Pancakes and chocolate…two of my favorite things for breakfast at Steak ‘n Shake

While there’s not much that’s better for breakfast than oatmeal and a cup of coffee, chocolate chip pancakes and coffee come pretty darn close! So when I saw them on the menu at Steak ‘n Shake at 1680 South Orange  Blossom Trail, I immediately knew what I was going to eat. Three hot, fresh pancakes loaded with chocolate chips arrived at my table, accompanied by some sugar-free syrup and my usual cup of coffee . A very good way to start my day for $5.84, plus gratuity. In fact, the portion was large enough that I took home over half of the meal for another day.

If you’ve not already guessed, I love breakfast! So when I discover that some of our local restaurants usually known for their lunch and dinner menus, serve breakfast, I’m always game to try it. Such was the case at Steak
‘n Shake on this particular rainy morning. When I arrived around 8:30 a.m., the restaurant wasn’t busy, but that quickly changed and some “regulars” started arriving. They were easy to spot, since my waiter, Jason, knew them by name and they knew him. Steak ‘n Shake is a weekly lunch choice for my husband and son, so the saying is true, “Your favorite restaurants are the ones where everybody knows your name.”

Ryan, the restaurant manager, was quite busy when I arrived (it was payroll day!) and just as busy in a subsequent visit, so we’ve not been able to sit down and chat. When he stopped by my table to apologize and explained, “It’s difficult to have any ‘down time’ when you’re open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” Since I
completely understood his situation, in lieu of an interview, I thought I’d share a little about the Steak n’ Shake franchise. The following information was taken from the company’s web site at: www.steaknshake.com

“Steak n’ Shake was founded in February 1934, in Normal Illinois. Gus Belt, Steak ‘n Shake’s founder, pioneered the concept of premium burgers and milk shakes. For over 75 years, the company’s name has been symbolic of its heritage. The word “steak” stood for STEAKBURGER. The term “shake” stood for hand-dipped MILK SHAKES. Gus was determined to serve his customers the finest burgers and shakes in the business. To prove his point that his burgers were exceptionally prime, he would wheel in a barrel of steaks (including round,
sirloin, and T-bones) and grind the meat into burgers right in front of the guests. Hence, the origin of our famous slogan, “In Sight It Must Be Right.”

While perusing the company’s web site I discovered they have the Steak ‘n Shake eClub. By filling out a simple registration form (no cost), you receive emails about special offers, new products and money-saving coupons. And if you give them your birthday or other special occasion dates, they’ll send you “a little something extra on those dates to help you celebrate.”

The declining economy doesn’t seem to have affected the Steak ‘n Shake restaurants nationwide. In fiscal year 2010, they increased in company same-store sales by 7.5 percent, had company revenues of nearly $700
million and had a company average unit volume of nearly $1.6 million.  Part of that success may be attributed to
their locations. Many are in or near busy retail shopping centers.

And if you’re looking for a new business opportunity, Steak ‘n Shake is looking for franchisees, nationwide. They have several different restaurant models available, all with varying investment requirements. Their restaurants vary in size from five hundred square feet for their non-traditional stores to 3, 400 square feet-plus a drive-through for a free-standing restaurant. More details about franchise opportunities can be found on their web site.

On my second visit to the restaurant, Jason waited on me again, and I did have their oatmeal for breakfast. It tasted like what I’ve made at home and included a touch of brown sugar and packets of mixed nuts and dried fruits to be added at the customer’s discretion. I thoroughly enjoyed it with some fat-free milk and coffee. That meal cost $ $4.24, plus gratuity.

So the next time you want to try something a bit different or just finished a trip to our local Walmart, think Steak n’ Shake for breakfast. And if you’re a chocolate lover like I am, there are plenty of chocolate chip pancakes waiting just for you!

