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Old 11-14-2011, 10:24 AM   #1
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I was so hopeful when this newest chef came on board, especially since he had previously been chef at two great places in Jackson. Unfortunately, we don't see much of a difference and have given up on the Wolfeboro Inn. We're really hoping that the new Inn on Main turns out to be great. We're going to try it on Friday. Still love The Restaurant but would love more options.
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Old 11-14-2011, 11:06 AM   #2
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Question: Is the problem that the employees do not really care or the management and employees do not care??? It has to be one or both.
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Old 11-14-2011, 07:56 PM   #3
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Default Well I'm glad

I decided to go to Garwoods for lunch for my last boat ride of the season 2 weeks ago. I used to go to the Inn a lot, mostly for lunch. It had an atmosphere back then that I guess was the only reason I went. Usually with a few guys, so the bar was more enticing than the food. Looking back on it, that would have to be the reason. Too bad, because it is true, you really do want to like it.
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Old 11-14-2011, 08:28 PM   #4
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Default Wolfeboro Inn

Postings have been quiet about the Inn lately, and I was actually beginning to think that maybe they were 'getting it', maybe I was wrong.

With a post as clear and complete as Tir Na Nog, Inn management ought to be able to narrow down the time frame and determine just exactly why things were going wrong. I can identify with the poor looking salad bar, and, as a matter of fact, last time I went to the Sunday Brunch/Buffet I felt the same way about the entire presentation - things looked well worked over and not refurbished, so to speak. At a salad bar, as at a buffet, visual presentation is very important.

Hopefully, the Inn will read these posts and tighten up on management during the meal itself.

I agree, I want the Inn to do well, but they must help themselves
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Old 11-14-2011, 11:56 PM   #5
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Default No Progress

I went once this year and it was worse than last year. Marginal is the one word that sums up the place. I am hoping that the Inn on Main Street is a success to offer some more variety to town. As a prior poster stated, many of us old timers want the Wolfeboro Inn to succeed but it just never gets any better. It has no character, the employees don't seem to care and the food is hit or miss. I'm still convinced that what we are seeing in the dining room is a symptom of financial strain. Time will tell but I'm hoping for new ownership to breath life into this tarnished jewel.

Last edited by secondcurve; 11-15-2011 at 06:43 AM.
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Old 11-15-2011, 07:57 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by camp guy View Post
Postings have been quiet about the Inn lately, and I was actually beginning to think that maybe they were 'getting it', maybe I was wrong.

With a post as clear and complete as Tir Na Nog, Inn management ought to be able to narrow down the time frame and determine just exactly why things were going wrong. I can identify with the poor looking salad bar, and, as a matter of fact, last time I went to the Sunday Brunch/Buffet I felt the same way about the entire presentation - things looked well worked over and not refurbished, so to speak. At a salad bar, as at a buffet, visual presentation is very important.

Hopefully, the Inn will read these posts and tighten up on management during the meal itself.

I agree, I want the Inn to do well, but they must help themselves
Apparently they just aren't able to "get it". I don't understand why. And it is sad because we too, used to go there all the time and won't go there now just because of all these bad reports. And as all have said, we all WANT it to be good.
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Old 11-16-2011, 12:15 PM   #7
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Default Per Facebook

Here is a link to Wolfeboro Inn's Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/generalwolfe...tavern?sk=wall

Scroll down to the 11-1-2011 posts and you will see a change to the culinary team:

Following that link, in the middle of the info page, it shows that the Food and Beverage Director is now Scott Bennett.

George Soderberg is still shown as the GM.

FWIW
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Old 11-18-2011, 11:16 AM   #8
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Default Wolfeboro Inn

I've never really thought of Wolfeboro as a foodie town, but with the Restaurant, Mis en Place, Garwoods, The Downtown Market Grill, West Lake and el Centenario, maybe that's wrong.

In any event, the tavern/Inn is not in the same league with the above places, and with prices being what they are the Inn has little to offer IMO.

I've tried it a few times, and except for one breakfast I have not been happy.

I can't quite put my finger on what's wrong, but when you can't match the Bayside on service, ambiance, or price something is really wrong.
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Old 11-19-2011, 06:47 AM   #9
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My parents use to look fwd to father's day buffet and come home early from FL to make sure they made it, but they have stopped it the last couple of yrs.

