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Post by getysbg on Apr 2, 2013 16:32:37 GMT -5
A new restaurant has opened on Steinwehr Ave. in the old Asian buffet restaurant next to McDonald's. It's name is "Steinwehr Bistro, and serves breakfast/lunch/dinner. More tomorrow after we try it.
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Post by Fire Marshal Bill on Apr 3, 2013 9:46:44 GMT -5
Was disapointed. I came into town early, just to stop there for breakfast, and they were not open, and nobody in the parking lot at 8:30. Are they open?
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Post by gburger717 on Apr 3, 2013 19:27:47 GMT -5
I wish the new owners the best of luck. I have seen that place change hands to many times in 10 years!!!! Lets see if there still in business this time next year. Any bets??
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Post by orrtannaexpat on Apr 4, 2013 2:48:05 GMT -5
Gone by Christmas, 2013 at the latest. This summer might make them believe it will work out but reality will strike after Labor Day. There's a good reason so many other businesses have failed at that location. When I lived in Adams County, the only time I patronized any business on Steinwehr was when I was at the hospital for some reason and needed something quick and would head over to the off-site geriatric ward at Mickey D's. And yes, I qualify as a member of that group. But only by age.
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Post by Venter on Apr 4, 2013 12:51:55 GMT -5
JJ Hibachi Owners screwed me when they were looking to move in. One of the owners requested Sketches and Proposals from me, and since they are related to another business I've done work for in town, I rushed to get everything to them. A couple hundred dollars worth of work that they refused to pay for, saying that "they had just wanted a quote!" If you just want a quote, then don't request the rest of the design work that goes along with it! Needless to say, they evidently did it themselves - or got some NY "sign company" to do the sign. Never underestimate the Power of Proper Signage - or in their case the LACK of Proper Signage. Have no idea how good their food was, or wasn't, but if you can't invite people into your establishment in an attractive way, then you are starting out with a handicap form the git-go. SOOOO SORRRY they went under But... I heard it may be the same owners again, doing a different type of restaurant. I guess I'll find out eventually. Then I'll decide whether to check it out.
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davew
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Posts: 308
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Post by davew on Apr 4, 2013 14:04:15 GMT -5
As an out of towner now, I'd say that the food there is going to have to be really good, because if it's not, they'll get some one time customers when the chain restaurants have lines too long, or maybe from a few tree hugger types who don't like to visit chains.
I worked on steinwehr in restaurants when I was a kid, and that was when all of the tourists were there, too. It was deadsville most of the time other than the summer months, and maybe not deadsville on friday and saturday nights when the kids (who want to just sit in the restaurant and not buy much) were there.
There's nothing about "steinwehr bistro" that would give me any indication as a non-resident about what kind of food is in there, and I could always go somewhere else instead of driving up or taking the time to look up their menu.
I don't know what the site looks like because I haven't been there in a long time, but they'll need to be creative about drawing people in if they're going to survive. And hopefully their prices will be low enough that they can keep a few locals there in the offseason.
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davew
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Posts: 308
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Post by davew on Apr 4, 2013 14:04:55 GMT -5
JJ Hibachi Owners screwed me when they were looking to move in. One of the owners requested Sketches and Proposals from me, and since they are related to another business I've done work for in town, I rushed to get everything to them. A couple hundred dollars worth of work that they refused to pay for, saying that "they had just wanted a quote!" If you just want a quote, then don't request the rest of the design work that goes along with it! Needless to say, they evidently did it themselves - or got some NY "sign company" to do the sign. Never underestimate the Power of Proper Signage - or in their case the LACK of Proper Signage. Have no idea how good their food was, or wasn't, but if you can't invite people into your establishment in an attractive way, then you are starting out with a handicap form the git-go. SOOOO SORRRY they went under But... I heard it may be the same owners again, doing a different type of restaurant. I guess I'll find out eventually. Then I'll decide whether to check it out. So, are you going to give them some free sign work now that they changed the theme? ;D
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Post by Venter on Apr 4, 2013 14:33:18 GMT -5
They are next to McD's in an older "Signature Building" of a Former Hardee's. A signature building is a term used for a business with a building that you can identify without having to see its sign. McDonald's, Friendly's, KFC, 7Eleven, etc are a few. And I agree, the "Steinwehr" really says nothing about the business. It might as well just say "Bistro", and let everyone guess what's in there "Steinwehr" sounds like something you'd drink a Stout Ale out of!
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davew
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Post by davew on Apr 4, 2013 16:17:30 GMT -5
I'm kind of sorry to hear hardees isn't there any longer. It's not like it's been that long since I was home, I think I was there Thanksgiving, but my parents are on the east side of town and there's just no reason for me to venture out in that direction.
I do sometimes wonder what sense people have when they name a restaurant a generic name. Steinwehr doesn't mean anything to most twice-a-lifetime tourists. In an area where you get heavy business only three times a year, you need to do something that will encourage the folks to go there rather than make a comfortable choice with a franchise on another end of town.
