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Started By
Message
re: Velvet Cactus (Baton Rouge) Opens Monday (1/19)
Posted on 1/19/15 at 8:56 am to Trout Bandit
Posted on 1/19/15 at 8:56 am to Trout Bandit
Well, if the food is anything like the food at the Bulldog, I understand the criticism. Let's not condemn the place before they serve their first customer though.
It's always all or nothing on this board. No restaurant or bar can exist in the middle ground. What is terrible to the refined palates of the FDB, might be great to the garbage palate peasants out in the real world.
If this place dies, it won't be because of the food, it will be because of the god awful location they moved into. Nothing has ever prospered there to my knowledge, correct me if I'm wrong though.
It's always all or nothing on this board. No restaurant or bar can exist in the middle ground. What is terrible to the refined palates of the FDB, might be great to the garbage palate peasants out in the real world.
If this place dies, it won't be because of the food, it will be because of the god awful location they moved into. Nothing has ever prospered there to my knowledge, correct me if I'm wrong though.
2
Posted on 1/19/15 at 9:06 am to CSB
Well, I can't speak for the food because I've never eaten at the other one, but I've always heard the food was terrible both on here and out in "real life" ( 
). Plus, you have posters who usually defend places saying the place is gross.
I don't think it is unfair to assume, especially knowing this company, that the food will be the same as the other location.
One place was there for a very long time, then it changed a few times.
I somewhat agree with you though. I think the place will do totally fine based on atmosphere and drinks UNLESS the location kills them. The crowd they're targeting doesn't seem to drink over there in that area. (Yes, I know it isn't far from Pelican, but BR is weird as far as locations go)
I have no doubt the food is bad, but I don't think food will have much to do with their success or failure.
). Plus, you have posters who usually defend places saying the place is gross. quote:
Let's not condemn the place before they serve their first customer though.
I don't think it is unfair to assume, especially knowing this company, that the food will be the same as the other location.
quote:
If this place dies, it won't be because of the food, it will be because of the god awful location they moved into. Nothing has ever prospered there to my knowledge, correct me if I'm wrong though.
One place was there for a very long time, then it changed a few times.
I somewhat agree with you though. I think the place will do totally fine based on atmosphere and drinks UNLESS the location kills them. The crowd they're targeting doesn't seem to drink over there in that area. (Yes, I know it isn't far from Pelican, but BR is weird as far as locations go)
I have no doubt the food is bad, but I don't think food will have much to do with their success or failure.
Posted on 1/19/15 at 9:31 am to CSB
quote:
Well, if the food is anything like the food at the Bulldog, I understand the criticism. Let's not condemn the place before they serve their first customer though.
It's always all or nothing on this board. No restaurant or bar can exist in the middle ground. What is terrible to the refined palates of the FDB, might be great to the garbage palate peasants out in the real world.
If this place dies, it won't be because of the food, it will be because of the god awful location they moved into. Nothing has ever prospered there to my knowledge, correct me if I'm wrong though.
My thoughts exactly. People that post here speak for maybe 5% of the customer base. I think the initial cash spent to open and the location will sink them before food does. To 95% of the population mediocre food is excellent...if you ever want proof...go try to eat somewhere in Houma on a Friday or Saturday night. Texas Roadhouse has had 2+ hour waits for like 3 months straight now.
Posted on 1/19/15 at 9:35 am to jordan21210
Exactly. Most people think mediocre to bad food is fine. They don't care.
My sister, for instance, thinks Texas Roadhouse is "better than Ruth's Chris".
Its all about getting atmosphere right and focusing on huge alcohol sales. Make it a place people want to get together in groups, sit and drink drink drink.
Food is secondary.
Rum House came in and made out like gangbusters with this concept, even though their food is definitely better than VC (not saying a lot).
VC will do the same. They will kill it.
I go to the one in Lakeview sometimes because its near my house. The atmosphere and bar is good, and there are lots of good sites to see. I just don't eat there.
My sister, for instance, thinks Texas Roadhouse is "better than Ruth's Chris".
Its all about getting atmosphere right and focusing on huge alcohol sales. Make it a place people want to get together in groups, sit and drink drink drink.
Food is secondary.
Rum House came in and made out like gangbusters with this concept, even though their food is definitely better than VC (not saying a lot).
VC will do the same. They will kill it.
I go to the one in Lakeview sometimes because its near my house. The atmosphere and bar is good, and there are lots of good sites to see. I just don't eat there.
This post was edited on 1/19/15 at 9:37 am
Posted on 1/19/15 at 9:48 am to jordan21210
quote:
To 95% of the population mediocre food is excellent...if you ever want proof...go try to eat somewhere in Houma on a Friday or Saturday night. Texas Roadhouse has had 2+ hour waits for like 3 months straight now.