Restaurant Hours: Sunday through Saturday – 24 hours

Phone: 407-884-6485

Web site: www.steaknshake.com

Dine-in, carry-out, drive-thru services available

 

It’s all about the community at Perkins Restaurant and Bakery in Apopka

Friendly smiles, warm greetings and a sense of “community” greet you at Perkins Restaurant and Bakery at 989 West Orange Blossom Trail in the Victoria Plaza. As I learned during my conversation with general manager Debbie Castillo, that’s just the way she wants it! When I asked her to share how this location varied from restaurants in the Perkins family, she explained, “We are very community-oriented. A lot of the people that dine with us are regulars, coming in five to ten times per week. And no matter where we are in the restaurant, my staff and I make a point of acknowledging them by name and greeting them with a ‘Welcome back.’ It makes
them feel at home.”

Quality products and service are also expected at Perkins. Debbie explained, “I set very high standards for my staff, so our customers can expect quality service and products during their dining experience. If someone orders the pot roast and then comes back a few weeks later and tells us how much they enjoyed it, they can be assured when they order it again, they’re going to get the same flavor and quality every time.”

Founded over fifty years ago by two men (Pat and Ivan) wanting to offer people “the perfect pancake,” Perkins has grown into a national company and expanded their menu to over 300 items, including breakfast, lunch and dinner options and a bakery with a variety of pies, muffins and homemade cookies. This morning, I opted for scrambled eggs with cheese, breakfast potatoes, fresh fruit and my ever-necessary pot of coffee. The cost was $10.10, plus gratuity. This combination, while not on the menu, is one of my favorite meals when I dine there. As you know, I love breakfast food, which makes Perkins a frequent choice for me, because I can order off their breakfast menu any time of day. My friend Linda Laurendeau joined me and ordered a customer favorite, Eggs Benedict. According to Debbie, the turkey and dressing and pot roast are two favorite choices during lunch and dinner.

Bakery items are also very popular. Debbie said they sell lots and lots of pie slices, as well as whole pies, along with huge muffins and cookies. Many business professionals like to take advantage of their “buy three, get three free” muffin and/or cookie special and treat the staffs at their offices.

Apopka was the perfect location to open a Perkins restaurant, because the nearest Perkins restaurants were in Altamonte Springs and Rosemont. But just opening their doors wasn’t enough. Debbie went to work in the community, going door-to-door to local businesses with baskets of muffins and cookies to spread the word that there was a Perkins in town and it was open for business. She even created a booklet highlighting the menu options to entice customers to stop in. And her hard work has paid off. Perkins continues to thrive, even in a very tough economy, thanks to their loyal customers, inviting atmosphere and community involvement.

Whether they’re raffling off a big screen TV at Christmas, a spa package for Mother’s Day or a gas grill for Father’s Day, Perkins is always giving back. They are a major sponsor of Give Kids the World, and all the proceeds from their fundraising efforts are donated directly to the organization, including the proceeds from their ongoing book drive. People can donate or purchase gently used books right at the restaurant. Paperback books
cost $1.00 and hardcover books cost $2.00. Perkins is also a big supporter of our local schools.

And if you’re looking for a small conference room, Perkins offers that, too! Their meeting room comfortably seats
forty-five guests and is available in two-hour time blocks for businesses, civic organizations, homeowner association or any small group looking for meeting space. There is no reservation fee, but they do require a minimum food order of $125.00. Guests can request a buffet, appetizers only, a limited menu or order directly from their regular menu. The Perkins staff is always willing to work with your group to accommodate specific needs. To inquire about meeting room reservations, contact Debbie at: 407-464-1075.

When talking to people about Apopka, one thing I hear over and over again is the feeling of “community” that our city and residents have fostered, and how unique that feeling is in today‘s world. Perkins Restaurant and Bakery fits into that mold perfectly, which is why it should be a regular stop on your dining tour. It definitely is on mine!

Restaurant Hours: Sunday through Saturday, 6:00 a.m. -12:00 a.m.

Phone: 407-464-1075

Web site: www.perkins.com

Dine-In,Carry-Out, Phone-In orders available.

