145 replies to this topic

[resident]

I am a "no one".

Halloween Prediction: The following businesses will eventually be in the market: Great Wraps, Suishin Sushi, The Express Gourmet, China House, BoBo Café, Esperanza's Gourmet.

Almost all places will eventually be on the market.
People say they like Express Gourmet and it has a great location for the Intel lunch crowd. Maybe that's not enough. At least that's a better location than Grandma's Kitchen.
It's a bit pricey. I think the price points of Chipolte and Panda Express are more palatable for frequent return visits. Not that many want to spend $11 or more for lunch at Express Gourmet more than a few times a month even if they like the food.
Maybe when the Palladio opens, it will have enough traffic to sustain any good restaurant.
East Bidwell is probably the best location to have a restaurant for now and until the new bridge opens making Folsom Blvd more attractive.

[SacKen]

Crap! We need to get back in there. I like that place, but it gets a bit pricey for us.

Really? Last time I looked, everything was under $10. Even the prime rib dinner was $9.99. Kids meals are only $4. Crappy chain fast-food is about the only thing cheaper.

[SacKen]

... It's a bit pricey. I think the price points of Chipolte and Panda Express are more palatable for frequent return visits. Not that many want to spend $11 or more for lunch at Express Gourmet more than a few times a month even if they like the food.
...

Heck, it costs $7+ just to go to a sandwich shop these days if you get a full meal. You can get a good sandwich or burger with fries and a drink for $8 at Express Gourmet. You'll spend $10+ if you are getting the more dinner-like items. That's true just about anywhere, though.

[resident]

Really? Last time I looked, everything was under $10. Even the prime rib dinner was $9.99. Kids meals are only $4. Crappy chain fast-food is about the only thing cheaper.

$9.99 sounds cheap for dinner, but people looking for a quick "Express" lunch are looking for lower prices.
Also, you don't order only an entree and nothing else. It wouldn't be that hard to spend $16-$20 on lunch with soda, dessert, tax and a tip.

[GoodFellas]

that is amazing! Isn't there a fair amount of empty commercial/retail in that complex? I would think your landlord would be doing everything they could to promote you and help you succeed. You're one of the key players in their little development.

I hope you find some place more supportive. You have a great concept and I love the special events you've done. My only hang was the space. The dining areas all felt very confined. Good luck in your new spot! Be sure to let us all know where it will be!

Thanks very much. Agreed- wish we had a better layout & more room. In regards to the landlord supporting us, we are too small for them to matter. Perhaps if we were Olive Garden or a "name brand" they would be more supportive. Anyways, thanx for support!

[SacKen]

$9.99 sounds cheap for dinner, but people looking for a quick "Express" lunch are looking for lower prices.
Also, you don't order only an entree and nothing else. It wouldn't be that hard to spend $16-$20 on lunch with soda, dessert, tax and a tip.

Their most expensive item is $9.99. Yes, you might spend a bit over $15 if you get a full slice of yummy cheesecake with your prime rib.

If that is a typical lunch for you, you will die if you eat it every day so it is good that it costs more than Subway. If you think getting all that for dinner for around $15 is too much, stick with Taco Bell.

[Spicy]

$9.99 sounds cheap for dinner, but people looking for a quick "Express" lunch are looking for lower prices.
Also, you don't order only an entree and nothing else. It wouldn't be that hard to spend $16-$20 on lunch with soda, dessert, tax and a tip.

Let’s do “Homemade Gourmet Dinner”
Family of 4, Husband, wife, and two teenagers.
Wild Caught Salmon from Winco 2 LBS at $7/LB = $14
Baby Sweet Carrots from Safeway $2.99
Baby Broccolini from Trader Joes $2.39
Sweet Potatoes 2LB at .98/LB = $1.96
Toal Cost = $21.34
About $5.30/Person

What do you get

A REAL gourmet food
Each portion is approximately 395 calories.

Wanna add Crème brûlée or Crème Caramel?
Eggs $2
Half and Half or Milk $1.50
Sugar .25
Vanilla Beans $2
Total Cost: $4.75
$1.20/Person

100% Gourmet Meal with REAL Dessert: $6.50/Person

Bon appétit

[mylo]

Sure, but the service is terrible. Takes forever to get your food, and the busboy never comes by to take anything away.