I've said it before, but the restaurants in town in general are much worse than anywhere else I've been that has a reasonable amount of money flowing through eateries, and I'd have to guess that's because they don't really have an incentive to generate repeat customers.
I never realized that until I moved out to here and found a place with real cultural districts. The restuarants are just as cheap, but they are far better and the owners are competitive with each other.
That's my thoughts as an out of towner now, though. I could be wrong, it could be great, but there's nothing about the name Bistro that tells me anything about it, same with a tourist. There's been too many times I went through town somewhere to some place like dunlaps or something (which was sunny's when I was a kid, I think) and gotten bad food, food's not available ("sorry, we're out of the special"), service is bad or unprofessional, etc, and the places with bad food cost just as much.
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Post by Alex Oreilly on Apr 4, 2013 19:14:45 GMT -5
McDonald's tore down its buildings and built a new one, KFC same thing maybe it is time that the Hardee's building was torn down and a new chain went in.
And I agree with you DaveW, I have never been that impressed by Dunlap's wither.
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Post by getysbg on Apr 5, 2013 8:55:30 GMT -5
Was disapointed. I came into town early, just to stop there for breakfast, and they were not open, and nobody in the parking lot at 8:30. Are they open? They have an ad in today's Times. I'll wait until Sunday when they are supposed to have a brunch.
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Dexter
Supreme Poster
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Post by Dexter on Apr 9, 2013 16:54:12 GMT -5
I finally got down steinwehr and saw the incredible signage in front of the new bistro. I wonder if they at least used marine plywood on those sad things?
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Post by ballpienhammer on Apr 9, 2013 19:31:33 GMT -5
Gee, Venter, are their signs up to CODE? LMAO...if I submit an estimate, I use my own form and sign it and have the prospective customer initial it. That way, even tho there is no contract made, a printed legal document might be withstanding. I learned that years ago in ahouston when I was painting homes, etc. It paid off after my first and only "screwing". I never make a verbal proposal not in writing.
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Post by Uncle Stumpy on Apr 9, 2013 19:55:52 GMT -5
Well I made it down Steinwehr Ave today... Took one look at that Bistro sign and the neon open sign in the window, and got a Mcdouble from McDonalds. They used paint sticks on the plate glass, and are offering free samples and free dessert.. This roach trap hasn't been open 72 hours and they are giving shit away. They will be gone before the first re-enactment cannon is fired.
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Post by lifesaver on Apr 9, 2013 20:12:33 GMT -5
I agree guys, I drove by there tonight and they could have spared a little expense on the sign etc. but think about some of the hole in the wall eateries around here with great food. Like everything else it's what's inside that counts. I think every business deserves a chance.
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Post by getysbg on Apr 10, 2013 6:56:47 GMT -5
I agree guys, I drove by there tonight and they could have spared a little expense on the sign etc. but think about some of the hole in the wall eateries around here with great food. Like everything else it's what's inside that counts. I think every business deserves a chance. Good point - hole in the wall eateries - we've done it before - perhaps a shoot out to some of our favorites. For us, it's the West Side Diner at Chambersburg and West. Although they still haven't figured out home fries yet and neither have most of the places out here.
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Post by Venter on Apr 10, 2013 10:04:22 GMT -5
I agree guys, I drove by there tonight and they could have spared a little expense on the sign etc. but think about some of the hole in the wall eateries around here with great food. Like everything else it's what's inside that counts. I think every business deserves a chance. The term we use is "Curbside Appeal". It takes a while for a business to attain enough "character" to even become "a hole in the wall". I'm not upset just because they didn't get a sign from me. I'm more upset by the insult to the town and their neighbors when a business present itself like that in a tourist town. I know times are tough. I am the first one to admit that I don't have the money to spruce up my own business. But... while a business is trying to begin its life, the least it needs is to give itself a fair chance. I want to make it clear that I am not singling out this particular venture - it amazes me that a new business will spend $100,000 in renovations, furnishings, and kitchens... but don't save a sufficient amount for their Exterior Signage - their invitation to the public. For the cost of a few ads in the newspapers, a business can get a 24/7/365 Advertisement from proper signage at the point-of-sale. Commercial over
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Post by lifesaver on Apr 10, 2013 21:18:34 GMT -5
I agree guys, I drove by there tonight and they could have spared a little expense on the sign etc. but think about some of the hole in the wall eateries around here with great food. Like everything else it's what's inside that counts. I think every business deserves a chance. The term we use is "Curbside Appeal". It takes a while for a business to attain enough "character" to even become "a hole in the wall". For the cost of a few ads in the newspapers, a business can get a 24/7/365 Advertisement from proper signage at the point-of-sale. Valid point Venter. They could also be listening to bad business advice.