 

It’s authentic Mexican dishes for lunch at Tacos Don Pepe’s

While there may be several Mexican restaurants in Apopka, few serve authentic Mexican cuisine like you can experience at Tacos Don Pepe’s at 809 South Park Avenue. What makes it authentic? According to owner Jesus Cinneros “It’s the tortillas and how the food is prepared, with our chef’s own unique recipes, that gives them a different flavor from the Tex-Mex style most people are used to eating.” One of those recipes is their very popular seafood soup that’s loaded with clams, shrimp and calamari.

I was joined for lunch by David Chase of EBS Investigations, Paul Seago, President of the Apopka Chamber of Commerce, and my dear friend Debra White. We started our meal with warm chips and two made-from-scratch salsas. The “hotter” version is made with grilled tomatoes, which Jesus explained “adds much more flavor.” The mild version (my favorite) includes chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro and a touch of orange juice that gives it a hint of sweet flavor, which is quite tasty. Bring your appetite to Tacos Don Pepe’s because, even for lunch you’re going to get a lot of food at a very reasonable price! I ordered one of their combos which included a gordita, tostada, two soft chicken tacos and rice and beans. Along with a diet Coke my lunch cost $6.38 plus gratuity.

Jesus has been in the restaurant business since moving to the United States from Mexico, and coming to Apopka by way of New York. Jesus’ and his brothers own and operate the restaurant, which they bought in 2004. They’ve managed to survive during a declining economy, but it’s been a struggle, and they didn’t take home a paycheck for nearly two years. As Jesus told me, “It’s been tough. We didn’t make any money for a while, just enough to pay our expenses. But business has improved this year, and more and more customers are coming in and coming back on a regular basis.”

Their loyal customers helped them survive during tough times, and the owners understand things have not been easy for them either. Many customers don’t have a steady income, but when they do, they will come in for lunch or dinner. While eighty percent of Tacos Don Pepe’s customers are from either Central or South America, a growing number are from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

And Tacos Don Pepe’s customers know what they want! When I asked Jesus if they change their menu frequently, he was quick to say, “Our customers come in because they know what they’ll get, and they appreciate the consistency in our menu. In fact, many of them don’t even look at the menu!” That consistency has helped them grow their clientele of patrons looking for authentic Mexican cuisine.

So the next time you’re in the mood for something different to eat, Jesus has a message for you: “Come in and try us at Tacos Don Pepe’s and be sure to tell us if you like our food. If you do, keep coming back and bring your friends.” I know I’ll be taking his advice and stopping back in to try the seafood soup!

Restaurant Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, Monday, Tuesday & Thursday; 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday & Saturday

Phone: 407-884-6311

 

It’s a fresh, new attitude, a new owner and a new menu at Monika’s BLD in Apopka.

Today’s blog starts with another travel story. A few years ago my family and I were traveling in France and took the train for a day trip to Versailles. The French countryside, the palace and gardens were as stunning as we expected, but lunch was a different story!

My daughter and I decided to dine at a very quaint French café. We took one look at the menu (all in French) and knew we were in trouble. After attempting to communicate our lunch order to the waiter (who didn‘t speak English, and we spoke very limited French), we finally gave up and pointed at something on the menu…thinking we were ordering crepes. Imagine my surprise when my lunch ended up being rum raisin ice cream! Ever since that day, when I order crepes, I have to laugh.

So when I saw crepes on the menu at the new Monika’s BLD (breakfast, lunch and dinner) inside Florida Hospital, my laugh erupted as I ordered the Turkey Ham Crepe for breakfast.  Made to order, it consisted of turkey-ham, melted Swiss cheese, fresh spinach, mushrooms and a Dijon mustard sauce served inside a warm, freshly made crepe. Together with a cup of coffee my breakfast cost $6.39, and was very tasty.

Although the restaurant is considered “take out,” there are small bistro tables and chairs just outside the door in the hospital lobby where you can dine in a very relaxing atmosphere. And that’s where my friend Linda Laurendeau and I enjoyed our meal and shared another lively conversation.