Lol, this is so true. I told my buddy as a thank you for helping me move a while back, I'd take him anywhere he wanted to go for dinner afterwards. What did he choose? Texas Roadhouse.... I made it very clear that we could go to any restaurant in town and this is what he chose. He was adamant that it was the best steak you could get in town. Needless to say, it was mediocre and we had to wait for a table.
Posted on 1/19/15 at 10:43 am to jordan21210
quote:
I think the initial cash spent to open and the location will sink them before food does.
While I don't have access to their accountant, spending $2.5 million ain't so bad. For a 7,000 sq.ft. (I'm estimating here) restaurant, their annual sales will be around $2 million, and possible much more IF 1) the food is good (as determined by the people that live, work, play and shop in that area) and 2) the location doesn't hurt them.
The parking has been expanded. There is a east bound turning lane. They made themselves as visible as they possible could. They tore the other old bad karma restaurant building down. I'm sure they will be promoting the restaurant in some way.
I think they did all they could do to overcome that location. Will it be enough? I think so. There's a lot more going on in that area now than it was with the previous restaurants. Also, this ain't no breakfast joint.
They open today at 4:30. I predict they will be the tits.
Posted on 1/19/15 at 11:26 am to Langland
It's patently obvious to anyone that's ever been to the VC in New Orleans what their business model is; very little emphasis is placed on the food.
They can't collect the money as quickly as the customers are dishing it out over there however.
They can't collect the money as quickly as the customers are dishing it out over there however.
Posted on 1/19/15 at 11:44 am to Hat Tricks
That review isn't lengthy enough. Not buying it
Posted on 1/19/15 at 6:27 pm to Louie T
When Kip parks one of his DWI checkpoints at the intersection it will be interesting. It is an area with high police presence. Better Über.
Posted on 1/19/15 at 6:45 pm to Langland
If you think $2 million in sales will be enough to cover the 2.7 million they spent to build that place you are incorrect.
Posted on 1/19/15 at 6:47 pm to Martini
(no message)
This post was edited on 8/30/19 at 1:04 pm
Posted on 1/19/15 at 6:57 pm to TheVig10
quote:
If you think $2 million in sales will be enough to cover the 2.7 million they spent to build that place you are incorrect.
no shite
Posted on 1/19/15 at 7:06 pm to Martini
Typical BR .. Place was jam packed when I passed tonight .. It looks like the studio set for Sanford & Son outside .. What the hell's up with that ?
This post was edited on 1/19/15 at 7:29 pm
Posted on 1/19/15 at 9:26 pm to kfizzle85
quote:I don't think any one here is under the illusion that they will have the best Mexican food in Baton Rouge. And they aren't promoting themselves as that. (Actually, they call their cuisine "Mexican style".) The food will be good enough. It will serve its purpose.
Hysterical though that someone is knighting for Velvet Cactus' food quality
And a little FYI...bad recipes or menu items can be replaced, adjusted or removed. All those people eating there, gladly handing over their money to Velvet Cactus, well that money will provide them with all the time they need to make improvements.
The tits.
Posted on 1/19/15 at 9:46 pm to TigahRag
quote:
It looks like the studio set for Sanford & Son outside .. What the hell's up with that ?
Interesting. I'm sure most of BR will think that's a good time.
Posted on 1/19/15 at 9:47 pm to Martini
Martini is right. BRPD loves a show of force in that high crime corridor. And the Bulldog is already one of their other favorite baited fields to hunt over, this one will offer a change of scenery
Posted on 1/19/15 at 9:54 pm to Langland
You are fricking weird.
Posted on 1/20/15 at 7:39 am to Icansee4miles
quote:
Martini is right. BRPD loves a show of force in that high crime corridor. And the Bulldog is already one of their other favorite baited fields to hunt over, this one will offer a change of scenery
I thought about that as well. Rum House is kinda secluded, so having drinks there isn't nearly as jail-threatening as having them in the Corporate area.
Posted on 1/20/15 at 9:46 am to LouisianaLady
I went w/ my old lady to the VC in lakeview on Saturday night. It was my first time there and I'd heard nothing but good things about the place.
They were super packed and the atmosphere was great, even outside where it was a little chilly. The food was mediocre, in my opinion, but saying it is god awful is hyperbole. That place is printing money, mainly because its location is awesome and the atmosphere is great.
People are 100% correct when they say girls love it, though. There were quite a few tables w/ groups of girls eating and drinking margaritas.
I'll return to the place and just understand it will likely be a good time with mediocre food. Service was pretty good as well.
They were super packed and the atmosphere was great, even outside where it was a little chilly. The food was mediocre, in my opinion, but saying it is god awful is hyperbole. That place is printing money, mainly because its location is awesome and the atmosphere is great.
People are 100% correct when they say girls love it, though. There were quite a few tables w/ groups of girls eating and drinking margaritas.
I'll return to the place and just understand it will likely be a good time with mediocre food. Service was pretty good as well.
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