Last time we went for a dinner, the food was ok.... We have found it to be a great place to get burgers while out snowmobiling.
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Old 11-20-2011, 10:54 PM   #10
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Default Tir Na Nog

Tir Na Nog, thank you for your critique. There was a time not so long ago when no one was there to greet you, service was slow, servers were grouchy and unfriendly and you couldn’t seem to get a good meal ever. Over the past year we have transitioned out 80% of our servers. We have
experienced and very experienced servers and the one thing they all have in common is they are very friendly, happy, upbeat, service oriented people who care very much and patrons have been coming back and noticing (more on this later).

Your point is well taken on the salad bar. It’s an area that needs more consistency. We will also be adding 12 toppings to the salad bar as 9 does not seem to be enough. Having said that no restaurant reacts as quickly to feedback and makes menu changes like we do. So, Tir Na Nog, the chef
had been making the sauce for the prime rib with a little thickness to it, as well as a little red wine and mustard, mostly from past experiences in which people felt that a straight au jus was too thin. Because of your comment he’s going to change it. Next week, he will go to a straight, un-thickened, lightly flavored au jus. As for the meal clearly the server fired your meal too early. We’ll bring that up Tuesday at our meeting. I'm sorry it seemed to rush you a bit that night. Just wish you all would introduce yourselves and the ones that have I wish you would write in! All in all we’ve come a long way from a year ago. You’re going to love our servers!

We have also added a Dining at Dusk (early bird specials), 4-6 pm Sunday – Thursday $10-$13, and Comfort food night (new) on Wednesdays, $13-$14, homemade beans, sausage and brown bread, short rib shepherd’s pie, meat loaf, etc. and of course Italian night Monday’s.

Honestly, I have to say, I find the comments I get through comment cards, emails and other sites are in very stark contrast to this site. I don’t know why and I won’t venture a guess, but here are some recent examples:

11/2011 Dinner “This place is really turning around! It gets better and better every time. Great job!!!”
11/2011 Brkfst “This is the best breakfast in town”. (3x now)
10/2011 Dinner “Greatly improved from the beginning – We shall return”
10/2011 Dinner “We were last at the “Inn” about 3 years ago – this was a very pleasant surprise!”

Today we had a number of comments, “Best buffet brunch yet”. We served a baked French toast that was well received.

Another sign, this year we have 300 reservations for Thanksgiving Day brunch . We did 220 for in 2009 & 2010. I just don't think that you grow by 33% if you’re that far off the mark. But we'll stay focused and keep working harder to earn your trust.

A few additional follow up observations. Here’s a “curveball” for you my friend, I’m sorry to disappoint but we are doing very well financially, a nearly 10% increase over last year. Many locals are coming back. We hope many of you will too soon. The incredible Chef that was in Jackson at the Thomas House Eatery is here and he is every bit as fantastic. We volunteer, have given thousands to assist all kinds of local organizations and charities. We want to be a part of the fabric of the community. I know we have made some very positive improvements and will continue to make even more.

I hope you all enjoy your family and friends this week - Happy Thanksgiving!
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Old 11-21-2011, 04:59 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by George Soderberg View Post
Tir Na Nog, thank you for your critique. There was a time not so long ago when no one was there to greet you, service was slow, servers were grouchy and unfriendly and you couldn’t seem to get a good meal ever. Over the past year we have transitioned out 80% of our servers. We have
experienced and very experienced servers and the one thing they all have in common is they are very friendly, happy, upbeat, service oriented people who care very much and patrons have been coming back and noticing (more on this later).

Your point is well taken on the salad bar. It’s an area that needs more consistency. We will also be adding 12 toppings to the salad bar as 9 does not seem to be enough. Having said that no restaurant reacts as quickly to feedback and makes menu changes like we do. So, Tir Na Nog, the chef
had been making the sauce for the prime rib with a little thickness to it, as well as a little red wine and mustard, mostly from past experiences in which people felt that a straight au jus was too thin. Because of your comment he’s going to change it. Next week, he will go to a straight, un-thickened, lightly flavored au jus. As for the meal clearly the server fired your meal too early. We’ll bring that up Tuesday at our meeting. I'm sorry it seemed to rush you a bit that night. Just wish you all would introduce yourselves and the ones that have I wish you would write in! All in all we’ve come a long way from a year ago. You’re going to love our servers!