Monika’s BLD is new to Apopka…literally. Although Monika just opened her restaurant on August 1, she is not new to the restaurant business or to this location. Known as “The Crepe Lady” at the Winter Park Farmer’s Market for the past seven years, she’s been in the business all her life and was the general manager for the previous owner. Earlier this year, he approached her with a proposal to become the management company for the business. Monika countered his proposal by offering to buy the restaurant outright, and the rest is history.

While Monika’s typical customers are hospital staff, doctors and visitors, she said, “Once they come in and dine here, they come back even if they’re not working or visiting anyone.”  Monika attributes her growing number loyal customers to the fact that “We don’t serve institutional food here. Our recipes are fresh and made to order every day. The seasonal fresh fruit salads are always popular and, while our fruit salads usually sell out, if we have any left when we close for the day, I dispose of them and make new ones the next day.” She also introduces some of the more exotic seasonal fruits such as kiwi, star fruit, champagne grapes and figs into her salads without increasing the price.

When I asked Monika “Why crepes?” she explained they are a healthier alternative to bread. She also said she works hard to create daily specials that fit into the Florida Hospital “Healthy 100” philosophy, and offers several vegetarian dishes, as well as meat-based dishes to accommodate a variety of dining choices.

In addition to the Turkey Ham Crepe, Monika prepares “The Mediterranean” which is an employee favorite. It consists of feta cheese, chicken, spinach, sun dried tomatoes, olives, red onions with Greek dressing on top.  And when it’s time to “splurge on dessert,” the Bananas Foster, Hot Apple Pie and Strawberry Decadent Crepes are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!

So the next time you think there’s nothing new in Apopka, think again…and then stop by Monika’s BLD inside Florida Hospital, where the motto is: “Every meal should be a celebration.” And be prepared for service with a warm, friendly smile from Monika herself!

Restaurant Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday; 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday

 

So many choices, so little time…it’s dinner at Golden Wok Buffet

From the moment I entered the Golden Wok Buffet at 1099 West Orange Blossom Trail for dinner, I was very pleasantly surprised by the beautiful and peaceful atmosphere that greets the customers. The new owner designed the space which had been Lee’s Family Restaurant to be a place where customers feel very welcome and can relax and enjoy a variety of favorite Chinese dishes.

And by “variety,” I mean seven buffet stations, each offering different menu selections, including dessert and a new fresh sushi bar. After walking around each one about three times (I obviously had a hard time deciding!), I finally settled on hot and sour soup, spring roll with sweet and sour sauce, cold crab salad, baked mussels with a variety of melted cheeses, Singapore Mai Fun rice noodles and chicken with broccoli. I finished my meal with a coconut macaroon and un-sweet iced tea. The cost was $11.15, plus gratuity.

After my meal, I sat down with the owner’s son Jack to learn more about the Golden Wok Buffet. Jack and his family live right here in Apopka and love the community. He is a freshman at Valencia Community College and hopes to go to Rollins College after graduation. Jack’s mom decided five years ago to take 100% ownership of the previous restaurant (also owned by members of their family), when some of the owners wanted to get out because of the declining economy. And that’s when they changed the name and the menu. As Jack said, “We wanted a better life for ourselves and didn’t want to risk losing our jobs working for someone else in today’s economy. And people always need to eat!”

While their business has been affected by the economy, the owners understand that lots of their customers have been affected as well, so they have expanded their menu with the new sushi bar and the crab legs special on the weekends, without increasing their prices. Both have proven be very good business decisions and their regular customers are coming back more often, some three to four times per week!

Other business owners and employees working in Victoria Plaza and employees from nearby businesses such as Lowe’s and Home Depot account for a lot of their lunchtime patrons. Whether customers choose to dine in for the all-you-can-eat lunch buffet ($6.29), or order the “Buffet to Go” for $5.50 per box, Jack and his mom make sure everyone gets the freshest food possible, quickly and at affordable prices.

