My last blog about Nix Burger & Brew received a large number of negative comments about the new uptown restaurant that opened just last week.
Owner Nick LaVecchia sent me an e-mail today addressing some of the concerns.
"I am hoping you can help me clarify some of the issues we've experienced during NIX debut. We experienced many delays during construction that were beyond our control. When we finally opened, business volume was way above our projections. We are addressing many issues daily that exist with any new restaurant opening. We are working diligently to fix problems, mostly related to the high volume with very limited space. With any new concept, there are always kinks to be worked out in the first few weeks of operation. I just want you to know we are aware of these issues and are working hard to fix them. We hope we are given the chance to fix problems and not be judged based on the first few days after opening."
In short, have patience, people. We should be rooting for all businesses to succeed right now.
36 comments:
nice, but still am not going to go back
That's fine that he needs time but the place was a big mess last week. I was embarrassed to have taken my wife and kid for lunch there. It's one thing the waitresses didn't know anything on the menu but the GM had no clue either. He just laughed when we asked him questions saying he was just hired the day before. How do you hire a GM one day before you open? They had no idea what Nix's gravy was on their cheese fries, they had no idea what the bacon jalepeno jam was, etc. The hot girl at the door also was clueless. The food was good though so I'll give them a 2nd chance.
I won't go to a restaurant just by the way the waitresses look but wow...did they go to Waffle House the night before opening and hire their whole staff?
all of you are way too critical jeeeeze... you wonder why only chains do well in this lame-o city.
My brother and I went there on Saturday night and loved it. The service was quick, the food was really good, and we liked the atmosphere. I am definitely going back to NIX.
I don't really care what these stupid people think about NIX. It looks really good and I still really want to go there and try it out! The sign is awesome by the way...
Are they having construction delays on the website too?
The sign is awesome for sure.
Not sure about the Waffle House comment because the girls looked fine the night I went.
Nick,
Organic beef for the prices you are charging and the size you are serving. Do that and I'll be back. Uptown isn't just full of snotty nose college kids. You also need to hit it off with the 30 and 40 somethings. They are the ones that will continue to come back and buy your $9 or $10 burger and $6 beer. The youngsters will eventually hit McDonald's.
There are plenty of non-chain restaurants that do well in this city. You must not get out much. Also, if you feel it's lame, you should start looking elsewhere, we're not holding you here against your will.
I went a few days ago. I thought it was good, not great. The food was pretty good, perhaps a little on the pricey side - but that's what I expect uptown. Slightly larger portions could solve that. Beer was a little pricey as well (Dogfish 90 minute was $6). I think The Counter in SouthPark has really perfected the upscale burger place.
My major recommendation would be to turn down the music. It's wicked loud in there. I mean, OVERLY loud. I couldn't hear a damn thing my companion was saying.
I'll wait to see what happens. If he owns Laveccia's he should be able to figure it out. I think the concept can definitely work.
I have no idea what you people are talking about - maybe the problems were just an opening weekend thing. I went there Wednesday night and it was great. I had the pimento cheeseburger, sweet potato fries, and a Highland Gaelic. Huge meal, but it was awesome. Waitress was friendly and this Waffle House comment is just ridiculous. Probably posted by some elitist uptown banker or lawyer to whom even the best is never good enough. Some friends of mine went recently and enjoyed it as well. Bottom line- if you are a fan of the Big Daddy's concept, you will probably like Nix.
Anyone foolish enough to go to a restaurant the first few weeks after it opens will get what they deserve.
I thought the burgers tasted good. But the size was a little disapointing. Also, order onion rings for my side, and got 4. I am not sure 4 rings count as a side. I need a lunch that is going to get me through the day, and that one didn't do it. It did taste good though.
Hey, keep yourselves real don't bitch about a restaurant that's trying to make it. Give some hoorah!,because I think Nick was thinking of the kid's instead of just you adults. If you ask me; he should be a soda shop with no alcohol,because the kids are our future spenders.
mo byrd,
"he should be a soda shop"
Maybe the kids will be our future spenders but their grammar is sadly lacking.
I agree about the onion ring sides... I also only got 4. There was a lot of empty space on my plate and I'd like to see larger sides than that.
got about 5 onion rings. They are clueless. I got takeout; on the elevator back to my office (yes eating at my desk) a co-worker asked where I got food, making small talk. I said nix. He told me he just went and they told him they did not offer takeout - so he was a little surprised when I showed him my burger. They need to get their act together; the first day should have been an 8 hour training session.
I ate at NIX last night. I saw the comment about the place being a mess and was at first a little concerned. When I came in I saw a Health Score of 99 and the place was emaculate, maybe the previous guy caught it after the place emptied out after the AC/DC concert. The food was very good-The bun didnt overwhelm the burger. I had the Late Night and it took all I had to finish it. I can taste the difference between the Prime meat vs Choice meat that everyone else serves. What a cool place. Staff was cute but very attentive. Music level was apropriate and not overwhelming. By some of the previous comments it looks like they are getting it together.
Bigger portions and I'll be back as well!
Bigger portions & I'll be back as well!
Hey Nick, if you read these comments, put up a menu on the website. Assuming the website is going to appear at some point. Seriously.
Man, Charlotteans have NOTHING to do, do they? This is a great place with great food and it would appear every commenter just wants to see how witty they can be. Which, sadly, isn't much.
