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Message |
    
lizzyr
Citizen
Username: Lizzyr
Post Number: 254
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 11:03 am: | 
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I'm surprised no one has started anything on this yet -
Lines looked long this weekend and I wasn't hungry, but was wondering how people thought Freeman's did on the first weekend of the season? |
Bklyngirl
Citizen
Username: Bklyngirl
Post Number: 133
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 11:23 am: |
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I tried to buy a pretzel Saturday afternoon and the cashier didn't know where they were. Then, when she found them, I handed her a $20 only to find out she didn't have any change. In fact, none of the other cashiers had anything smaller than a $20. I had to pass on the pretzel.
I don't know if they did any better on Sunday.
bklyngirl |
dave23
Citizen
Username: Dave23
Post Number: 1831
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 11:27 am: |
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Not a bad start. Clearly they have a new staff of high schoolers. They have all the basics from last year, but I'm hoping they'll expand the menu soon to include stuff like salmon burgers. |
Smarty Jones
Citizen
Username: Birdstone
Post Number: 796
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 1:13 pm: |
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Half the food wasn't available...ordered a Hamburger (great), Tunafish sammy (dry) and Grilled Chix sammy (very good)....waited 15 minutes for the order, despite no line....I suppose it's because it's fresh :-)
What's the deal with where you can eat? Do they look the other way on eating on the hill behind the trees by the toddler pool? I've always wondered what is and is not permitted/enforced.
Can you bring your own cooler up there? |
Bklyngirl
Citizen
Username: Bklyngirl
Post Number: 134
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 2:02 pm: |
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I don't know. I did what a lot of other people were doing. I saw lots of coolers, so I brought my own. I saw people eating food they brought from home near the pools, so I did the same. Pool officials walk right by me and didn't say anything.
bklyngirl |
MeAndTheBoys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 4016
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 2:18 pm: |
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Seems like yesterday was exceptionally crowded. I know Freeman's "sold out" of quite a few things by about 5. One thing I've definately learned about getting food at the pool is that it's in my best interest to plan ahead. Get on line earlier to account for the wait. It would certainly be helpful if they gave out numbers and called them on the loudspeaker, so as to alleviate the crowd of people waiting once they've place they're order.
Hopefully, from now on, it won't be quite as crowded as it was this past weekend. Although we don't usually go on weekends in the summer, a friend who does told me that weekends are generally way less crazy than they were this past weekend. Particularly because everyone is still here because kids aren't out of school yet.
As far as "rules" about food, this was all I could find in the info that was sent: "No glass bottles permitted, no food or drinks on the upper deck."
I've always brought in a cooler, and sometimes even our own food for dinner, and nobody has ever said a word. I know plenty of people who order pizza and have it delivered to the pool. I wonder about eating "outside food" on the tables provided though. Don't think I've ever done that. |
mim
Citizen
Username: Mim
Post Number: 615
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 3:30 pm: |
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The rule used to be that you could not eat at all EXCEPT at the tables. You used to see the staff asking people to move there if they were snacking on the upper deck. Has that rule changed?
(I have often brought food from home to eat at the tables; people order pizzas and eat them there too. That has always been totally legal.) |
helen
Citizen
Username: Helen
Post Number: 52
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 4:36 pm: |
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Hi! This is Helen Harvey. My husband, John, and I own Freeman's. We occassionally check in on MOL so don't hesitate to post your feedback (positive or negative) and suggestions here.
We're looking forward to our second year in the "poolside" business. The food that we chose for the pool has been carefully selected and a much of it is homemade and fresh. This actually makes it difficult for us to anticipate based on the weather and the crowd. We try to do our best in providing the best quality, with the best service at the best value - at a poolside venue. (Really - it is so difficult trying to figure out our amounts each day that we can see why many concessions go with manufactured foods/salads that include preservatives! But we don't see ourselves going there.)
The wait usually has to due with the fact that the food is generally made to order. Even though we are a "fast food" snack bar, we can be thought of as being deliberate about what we are doing and providing, putting us a little bit in the "slow food" category. (Slow Food is an interesting organization. Go to slowfood.com to find out more about it.)