While you’ll find some of the “typical” Chinese cuisine at the Golden Wok Buffet, Jack was quick to say, “We are always changing our menu, depending upon what seafood and vegetables are in season. Not only do we get really fresh products, but the prices are better, which means we can keep our prices low.” And what sets them apart from their competition? “We make all of our own unique sauces from scratch for all of our dishes.”

General Chow’s Chicken is a customer favorite, but there is a growing number of “sushi lovers” coming in on a regular basis. And the crab leg special is very popular on the dinner buffet on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. As Jack said, “We have people waiting in their cars in the parking lot to get the crab legs.” Not only are they fresh, but the price of the dinner buffet ($8.95) remains the same.

When I asked Jack about the serene, beautiful interior of their restaurant, he said the family is friends with a local nurseryman, so the restaurant is decorated with a variety of live plants, including bamboo. The décor also features beautiful artwork, as well as tie-back curtains.

Apopka has been very good to Jack and his mom, which is why they focus on taking very good care of their customers. Their message to our community? “We recognize people are struggling in today’s economy, so we have not increased our prices while continuing to provide the freshest food possible in a beautiful atmosphere. “ Since I can’t say it any better, I won’t try.

If you’ve not experienced the Golden Wok Buffet, make a point of doing so. I know you’ll be as pleasantly surprised as I was.

Restaurant Hours: Sunday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Phone: 407-884-0498

 

A touch of Shakespeare in Apopka at Cafe’ Verona

Named after the city in which Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” was set, Café Verona at 220 Edgewood Drive offers very tasty and hearty portions of Italian cuisine that will fit any budget. Whether you’re prepared to dine in, carry out or call for delivery, make sure you’re hungry when you order! As owner Slava Tarassenko explained, “We pride ourselves on providing our customers with lots of high quality food.”

Slava and his wife Bridgett started Café Verona nearly six years ago by converting a small home into what is now their family-owned and operated restaurant. An Apopka resident for almost twenty years, Slava has spent his whole life in the restaurant and hotel business, so he knows what his customers want. Perhaps that’s why he has a loyal following of local Apopka residents. In fact, when I posted on Face Book that I was going to be dining at Café Verona, it wasn’t long before I filled my table with friends!

Janice Keifer, Debra White, Holly Salmons, Linda Laurendeau and I made sure we each sampled all of the dishes that were ordered. Having been told the portions were large, Linda and I shared a Muffelatta ‘N
Awlins Sandwich…a first for me! It consisted of turkey, ham, salami, provolone and mozzarella cheeses, lettuce, tomato, onion and olive spread baked on a round, crusty Italian loaf, served open-face. Half was more than enough, leaving us leftovers for another day. My cost was $6.24, which included a cold bottle of water. Tax and gratuity were extra.

The steak-n-cheese sub sandwiches are a customer favorite and, like all the other items on the menu, they have lots of both ingredients! Slava said, “Our prices are about the same as our competitors’ prices, but the quality and quantity of our food is much better. And we put much more cheese our pizzas!”

As it has with many businesses, the sluggish economy has affected Café Verona. Slava said that some of his customers who previously ordered from him three to four times a week have cut back to one or two times. “But we have a very good reputation for offering high quality food all made from scratch, so they keep coming back and have kept our business going, “ he added.

Although we were the only diners in this quaint restaurant on a stormy Tuesday evening, the carry-out business was bustling. As Slava explained, “That’s normal. Most of our dine-in business consists of local business people during the day, and our carry-out business in the evening is mostly families.”  Their delivery business is also very good. They deliver within a five-mile radius around Apopka, from Rock Springs Ridge to just south of Wal-Mart.

Because Café Verona is slightly “off the beaten path,” I asked Slava how customers find him. He said that like other businesses, he did some advertising to start, and even though they don’t have a web site, people find them on the Internet. He also said that his wife has started a Face Book page for the restaurant.

When I asked Slava to share his message to Apopka, he paused a few minutes before he said, “We offer the best quality food with larger portions and very good cheese.” Then he smiled and quoted a slogan from another pizza company, saying, “We have better ingredients and more ingredients for the money.”

