My thoughts about the grand opening of Tempe We
Post# of 727
We stopped by Thurs. to check out the building. They were working very hard getting it ready. I wasn't 100% it would be done but it was.
The space
S&L is located on 6th St. and Mill Ave. I was told by many this intersection was the most popular on mill Ave. 2 of the most popular bars. sit on the corners with S&L just down 6th st. a bit. Hands down to JRF for finding this location. Just a great location.
Inside and outside
There is outdoor seating which was nice to see. Inside very very spacious. As soon as you walk in you can see the S&L sign right behind the bar. Off to each side are tables along with the shelves of lots and lots of games. Off to the right is a small area of shelving for the retail game section. There are booths, small tables for 2 and many larger tables for larger parties. Again a very open space.
The experience:
We were sitting next to another couple in a small 2 person table. Staff came right over and took our drink order and explained how the games worked. They asked if we had any games in mind. After saying no we walked up to the games shelving were they recommended something.
They started explaining the game to us, well to my wife. I'm checking the place out taking pics, txt'ing to some longs who are friends and leaned over to ask the couple next to us how he liked the pizza. He said it was very good so I ordered a chicken pesto pizza and my wife ordered a salad. While waiting for our food we starting playing a card game. I was curious how the couple found S&L since there was no advanced advertising in Tempe or on the website. This was a soft opening.
The food
The menu was limited for the soft opening.
The food I saw being served looked fresh. My chicken pesto pizza was great and my wife loved her salad.
Back to playing games, taking pics and chatting with the couple next to us.
After my wife beat me we changed games. Came back and beat her in the next game. Note this: never beat your wife 2 out 3 games when your going back to your hotel after a fun night..... jk of course.
Staff
Well trained and very friendly. Always came over to ask if everything was ok... The guru's would stop by frequently. They work as a team if they don't know the answer to your question they find someone that does.
Like any new restaurant opening a few bugs here and there. Over all great job corporate in training the staff.
We were there 4 hrs. I'm thinking the average time maybe 2+ hrs. I was taking pics, chatting to my new long friend and txt'ing to other longs. One more thing when your wife/gf gives you that ok put the freaking phone away look.. just remember the the hotel thing lol.
Our bill came to 60.00 before tip, would of been more but they only had vanilla ice cream which they were comping. Right now it's 5.00 cover not like the 8.00 in Canada. Maybe it will go up after the soft opening. One thing they have down, they don't rush you or push you into buying any more food/drinks. You do that yourself as time goes along. I never thought about the check just ordered what we wanted when we wanted it. I figure if they had dessert's without tip 70-75.00. That was 1 alcohol drink, 1 ice tea, 2 lattes along with 2 entree's. Entree's are around $10-12.00 very reasonable. I have a pic's of the menu and will ask Roger if I can post it here.
It was pure fun, everyone was laughing having a good time it was contagious. You couldn't help but have fun vs sitting in a movie saying nothing until it was over or at a club not being able to hear the next person. Lets not even talk about staying home pushing buttons on a ps4.
I would go back in a heart beat.
Overall A+++
Side note I did meet Ben. We chatted for a little bit (non business). Very nice guy and will be a key to growing S&L and the distributions side..