I had a wonderful time at Nix today and will be going back tomorrow for more. Honestly, knocking a restaurant on its first week is a pretty weak move. I guess this sort of thing happens, but I'm disappointed more in Charlotteans than in NIX.
One last note: if you're gonna rag on someone or something, be man enough to leave your name.
We just tried it for lunch. The menu had some pretty interesting sounding burgers on it. I had the French Onion... it was pretty mediocre. And the fries were sub-par. I liked the beer list except that I wish they had more on draft. The beer prices really weren't all that bad, but the food prices were pretty crazy. Could have had two people eat at The Penguin for the same amount of money, and it would have been better. All-in-all, I give it a very strong, "eh." I might go back at some point if I'm bored, but there wasn't anything there that made me WANT to come back. Especially when I can go next door to LaTorre's for ridiculously amazing mojitos.
I was a bit disappointed.
Food was okay, portions too small
and a bit pricey overall.
Staff seemd overly distracted and not very knowledgeable about the menu. It may seem cool and hip to always hire pretty young things- but, if their clueless- it will hurt the business.
I have been to NIX three times now, if that tells you anything. I think the atmosphere is awesome, the food delicious, the portions are just right and the prices are very competitve-especially for Uptown. They had some great beers (draft and bottle) and were running $2.50 Shock Top pints as a special. On my first visit the place was a madhouse and the staff did seem a little overwhelmed, but that is to be expected. I tip my hat to anyone opening a new business during these trying economic times. Keep up the good work, I will definitely be back for some more burgers and brews.
I have been there twice now, and I loved it! The food was great and the staff was wonderful! Don't be so critical! Sometimes it takes a few days to work out the kinks! Maybe the ones who made ugly comments need to work on THEIR people skills AND patience! Give it another try!
Ate their today during lunch rush. The place was busy but running well. Had the Texas Turkey burger, which was awesome! Sweet potato fries were delicous and served with a really interesting (and good) sauce. We sat at the bar and we served by a very attractive bartender. She checked with us several times and made conversation even though she was very busy. I read some comments about the burgers and sides being too small. Personally, I thought the portions were just right...I didn't leave the restaraunt feeling disgusting. I like this place alot and will definitely be back! You won't be disapointed!
For anyone who has to eat lunch uptown every day, the place will end up being more than adequate...it's not nearly as good as big daddy's or the counter, but it doesn't have to be to obtain a decent uptown lunch crowd. It's getting better service and speed-wise and the portions were slightly larger the last time I went (have been three times now to scout it out). I am surprised Nick allowed the place to exeperiment on paying customers rather than dealing with issues before opening and it was stupid to have opened when they weren't ready to do so and when the staff was utterly clueless, but it seems that they're working the kinks out. All it has to do is not suck in order to be relatively successful for lunch...I think it will reach that level sometime soon...
Went during lunch two days ago, and my burger was so delicious that I was still thinking about it the next day. The sides could be a little more plentiful on the plate, but I could barely finish what I was served anyway, so I didn't really mind. I will definitely be back!
This is nothing new To Nick: Overloading his restuarants to the extreme is in his business model.. Just look at Lavecchia's on a busy night.. 300 People Seated..Inadeqaute amount of staff.. over an hour wait for food.
Ripping off The Ignorant diner with cheap fish and potatoes.. Priceless.
Eat local food like Sonoma Modern. Bonterra, and anything Bruce Moffet touches..
After being in the Charlotte Food Scene for a while, and Knowing what good food is (Not a green nose stuck up Johnson and Waler)
As a rule of thumb the chefs in this area who name thier restaurants after themselves really need a lesson in humble pie.
Nobles- Jim qoutes himself on his own menus
Nix "It's a good thing my mom gave me a first name or i wouldn't know what to call this place"
Lavecchias Is he making sure he doesnt forget his name, If we knew his middle name we could find out his next restaurant
Excuses are like ... They both stink. Which is fittin, so does your food.
I didn't even know the joint was open yet, but saw the sign while walking with the kids from First Night and checked it out. They must've at least gotten some of the crap worked out because what we had was pretty damn good...
I got a take out burger and it was ok, but the fries were terrible. In the land of the new burger bar fad Nix is not cutting the mustard. Please step it up because it is needed in Uptwon.
I work at the penguin and I'm going to try and get a job here, good idea?
Got to tell you I was there a week ago at lunch (on Martin Luther King's Day) expecting it to be a light crowd based on the other restaurants I passed and the fact that the Bankers had the day off but I did well to get a seat.
They were packed.
I was a little reluctant to go after reading all the comments here but I'm sure glad I went. Things must have changed since this blog was first posted because my experience was perfect
Sure, it's small but it seems to have been thought out very efficiently and personally I could care less about the beer since I don't drink .. but I understand the lack of selection for those that do.
Service, despite the fact that they were slammed, was very quick and my food came out just as quick.
I can't remember the name of the burger but it had the BBQ and Onion Rings I believe with a side of Sweet Potato Fries .. everything tasted incredible and was hot.
The party I was with also order the "Disco" Fries. I really liked these, very interesting with the gravy which is what made it.
I'll defiantly be going back the next time I'm Uptown to try the Bison Burger and a full order of the Disco Fries :)
Dwayne
(sorry, I'm too lazy to create an account)
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