At the conclusion of our meal, Slava re-visited our table, making sure we were completely satisfied with our dinner and insisting we sample some desserts. Never one to say “no” to anything chocolate, I had to oblige him and try the warm, fried brownies drizzled with glaze. Café Verona is the ONLY place in Apopka you’ll find them. Along with a cup of coffee, the brownies were the perfect ending to a great dining experience.

Restaurant Hours: 11:00 a.m. -10:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday and Saturday; 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Friday; and 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for dinner on Sunday.

Phone: 407-886-4411

Find them on Face Book at: Café Verona Apopka

 

Dinner at Anthony’s Pizza was about much more than pizza

When Dine Around Apopka began, I set out on a mission to try something other than “the usual” menu items at each restaurant. At Anthony’s Pizza, an Italian dine-in, carry-out and delivery eatery located at 1539 North Rock Springs Road (in the Publix Plaza), that meant no pizza for dinner. That was a tough decision, since theirs was voted the “Best Pie in Town” by former Orlando Sentinel food critic Scott Joseph, in 2008 and 2010.

But staying true to the mission, I opted instead for the Eggplant Parmesan and was certainly not disappointed. Served over ziti, it consisted of two thin slices of eggplant lightly breaded and baked with mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce; it came with a side salad and garlic roll. The portion was large, so be sure to come hungry if you go there for dinner. Including a diet coke, my very tasty meal cost $13.50 + tax and gratuity. My husband
Larry, son Jonathan, friend Linda Laurendeau and I found there was plenty to share!

Anthony’s Pizza has been in Apopka since the Publix Plaza was first built and continues to thrive even during a tough economy, due in large part to their very loyal customers, some of whom dine with them every day. In fact, Rodney Goodnight, the manager at Anthony’s in Apopka and Eustis for nearly five years, told me, “We know what they are going to order when they come in, so we put their order in as soon as we see them. That way, they can get their meal quickly and still get back to work on time. And they keep coming back, because they know the quality of the food they’re going to get. ” While lunch orders for his “regulars” are predictable, dinner is anything but that. As Rodney explained, “The customers order a variety of items off the menu for dinner, although pizza and wings are very popular.“

While repeat customers are the “backbone” of the business, twenty-five to thirty percent of those who show up each day are first-timers at Anthony‘s. And during our interview, Rodney received a call from a brand new customer who was actually driving north on State Road 429 in a moving truck and called to order a pizza for delivery to their new home. Rodney told me, “We’ll deliver their pizza, along with lots of menus, so they’ll come back!”

Anthony’s Pizza has been family owned and operated by Jad White for the past nine years. Jad is also the owner of Scampi’s Restaurant on State Road 436 and Anthony’s Pizza in Eustis.

Weekends at Anthony’s means lots of baseball and soccer kids and their parents coming in after practice or a game to enjoy some pizza. But Rodney said that’s about as typical as his customers get. Because they serve all ages, from kids to adults (and lots of Publix grocery shoppers), he said they get a wide variety of customers at the restaurant every day.

When I asked Rodney to share his message with Apopka, he told me, “Try our pizza. We’ve been voted number one in Apopka for two years.”  Combined with quick, friendly service in a relaxing, clean atmosphere, Anthony’s Pizza is an Apopka restaurant that needs to be added to your “places to dine” list. It’s certainly on mine, because I’m still craving a slice of that famous pizza!

Restaurant Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 10: p.m.,Monday-Thursday and Saturday; 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Friday; and noon to 10:00 p.m. Sunday

Phone: 407-884-0070 or 407-884-7720

Web Site: www.anthonyscf.com

Catering Available

 

Wake up with a bowl of oatmeal…at McDonald’s!

It’s always a good morning when it starts with a steaming cup of coffee and a bowl of oatmeal. And that’s just what I got during my visit to McDonald’s at 1681 North Rock Springs Road. But I also got a whole lot more! Met there by the owner, Bob Allegroe, I enjoyed another lively conversation with him and then was treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the restaurant with Reshma, the store manager at this location for the past twelve  years. What I discovered was that it takes an efficient, hard-working team of people work in concert with one another to prepare and serve your meal hot and fresh every time.