We have also added a Dining at Dusk (early bird specials), 4-6 pm Sunday – Thursday $10-$13, and Comfort food night (new) on Wednesdays, $13-$14, homemade beans, sausage and brown bread, short rib shepherd’s pie, meat loaf, etc. and of course Italian night Monday’s.

Honestly, I have to say, I find the comments I get through comment cards, emails and other sites are in very stark contrast to this site. I don’t know why and I won’t venture a guess, but here are some recent examples:

11/2011 Dinner “This place is really turning around! It gets better and better every time. Great job!!!”
11/2011 Brkfst “This is the best breakfast in town”. (3x now)
10/2011 Dinner “Greatly improved from the beginning – We shall return”
10/2011 Dinner “We were last at the “Inn” about 3 years ago – this was a very pleasant surprise!”

Today we had a number of comments, “Best buffet brunch yet”. We served a baked French toast that was well received.

Another sign, this year we have 300 reservations for Thanksgiving Day brunch . We did 220 for in 2009 & 2010. I just don't think that you grow by 33% if you’re that far off the mark. But we'll stay focused and keep working harder to earn your trust.

A few additional follow up observations. Here’s a “curveball” for you my friend, I’m sorry to disappoint but we are doing very well financially, a nearly 10% increase over last year. Many locals are coming back. We hope many of you will too soon. The incredible Chef that was in Jackson at the Thomas House Eatery is here and he is every bit as fantastic. We volunteer, have given thousands to assist all kinds of local organizations and charities. We want to be a part of the fabric of the community. I know we have made some very positive improvements and will continue to make even more.

I hope you all enjoy your family and friends this week - Happy Thanksgiving!
I'd probably toot my own horn too when comments were almost unanimously on the negative side

In all honesty, do you think people want to come on here and complain about a place that they "want to do well"? There's likely a reason for the complaints, especially when they're consistent over a long period of time. Just my $.02
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Old 11-22-2011, 06:48 AM   #12
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Well Mr. Soderberg where's all the "nay" sayers now??
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Old 11-22-2011, 11:15 PM   #13
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What's the issue with it? He acknowledges an issue and tells you the corrective actions he is putting in place.

He uses the opportunity to chime in on other new offerings and changes.

I would say the comment card reading has no value, thus he invites those that may have positive responses to chime in. Keep in mind - how many negative comments are placed for every positive one? If I had customers I thought were happy I would invite them to chime in when my establishment was repeatedly critized over a year or two (and rightfully so, I have been there a time or three). Can't really blame the guy.....

He defends a charge of lack of business / bad economy contributing to the overall lack of care. If business is indeed up of course he would seek to reinforce that all is well and things are moving in the right direction.

If everyone wants them to improve and do well we should hope that the turtle wins the race and the eventual / slow progress fixes all.

AND - with 300 reservations for Thanksgiving the reviews over the next couple weeks will tell all either way.........so lets wait and see.

Good Luck!
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Old 11-23-2011, 07:17 AM   #14
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I thought his post was fine and I am glad he is responding and listening. I will say that the use of the term "my friend" comes off as being condescending in this context, IMHO.

Oh and, I don't think there is any way to save that salad bar. It fits at most two people at a time never mind an employee working to keep it tidy and filled. I'd prefer the option to order a side salad that had some distinction. How about keeping it just as a soup and bread bar?
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Old 11-23-2011, 05:21 PM   #15
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Wink Chef Ramsey?

Maybe it's time to bring in Chef Ramsey for a makeover....
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Old 11-24-2011, 12:39 AM   #16
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Maybe it's time to bring in Chef Ramsey for a makeover....
Good one! Wouldn't that be fun to watch on Fox.
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Old 11-24-2011, 07:08 PM   #17
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Default Wolfeboro Inn

OK, the Inn had 300 hundred reservations Thanksgiving Dinner today.
Yet no one has posted anything?
Wasit that good?
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Old 11-24-2011, 07:54 PM   #18
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I was also wondering how many people 300 reservations represents. Is a reservation a single person..OR a table for four persons. Any way you count it..300 people waiting for their meal in the Wolfeboro Inn is going to be FUN. ........Waiter..another round please...... What time is it..?