The lack of change this weekend was due to the fact that this was unfortunately one of the few details we missed. (The bank was already closed when we realized how short we were on change.) We also should have made a sign early on that singles and change are welcome!!
Again - please feel free to let us know your thoughts.
Helen (Harvey) |
Petal
Citizen
Username: Petal
Post Number: 14
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 5:13 pm: |
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i think the freemans' poolside food is pretty fabulous considering it's a community pool. when i was a kid the only thing we got at the pool was a water fountain and a vending machine and we were happy with that!
it did take a ridiculously long time to get two lemonades and a popcicle but the girl at the register seemed young and nervous. it won't stop my from eating there again.
glad to hear change is welcome. we have a huge bag of quarters from our laundry mat days....can finally put them to use. |
hismom
Citizen
Username: Hismom
Post Number: 464
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 5:18 pm: |
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The kids & I often brought our own food in coolers to have dinner on the grassy area by the toddler pool or at the tables in past years and plan on doing so again. (Though we do usually save the tables for those ordering food unless it is very empty). No one has ever said anything. We've also eaten on the grass by the consession stand. The "no food" area I'm aware of is the entire upper deck including grass.
I'm looking forward to many warm summer evenings at the pool - with dinner from home or Freeman's! My son is already saving up for popsicles. |
Amateur Night
Citizen
Username: Deborahg
Post Number: 1873
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 7:24 am: |
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Helen,
I was at the SO pool this weekend, and the wait seemed to be because your charming staff was fairly clueless. They were out of about 75 percent of the items by 3pm, and then forgot to cook a grilled cheese while delivering pbj, tilapia fingers (I bet these are GREAT if cooked correctly, these were incredibly greasy and soggy though) and fries. So we had to wait an additional 10 minutes for the grilled cheese. We know you will have growing pains so we will try again, hopefully our experience next time will be better. |
Bklyngirl
Citizen
Username: Bklyngirl
Post Number: 138
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 7:26 am: |
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Helen:
Thanks for your post. I, too, have loads of change I can give you.
bklyngirl |
mjh
Supporter
Username: Mjh
Post Number: 611
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 8:42 am: |
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Helen,
Thanks for your post, and we're very glad to have you return to the Maplewood pool. Good luck in SO too.
Must be difficult to get the high-schoolers ready for opening day, especially when it is hot enough to ensure big crowds.
I'm sure the kinks will get worked out, and that most people will be willing to wait a bit longer than they do at burger king in order to get the freshly prepared food.
I heartily agree with those that bring snacks for young children. Not worth the wait to get a PBJ if you have a whiny hungry toddler. I'd never go anywhere with young children without emergency provisions! |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 14769
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 9:05 am: |
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I predict this thread will keep going all summer.
Welcome back, Helen and John. You do a really good job in difficult conditions.
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ina
Citizen
Username: Ina
Post Number: 381
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 9:44 am: |
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The veggie burger I ordered Saturday was still frozen in the middle. The lemonade was pink water with not the tiniest trace of a taste of lemonade. The chicken fingers, though, were moist and tasty. |
CLK
Supporter
Username: Clkelley
Post Number: 2300
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 1:06 pm: |
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Helen, while the food we got on Sunday was great, there were some clear deficiencies in the staff that you can address. Please don't think of these as complaints but as constructive feedback. The kids are nice, they just need more training.
1) I asked how big a small side order of coleslaw was. Server said he had never seen one, so couldn't tell me. I ordered one, not sure if it would stretch for two people (it wouldn't).
2) I ordered iced coffee, but didn't get it. We got the lemonade for my daughter though and were able to share. HOWEVER, I didn't complain as I'm reasonably sure that he under-charged me fairly substantially for the whole order (didn't figure that out until I was back at the table, and wasn't confident that I'd be able to make my point understood to the counter-staff - otherwise I'd pay in what I thought I owed).
3) You were out of ketchup very early in the afternoon. Couldn't somebody be available to run down to A&P and pick up a bottle or something?