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Post by lifesaver on Apr 10, 2013 21:22:03 GMT -5
I agree guys, I drove by there tonight and they could have spared a little expense on the sign etc. but think about some of the hole in the wall eateries around here with great food. Like everything else it's what's inside that counts. I think every business deserves a chance. Good point - hole in the wall eateries - we've done it before - perhaps a shoot out to some of our favorites. For us, it's the West Side Diner at Chambersburg and West. Although they still haven't figured out home fries yet and neither have most of the places out here. I know the West Side Diner struggled initially and didn't have the money for advertising etc, but they are still open after how many failed businesses at that site. I will say that even on a limited budget the Westside Diner had more curb appeal from the start than the new business on Steinwehr.
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Post by comeheroften on Apr 11, 2013 5:18:04 GMT -5
Another example of Deb Adamik failing to help local businesses. MSG offers zero-interest loans and facade improvement grants, but I'm sure she never bothered to reach out to these new business owners. If they'd been contacted before putting up their current sign; they may have been able to install a nicer one by taking advantage of the one program MSG offers that actually benefits the town. Too bad.
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Post by Willie Stroker on Apr 11, 2013 7:05:22 GMT -5
Now there is a "useless" bunch. Main Street Gettysburg doesn't do "shit". All they do is ask local governments for money with no accountability. I hope next budget season Gettysburg Borough and Adams County "pull the plug" on that piece of crap.
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Post by Mr Blonde on Apr 11, 2013 10:11:46 GMT -5
Another example of Deb Adamik failing to help local businesses. MSG offers zero-interest loans and facade improvement grants, but I'm sure she never bothered to reach out to these new business owners. If they'd been contacted before putting up their current sign; they may have been able to install a nicer one by taking advantage of the one program MSG offers that actually benefits the town. Too bad. There were two front page articles in the Times about the renewal of the facade improvement grant program this year and there were massive email updates about it as well. If they didn't know about it, it's because they weren't paying attention. The facade improvement grants are only good for half the dollar amount of a project with a $3,000 limit. And wouldn't any good businessperson try to seek out as much financial help as possible? I know it's the cool thing to trash MSG and Adamik on this board, and it is warranted at times. By all means, please carry on.
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Post by lifesaver on Apr 11, 2013 11:41:56 GMT -5
The more I'm looking into this new business, the more I think that we should try the food before making a final judgement. The ads in the Times are very nice. Their Facebook page has 103 likes, and it looks like they are placing their emphasis on the food. You can view the menus and see pictures of their food on their Facebook site, as well as look at the work to make their business a reality. There was even a favorable review on Yelp. Gettysburg,Pa 4/3/2013
If you've lived in Gettysburg a while, you'll remember this restaurant as the old Hardees, or maybe the May Flowers Asian Buffet, or that other short-lived incarnation that closed in a matter of weeks. The building - and especially the dining room floor - shows its age and multi-cultural use. So, if you can get past the barren and, yes, shabby interior, you'll realize, as I did, that the new owners have put their limited resources into the food on your plate. Ambiance, apparently, must wait. But after lunching there this afternoon with some friends, I have to agree. These folks have their priorities right.
The hamburger, topped with bleu cheese crumbles, lettuce, onion, and tomato, was fresh, huge, done perfectly, and wonderfully seasoned. As I told the owner, it was a little salty for my taste, but I'm the only one who thought so. The fries were hand cut and delicious, too. Even the dill pickle spear was exceptional.
After we placed our orders, the owner greeted us with complimentary cups of homemade tomato basil bisque. A nice touch and great way to get some positive feedback. All we could say about the soup was, wow ... can I have a bowl? It was exceptional, and I'm rather picky about my tomato basil soup. This was simply pureed tomatoes, basil, cream ... simple, pure, and so good.
We were also treated to complimentary desserts ... ice cream balls covered in rice flour, deeply frozen, and served on a dollop of pudding, whipped cream, and raspberry sauce, garnished with a sprig of mint. Not fast food, not your usual tourist fare. Different and good, and for that alone, they should be encouraged.
I wanted to give the Steinwehr Bistro four stars because the owner was so gracious, but for now, I think three stars is in order. They've got a ways to go, but my lunch was an auspicious beginning.
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Post by Fire Marshal Bill on Apr 11, 2013 16:22:08 GMT -5
I'll give anyplace a chance, or even two. Everyone has their own preference for food, and of course not everyone will like it, but I am sure some will.
Probably give it a try tomorrow if I can get by and my schedule allows it.
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Post by getysbg on Apr 11, 2013 20:09:16 GMT -5
Lifesaver made a good point here - someone is trying to start a business on a shoestring. Since we're always saying that we need to build local businesses, here's a chance for us to TRY the place, also, let that owner know that we appreciate his efforts ( if they are as good as that report ) and that we're part of Borovent. Those of us in a position to do so, could offer advice - perhaps Mr. Blonde could explain to the owner about the funds available from Main Street Gettysburg, maybe Venter could offer a low cost sign to get him through to when he could afford a real sign. Perhaps there is someone who could offer advice on that dismal appearance of the dining room. FMB could offer a ton of ideas to attract locals which is what he will need to get through the winter months. We'll try it for breakfast on Friday morning...
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