I really hate to be negative about any business in this time of economic distress. Every business needs every customer they can get... and the market... Should determine Who Fails. NB
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Old 12-01-2011, 10:20 AM   #19
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Default Smart post Mr Soderberg

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bigstan View Post
What's the issue with it? He acknowledges an issue and tells you the corrective actions he is putting in place.
Good Luck!
I had pulled down my previous post which I'm sure this post was directed at in which I mentioned Georges response rubbed me the wrong way.Obviously he saw the same thing after rereading it.His own words:

"I let my emotions get the best of me and I shouldn’t have made the comment. That’s not been my style and I feel bad about it. That won't happen again".

Props for standing up and acknowledging the bad tone.That goes a long way in my book.I might have to give the Inn a try now.
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Old 12-01-2011, 10:43 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SIKSUKR View Post
I had pulled down my previous post which I'm sure this post was directed at in which I mentioned Georges response rubbed me the wrong way.Obviously he saw the same thing after rereading it.His own words:

"I let my emotions get the best of me and I shouldn’t have made the comment. That’s not been my style and I feel bad about it. That won't happen again".

Props for standing up and acknowledging the bad tone.That goes a long way in my book.I might have to give the Inn a try now.
My bad if I pointed at the wrong post. I just hope to keep everything positive and hope everyone is moving in the right direction....if everyone who posted a negative comment goes back to try again (and everyone says that they wish success to the inn) then we would have all the reviews we need and would be doing our part to help a local business.
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Old 12-02-2011, 08:32 AM   #21
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I'm going to give Wolfe's Tavern a +1. I went in there last night with some coworkers and we sat at the bar. The nacho plate was very good and the beer tasted great . All in all, it was pretty hard to mess up, but it was well enjoyed.
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Old 12-02-2011, 05:18 PM   #22
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I will be there tomorrow evening for the Power Squadron Christmas Party and will report back!
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Old 12-02-2011, 07:42 PM   #23
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My wife and I are going to give it another try on Christmas Eve. I'm sure it will be a lot better than the last time we were there. As I have always said, always give everything a second chance before throwing in the towel.
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Old 12-02-2011, 07:48 PM   #24
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We went to the Wolfeboro Inn tonight with my inlaws. We got there around 6 pm and were seated promptly. Our waitress was Jen and she was did a great job taking care of us for the evening.

Our drink order was taken promptly and delivered very quickly. For dinner, I had the all you can eat Haddock and it was cooked to perfection. It was excellent. My wife and in-laws had the reuben (you have to ask for the bar menu) and they all loved it.

We had just been to "The Restaurant" so were expecting much from the Inn, but we will definitely go again.

Although we didn't have the salad bar, I made it a point to check it out. It wasn't as large as it was in the old days, but it was still good. The lettuce appeared fresh and not water logged. The chicken white bean vegetable soup looked good, but again, we ate nothing off the salad bar.

We are very fortunate to have so many good restaurants in town and the Wolfeboro Inn is one of them.
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Old 12-07-2011, 06:59 AM   #25
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Huh?? Big Stan and SIKSUKR totally lost me, I missed something in the translation - oh well...
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Old 12-08-2011, 09:53 AM   #26
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Huh?? Big Stan and SIKSUKR totally lost me, I missed something in the translation - oh well...
My bad dpg. I had a post that I pulled down that stated Mr Soderbergs post#12 rubbed me the wrong way. Stan asked what was wrong with it. I pulled it thinking it seemed I was stirring the pot. Mr Soderberg posted after that that he indeed thought his post was out of line so What you read between Stan and I is in regard to that.
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Old 12-12-2011, 07:07 AM   #27
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We went again to the Wolfeboro Inn. It was Sunday night and there wasn't much of a crowd. We were seated promptly and the service the rest of the evening was good. The salad bar was fresh and full. Not what it was in the old days but good. The 6 of us all had Prime Rib. 5 medium rare and 1 medium well. The orders came out in a timely fashion and each was cooked perfectly and tasted great. I hope it continues to be good in the future.
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