4) There were no forks. I had to ask for one. Instead of giving me a stack to re-stock the bin, the girl just gave me one and turned her back. Well, I needed two - but rather than trying to get her attention again, I figured we'd share.
4) I asked how long the wait would be (not sure whether I should hang there or go back to lounging for a while). Kid gave me a look as if I asked him how far it is to his home, the moon, and how long he's resided on planet Earth. He said, "I guess about 5 minutes." It was more like 20-30. I know it's hard to say for certain, but I frankly doubt anybody got much within 5 minutes - giving a semi-realistic answer would be very helpful.
Generally, the kids were pretty stunned and unable to handle the situation - very similar to last year. You need to spend more time training, I think, and especially consider a little bit of customer service orientation. It would help a lot.
The food, however, is superb - again like last year. It makes it a tough call whether to eat there or not. I adore your crabcakes, which are the best I've had since leaving Baltimore. But the aggravation involved in getting them makes it hard to know whether to get them. I keep hoping things will improve - I think I'll probably give you one or two more chances before passing altogether. |
Mummite
Citizen
Username: Mummite
Post Number: 251
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 3:45 pm: |
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They serve Freemans Crabcakes at the pool? Awesome!
That'd (almost) be worth going there for on a rainy day!
Keep it coming!
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helen
Citizen
Username: Helen
Post Number: 55
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 5:40 pm: |
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Hi. I'm really sorry to hear about the complaints above. I'll will look into all of these and try to answer whatever I can. I'm sure the kinks will be worked out as well but I'm baffled because the staff thought the day went so well. I'm wondering if those of you above just happened to get hit with the changing of the staff or when 1 or 2 of the regular employees took a break.
Like I said above: The wait usually has to due with the fact that the food is generally made to order. Even though we are a "fast food" snack bar, we can be thought of as being deliberate about what we are doing and providing, putting us a little bit in the "slow food" category. (Slow Food is an interesting organization. Go to slowfood.com to find out more about it.) I know it's hard to even think about "slow food", the idea took me a long time to process but I kind of like thinking that we could even be "sort of" in that category. Really - if you look into it online I think you will too. It's just a little "slower" for the sake of how it's being made and what's in it. (But then again, I'm a bit of a kook as I'm trying to learn to like fishing in hopes that it will teach me - patience!! - which I don't currently have enough of!)
I'll give it a shot as to what I know so far regarding the above:
My son, John, is the manager of the Maplewood pool concession and he feels the individuals he hired make up the very best team to do the job. They are interested, enthusiastic and their hearts are into it. We couldn't ask for much more. (As a matter of fact our manager, Billy, at SO feels the same way and so does Corinne & Julia at Orange Lawn Tennis Club. Really, they are all thrilled with their teams! We're very lucky!) There is a learning curve of about 2 weeks or 3 VERY busy weekends, however, so just bear with us.
As far as running out, like I said above, a majority of the food is homemade and fresh. This past weekend we did more business than our first weekend last year which we thought was almost impossible!! Trying to figure it out exactly with fresh food is extremely difficult. That's why most concessions go with the manufactured/preserved items.
I'm sorry that the lemonade was watery and the veggie burger was cold. I'll talk to them about this.
We use 1/4 lb. of salads on our sandwiches and 1/4 lb. cole slaw and potato salad come with many of the grilled items on the side. You can order a large side order of potato salad or cole slaw in a 1/2 lb. container for $2.00.
I'm sorry about the iced coffee and glad you told me about the "under charging". I hate to say it but last year we found that a few of the kids had a hard time with the math. They're not doing anything intentional, they just don't know it, so we have to keep a good eye on it - and move those kids away from the cash register!!
I believe that a 15 minute wait isn't unreasonable. I might even go for 20 considering the quality/value. (30 is a bit much - even in my whacky world of trying to slow down time - and be more patient!) I try to equate my experience with other family grill-type restaurants that we go to or have gone to. The staff is completely concerned about the timing. I'll mention this to them because maybe they need to add more staff for the weekend or come up with a different "system"(???)
