

Auto gratuity
2/27/2018 at 12:32 PM

The only time there is ever an auto gratuity added to the bill because if it is a large party … This is fairly standard in all restaurants there is never an auto gratuity just on a regular bill.

Johnbisonbear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 4183

Johnbisonbear

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 4183

thank you

2/27/2018 at 12:43 PM

Spike said "The only time there is ever an auto gratuity added to the bill because if it is a large party … This is fairly standard in all restaurants there is never an auto gratuity just on a regular bill. "

for clarifying this issue Spike. Appreciate it.

I for one was not pleased last time I went out for a burger and BTW not your place and had to pay a buck extra for condiments. Makes for an expensive burger and I don't think a swipe of mayo is worth a dollar.

Spike

Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 36

Spike
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 36

miss informed
2/28/2018 at 10:18 PM

I've been away from Brandon for quite a while, and when this opportunity was presented to me, I jumped at the chance.... I love this city!!

What I forgot about was the mob mentality about people going off on things without knowing what is actually the truth.

There is no auto gratuity, unless it is a large party, we haven't charged for a UFC since I've arrive (and due to the price, will only hold the large fights)

We are not Browns anymore, and honestly, I'm not sure what the actual Browns was like, I was away from Brandon at that time.

.... and I have heard the complaints about the menu, and am addressing that right now.

Please, instead of writing whatever comes to mind, call the restaurant, and ask questions, I will be more than happy to help..
this is the service/hospitality industry, I'm here to do just that for this awesome community!!

Thanks a Bunch,
Spike Foster
General Manager
Wheat City Bar + Grill
sf@8jag.ca
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Discussion
3/1/2018 at 6:30 AM

Hi Spike,

I can tell you’re a dude that’s passionate about your job, which only re-enforces my thought that you were an excellent addition by your owner to manage the restaurant. At the same time with all due respect, if one has started a thread on a discussion forum I don’t think its unreasonable to assume that they’re wanting to engage in discussion. That might include answering questions and might include injecting fact where necessary to ensure that the discussion proceeds on as much factual basis as possible. I respect that you live and breathe the business and so some of these things about the place you’re managing will be common knowledge to you. To the average person reading though they probably aren't and a thread can be a great way to make those things clear.

That said, since it appears you aren't looking to discuss and are the one who started the discussion I'll close this particular thread to further posting. As this is an open forum its possible folks may be interested in discussing the restaurant further in an alternate future thread. At that point you're welcome to chime into the thread with thoughts and feedback on the topic being discussed. If you'd rather not, you also have the option of sending me info privately that I can post on yours/your owner’s behalf. If something of interest comes up and I happen to be aware it’s possible I might also email to give further opportunity for comment. If a post goes as far as being out of bounds there’s also the option of clicking on the “report” link that corresponds to each post on the site. I take those reports seriously and will take action where necessary. One thing I would respectfully ask that you please not do is tell folks that they shouldn't come on here to post, which is something they are welcome to do.

The offer’s still out there to post the menu when its ready. Its a great no-cost way to make sure folks know what the restaurant has to offer and I hope you’ll consider sending a PDF my way when ready.
cheers