[chan_yvette]

Let’s do “Homemade Gourmet Dinner”
Family of 4, Husband, wife, and two teenagers.
Wild Caught Salmon from Winco 2 LBS at $7/LB = $14
Baby Sweet Carrots from Safeway $2.99
Baby Broccolini from Trader Joes $2.39
Sweet Potatoes 2LB at .98/LB = $1.96
Toal Cost = $21.34
About $5.30/Person

What do you get

A REAL gourmet food
Each portion is approximately 395 calories.

Wanna add Crème brûlée or Crème Caramel?
Eggs $2
Half and Half or Milk $1.50
Sugar .25
Vanilla Beans $2
Total Cost: $4.75
$1.20/Person

100% Gourmet Meal with REAL Dessert: $6.50/Person

Bon appétit

Then stay home and cook for yourself! Stop railing local restaurants!!! These are business people trying to make a living and you make a "halloween prediction" list of which restaurants will be for sale-mind your own business...

[Spicy]

Then stay home and cook for yourself! Stop railing local restaurants!!! These are business people trying to make a living and you make a "halloween prediction" list of which restaurants will be for sale-mind your own business...

FREE SPEECH.
This is America.

[DrKoz23]

Their most expensive item is $9.99. Yes, you might spend a bit over $15 if you get a full slice of yummy cheesecake with your prime rib.

If that is a typical lunch for you, you will die if you eat it every day so it is good that it costs more than Subway. If you think getting all that for dinner for around $15 is too much, stick with Taco Bell.

Express Gourmet is sooooooooo good... and I also think their prices are reasonable.

My wife and I got 2 lunches and a drink for under $15. You can barely do that at Quizno's... and Express Gourmet is A LOT better.

I really hope they are able to make it!

[stacycam]

Really? Last time I looked, everything was under $10. Even the prime rib dinner was $9.99. Kids meals are only $4. Crappy chain fast-food is about the only thing cheaper.

True. It's usually right around $20 for 2 adults and 2 kids, no drinks. I guess it just seems like it's more, and it does add up.

Either way, I want to be sure to go back next time we are eating out. I'd hate to see them not make it. I like the way they do business and their food is good.

[PJF]

Express Gourmet is sooooooooo good... and I also think their prices are reasonable.

My wife and I got 2 lunches and a drink for under $15. You can barely do that at Quizno's... and Express Gourmet is A LOT better.

I really hope they are able to make it!

Ditto that. I had the Tri-Tip sandwich a couple of weeks ago and thought it was very tasty. My wife had a salad and thought it was good as well. Hopefully people can remember these places when they go out and keep them in business!

PJF

[momuleady]

Let’s do “Homemade Gourmet Dinner”
Family of 4, Husband, wife, and two teenagers.
Wild Caught Salmon from Winco 2 LBS at $7/LB = $14
Baby Sweet Carrots from Safeway $2.99
Baby Broccolini from Trader Joes $2.39
Sweet Potatoes 2LB at .98/LB = $1.96
Toal Cost = $21.34
About $5.30/Person

What do you get

A REAL gourmet food
Each portion is approximately 395 calories.

Wanna add Crème brûlée or Crème Caramel?
Eggs $2
Half and Half or Milk $1.50
Sugar .25
Vanilla Beans $2
Total Cost: $4.75
$1.20/Person

100% Gourmet Meal with REAL Dessert: $6.50/Person

Bon appétit

winco salmon please????
where do you get one vanilla bean for two dollars?
no sauce?
electricity/gas?
time?
washing up?

stay at home thats fine -but the stuff your buying is not even close to restaurant quality?

[UnionBlondie16]

winco salmon please????
where do you get one vanilla bean for two dollars?
no sauce?
electricity/gas?
time?
washing up?

stay at home thats fine -but the stuff your buying is not even close to restaurant quality?

Ya. I bought ONE vanilla bean the other day for $11! Ridiculous!