And, yes, the first busy day is really shocking. You think you have it all figured out and then something like - ketchup or forks - throw the whole thing out of whack. Since the Maplewood Store has also been "rocking" (as my husband would say) over the last month (due to Mother's Day, Father's Day, Graduations, Prom Parties, Family BBQ's, Rehersal Dinners, etc...) we didn't have anyone to do the "runs" on Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Since I still have an 11 year old at home, I try to be around and, therefore, her and I generally end up in the car all day running from supplier to pool to supplier to pool (and now you see why I need to develop - patience!!) - so, I must have already been on the road AND the staff at the pool may not have noticed the lack of ketchup or forks until it was too late.
It's okay to go back to the employees and tell them (somewhat loudly) about stuff missing and putting more supplies outside. They listen to people all day and get somewhat immune to it after time. So once the person handed you the fork, he/she was automatically on to the next mission.
I hope this takes care of some of your concerns. I believe for the first weekend it went quite well. With your comments (positive and negative) we can keep making it better. We meet once a week to go over all of this.
Thanks for commenting - and listening!
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mooewe
Citizen
Username: Mooewe
Post Number: 353
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 7:12 pm: |
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Having done years of volunteering at Little League and soccer concession stands, often with kids who want to help out, I'd like to suggest that training include how to make change. Seriously, most "cashiers" these days have registers that tell how much change to give back once the amount tendered is punched in. It sounds like you don't have that, so a few minutes of teaching how to count change up from the tab to the amount given would be well worth the time. And include examples such as when a bill is $7.17 and the customer gives $10.27. |
CLK
Supporter
Username: Clkelley
Post Number: 2302
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 10:05 pm: |
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Helen, again please take constructively:
1) teach the kids about the product. They need to know what they are selling.
2) I don't mind the wait (much) if the food is good. But the kids should give a realistic estimate about when the food will be ready. They shouldn't say "5 minutes" when the answer is 30. I get what you say about slow food, but if that's how you do things the kids should know that value and support it, and not be afraid to tell the customer it'll take 20 minutes. At the very least, just let the customer know what to expect. I went to the Disney Institute program last year and one of their mantras is "exceed expectations." So if you think it will take 15 minutes, say 20 - that way the customer is pleasantly surprised when the food arrives a little early. If you say 5, and it takes 20, the customer is getting antsy and anxious - "did I miss it when they called me? did they accidentally give my order to somebody else? Did they burn it and have to throw mine in the garbage and start over? Oh crap, did they lose my order?"
3) If the kids are math-challenged, provide a calculator for them. Or even an adding machine with a tape that can be provided as a receipt. Having a kid with math issues doing math in his head, under pressure, is risky for you. (and yes, I think that was the deal - I could almost see this kid sweating as he was trying to remember the price of things and adding them up in his head.) You either end up losing profit when they under-charge or with irate customers who have been over-charged. I agree that giving training on making change is also a great idea.
3) If a customer says there are no forks out, ask how many they need, don't just hand one over and turn your back. Don't put it back on the customer - some of us just aren't that pushy (believe it or not. ;-)
As I said above, the kids were obviously working hard and seemed very nice. No issues there at all - you have a great crew with a lot of potential. But they do need more training. I think they'd be even happier and even nicer if they felt more confident and had better tools to meet customer needs. |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 5414
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 12:04 am: |
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And now those of us in South ORange also have Freeman's running our snack bar! Can't wait to check them out! |
dave23
Citizen
Username: Dave23
Post Number: 1833
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 10:02 am: |
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The kids at the counter are great. I think they'll pick it up in no time. (Though you might want to give the cashiers a stool. Looking at them hunched over all day makes my back hurt.) |
Albatross
Citizen
Username: Albatross
Post Number: 865
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 10:34 am: |
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Food / drink rules are:
- No food / drinks on the upper deck (of course you can have water)
- No glass bottles permitted
- You *are* permitted to eat on the grass above the baby pool and in the picnic area along Boyden Avenue |
Strawberry
Supporter
Username: Strawberry
Post Number: 7461
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 10:39 am: |
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Anyone who feels the need to trash Freeman's poolside service is a complete moron. For a town pool feel fortunate class acts such as Helen and her family are taking the time to make your experience more enjoyable.
Bunch of whining brats.."Boo Hoo, My sandwich was cold".. You know what, eat it faster next time..Jerks
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Aquaman
Supporter
Username: Aquaman
Post Number: 954
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 11:05 am: |
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joy
Citizen
Username: Joy
Post Number: 490
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 11:39 am: |
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Helen -
Speaking for myself - love the food. But to add to CLK's list re: the waiting -We were there on Saturday and was told it was a 5 min wait. It was 25 mins. If I'm there with my 5 year old - and food takes 20 - 30 mins to come out - that's a long time to wait for her and for me. Do I hang out and wait with her while she gets cranky? I'm not sending her off the play in the pool by herself.
Can you have number system with announcements? |
Joe R.
Citizen
Username: Ragnatela
Post Number: 485
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 5:24 pm: |
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Unbelievable! Give me a break. I'm glad my kid doesn't have his first job working at the pool concession with this crowd hovering. I'll say what Helen can't say. This is consumerism in its most obnoxious form. If you want a little snack, have one but understand, this is excellent poolside food, but it is not intended to be haute cuisine. Jump in the pool and have a little fun. Let your guard down a little at the pool. Nobody is trying to get over on anybody at the pool. I'll bet for most of these kids it's a first time work experience. Have a little patience with them. |
sac
Supporter
Username: Sac
Post Number: 3537
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 7:40 pm: |
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I don't think it is unreasonable to expect that waits be well under a half hour. And, if they tell you 5 minutes, it definitely shouldn't exceed that by much. This is not whining ... it is just a reasonable expectation and I don't think that Helen would disagree. I believe that the Freeman's folks are working very hard and a commend them for it. However, the waiting times do need to be addressed somehow. |
helen
Citizen
Username: Helen
Post Number: 56
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 9:19 pm: |
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Hi! Thanks for the feedback and ideas. I especially like the "overestimating". I'll tell them about that. I use it every time we have to go visiting on Long Island. I tell them it's going to take at least 3 hours and a good idea will be to sleep like it's a plane ride. If we get there in an hour & a half or 2 hours, it seems like a breeze!
I asked my son and his friend about the telling people 5 minutes and they both looked at each other and said "it must have been ....." The kid is new and they'll be sure to tell him.
Again, thanks! And really, it feels good to hear the good comments - but don't argue over the negative stuff. That helps us too! |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 5434
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 7:34 am: |
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Helen-
I have LOTS of singles! I'd 'trade' at least 50 with the snack bar every time I went to the pool last year. I'd be happy to do the same with you. (I get to the pool a couple of times a week) |
marian
Citizen
Username: Marian
Post Number: 806
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 11:23 am: |
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Helen,
Thank you so much for posting and taking the time to read the "constructive criticisms" posted by your customers here.
My family joined the pool for the first time this year and I'm serious when I tell you that one of the things I was extremely excited about is trying the Freeman's concession stand food I read so many raves about on MOL last year!
We went to the pool for the first time yesterday afternoon and I was really psyched to try your lobster roll for dinner. After waiting on line for about 10 minutes to order, I was a little disappointed to hear that the gazpacho was not available. The young man behind the counter was unclear whether they were our of just not offering it Wednesday evening. He seemed a little taken aback when I suggested that they should have indicated this in some way on the board because I was with a vegetarian friend and she planned her meal around the gazpacho...anyway I ordered the lobster roll, fries and a lemonade while my friend ordered a veggie burger.
1. The wait is really waaaay top long, Helen. We waited about 25-30 minutes on a Wednesday evening (around 5:30ish) for our order. This wait is made even more unappealing by the fact that you have to hover around the pick-up window with a lot of antsy, jostling young tweens ... Please, please, please figure out a way to establish some sort of order numbering and sound system where people can walk around the snack bar area while they wait for their order and not have to stand around like a herd of hungry, sweaty, buffalo...
2. My lemonade was left out of the order and I had to go back to the pick-up window and wait another 5 minutes to get it. (It was watery and lukewarm, BTW...)
3. The staff appeared woefully undertrained and understaffed to deal with the Wednesday dinnertime "rush." (Stunned is a word that keeps appearing on this thread and I agree it's an appropriate adjective to describe the kids behind the counter.) When I asked for napkins with my order I was told that there were none! No apology was offered for this oversight, BTW, and I was really surprised that a concession stand could run out of something as basic as napkins.
4. On a more positive note, my french fries were absolutely delish--crunchy and nearly perfect. The lobster roll was tasty, but a little disappointing on the small amount of lobster that was on it. My friend said her veggie burger was very good.
I hope you keep making improvements (especially on the service side) and I look forward to trying your food again soon.
-Marian
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mjc
Citizen
Username: Mjc
Post Number: 1208
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 3:26 pm: |
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Helen is taking all this very graciously, and I'm sure the suggestions are helpful, but jeez people, this was the first week at the pool, with presumably a number of new, very young staff, and a relatively complicated menu for them too. It may be 4-star food, but it's not a restaurant setting, and restaurant service just isn't in the cards.
end of beef, enjoy your summer! |
The3ofUs
Citizen
Username: The3ofus
Post Number: 25
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 3:50 pm: |
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Better to get the comments in after the first week than to be bitching about it all summer, no?
I'm pretty sure Helen is happy to get this feedback regardless of how some people thing she is being ganged up on. |
sac
Supporter
Username: Sac
Post Number: 3541
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 9:01 pm: |
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At various times this afternoon and evening, my daughter and I shared an excellent chicken caesar salad and some very yummy red potato salad as well as the more typical assortment of snack food, drinks, and ice cream. It was all very good today! We ate later than the lunch and supper rushes and only waited about ten minutes each time, but the lines did get really long right at suppertime, even though the pool wasn't all that crowded today.
Baby steps ...
I would like to add my vote for a way to announce to people that their order is ready so that some of the waiting can take place in a chair, at a table or even in the pool (but paying attention.) |
calypso
Citizen
Username: Calypso
Post Number: 30
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 9:20 pm: |
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the clam chowder is REALLY well-made, and the fries and hot dogs are good too. If it would be possible to get some romaine or non-iceberg lettuce into the salads, that would be great, but I'll agree with the majority that Freeman's food is a huge improvement over the dogs and pizza available when I was a kid. And I'm sure that the staff, given time, patience and a calculator, will do fine. |
sac
Supporter
Username: Sac
Post Number: 3546
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 10:59 pm: |
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I had a Caesar salad there yesterday that definitely was not iceberg. I think it was probably Romaine, although I'm not sure, but it was definitely dark and tasty. |
sac
Supporter
Username: Sac
Post Number: 3577
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 30, 2006 - 8:03 pm: |
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Today I was not a happy customer. Given the gorgeous weather, the pool was very crowded and the lines were understandably long so I decided to wait until the worst of the rush was over. At about 7:00 I went over with my daughter to get in line and a lifeguard was standing there telling people that the line was closed. There had been no announcement on the PA system to let us know that they were closing early. Apparently they were running out of food, but we thought that they could have posted some signs about what was or wasn't available and continue to serve whatever they had. OR, if it was absolutely necessary to close, there should have been a PA announcement as is the usual practice. I also mentioned it to the person at the front entry desk and they knew nothing about an early closure, even though it was one of their staff (the lifeguard) who was telling people of the closure.
Given that tomorrow is Saturday with another excellent weather forecast, I hope that extra food will be on hand to avoid a repeat. |
helen
Citizen
Username: Helen
Post Number: 57
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, July 1, 2006 - 7:43 pm: |
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Hi! By the posts it's looking like things are shaping up!! We have a few new and younger employees this year that we're breaking in and giving a chance. My son John manages the Maplewood Pool, my "like-a-son" Billy manages the SO Pool, and my daughter Corinne manages the snack bar Orange Lawn Tennis. In the evening we tell our stories between the 3 pools and there's generally something funny (or not so great) that happened with one or two of the new staff. We'd like to stick with them because they're young and because they're nice and REALLY trying hard.
As far as the closing, I have no idea what happened. Last year we stopped taking orders at 7:30 but from 7:00 till 8:00 people could place orders "to go" as long as they left by 8:00. I believe the pool officially closes at 8:00.
Today was Saturday and when I got there (around 6), there wasn't much of a line and the staff told me that they felt the day went great. (Well, actually,- at first they told me it was another "Perfect Storm" and everything that could have gone bad - did - but they just wanted to get my reaction.) If anyone out there feels it went otherwise, please let me know. Sometimes the employees in the back don't realize what's going on out front.
Thanks,
Helen |
red
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 6145
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, July 2, 2006 - 12:32 am: |
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We went to the pool for the first time this week, and did not feel like waiting in the long lines for the real food; (I should say me) so the kids and I went to the express line which was VERY long, and it took no time at all until we were at the front. The ice cream board had "sold out" placed on the items that were not available. This made it so easy to go up to the front, order for the kids and no sadness! Well done Helen  |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 5550
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, July 2, 2006 - 2:35 am: |
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At the South Orange Pool the staff asks your name. You can then stake out a table in the picnic area while you wait for your food. We were shocked at the amount of French fries you get! More then enough for three people. I let the two tweens with me know it might take 15-20 minutes for the order to be ready, so they were not asking constantly 'where's our food?' The one got a burger of some kind, the other was more adventurous-though I can't remember what she got. No complaints about the food.
Maybe Maplewood can use the same system? |
helen
Citizen
Username: Helen
Post Number: 58
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Monday, July 3, 2006 - 6:27 am: |
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Thanks! That's actually the system we use at Orange Lawn as well. We thought that it would be too confusing at the Maplewood Pool to have someone running out to the side. I don't know why, it just doesn't seem as convenient for some reason as when the customers get their tables right out front.
All along we've been trying to use some of our favorite "models" from down the shore and my personal all-time favorite (Barry's in LBI) uses the table # thing. The Maplewood Pool, however, gets the most members during the day (we've gotten up to 1,000!) and I think we've been a bit "scared" to try it there. Bringing the food to the tables can get into other stuff like wiping off the tables, cleaning up the tables afterward, going back out with additional condiments, straws, etc.,(which is currently the responsibility of the pool and the members) so we'd have to think this through really carefully.
I know the staff has been diligently working at getting "their" system down, but I will mention it again to see what they think. Maybe they can try it on the less busy days first (??)
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wbwallflower
Citizen
Username: Wbwallflower
Post Number: 263
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 4, 2006 - 3:43 pm: |
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Ate at the pool today.. despite the long lines, we were able to get a big order relatively quickly. Staff was friendly and efficient. Hope they can keep up the good work! |
BGS
Supporter
Username: Bgs
Post Number: 1113
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, July 6, 2006 - 11:22 am: |
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Helen- If you cannot change the way things are done now at Maplewood- how about a couple of picnic benches for people to sit on while waiting...some of the older folks could use a place to plink down for a few minutes...
looking forward to another summer of your wonderful cole slaw and great fish dishes!!
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kate
Citizen
Username: Kate
Post Number: 15
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, July 7, 2006 - 11:36 pm: |
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Helen,
I really have no problem with the service, the wait or any of the short comings with the food. Sometimes its great, sometimes not so great. I didnt have to make it or serve it and theres lots of folks around to chat with while waiting.
Any chance we could get a half dozen high chairs? Being able to keep my 18 month old seated for a meal would make all the difference for me!
Thanks,
Kate |
Melonious
Citizen
Username: Melonious
Post Number: 117
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 10:26 pm: |
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I am a Millburn resident and I must say I am so envious that Maplewood has even the possibility of good food at their pool (I'd wait 15 minutes for a lobster roll rather than have crap in seconds). The food options we have are, well, not so good. |
helen
Citizen
Username: Helen
Post Number: 61
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 - 10:34 am: |
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Hi! I believe the benches and the high chairs are something that the pool people will take care of if you ask them. To make the wait more enjoyable, we put up a magazine rack and try to supply it with magazines... (We sure have enough of them here at home. I'll try to remember to tell John to bring some of them there.)
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