Joined by my friend, Bob’s long-time employee Debra White, I enjoyed a cup of their Fruit and Maple Oatmeal with my coffee. The oatmeal is served with fresh chopped apples, raisins (both regular and golden), dried cranberries and a touch of brown sugar, making a very filling and delicious breakfast for only $3.76 (including tax).

As you learned in my last blog, Bob has owned and operated a number of McDonald’s restaurants for over 30 years. He was proud to introduce me to Latonja (Tonja) McMiller, his employee and a member of the McDonald’s team, who has been with him from the beginning. You’ll find Tonja almost every morning serving breakfast with a smile to many repeat customers. And when she’s not at work, Tonja is serving her community and her church. As she and the rest of Bob’s very loyal employees like to say, “We’re a family!”

Bob applies his belief, “My favorite restaurant is the one I can walk into and everybody knows me by my first name,” to his business. During my visit, I watched as Reshma, Tonja and Bob greeted customers by name, thanked them for their business and sent them on their way with, “We’ll see you tomorrow!”

While Bob’s philosophy, “The customer is always right,” has never changed at his restaurants, I was curious to know what had changed over time. “When I got into the business, you got a hamburger, fries and a shake,” he said. “I don’t think we could survive on just that today. While hamburgers continue to sell very
well, we are selling a lot more chicken. More people are choosing to eat less red meat and more chicken.”

Certainly the menu has expanded and continues to do so, including the addition of their fruit smoothies and the McCafe’. Both have proven to be very successful for the company. As Bob said, “The smoothies are selling like crazy, and the specialty coffee drinks were something we lacked, and it was very easy for us to add them. “

But McDonald’s is about much more than just food. Franchise owners generously support the schools in their communities, because as Bob explained, “The families at the schools are our customers. If we don’t support them, why should they support us?” Bob’s businesses also support the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation and Ronald McDonald House. The House was started to help families who can’t afford extensive medical care for their children’s serious illnesses, but has become a haven where families with children who are ill have found a support network in each other.

When I asked Bob if he still enjoys his work, he was quick to respond with “Yes! I love my job because I enjoy the people. I look forward to coming to work.”  And I am looking forward to my next visit to McDonald’s for some more oatmeal or my new favorite coffee drink…Frappe’ Mocha. It’s real treat on a hot day! And if your travels take you to McDonald’s at 1681 North Rock Springs Road, be sure to say “Hi” to Tonja and Reshma. They are ready to welcome you into their McDonald’s family!

Restaurant Hours: Dining Room – Sunday through Saturday – 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Drive Thru open until 1:00 am.

Phone: 407-880-4434  Web site: http://www.mcflorida.com

 

Lunch at McDonald’s has a touch of the Orient

Several years ago, my husband and I were fortunate enough to visit Hong Kong for ten days. It was a fabulous trip with memories that will last a lifetime, but we both had to laugh when upon our return to the U.S. the first thing we craved was a cheeseburger from McDonald’s. Although McDonald’s is as American as baseball and apple pie, it was with a touch of irony that during my visit to the one at 233 East Main Street in Apopka, I ordered and enjoyed a Crispy Asian Chicken Salad!

The salad, which was fresh and delicious, is part of their healthy menu choices that, according to owner Bob Allegroe, is attracting a new group of younger women choosing healthier options. When I asked Bob if these healthier choices had changed McDonald’s customer base, he quickly answered, “The customer base is the same. Some have just changed their eating habits.” And a typical customer at his restaurant is anything but that. As Bob explained, “We have people from every stage, economic status and educational background possible that dine with us every day.”

With the help of Bob, Debra White (my friend and Bob’s “right hand” for the past twenty-three years), and Area Supervisor Eric Vidler, we “dissected” my salad to make sure I had a list of all the ingredients. These include mixed field greens, sliced almonds, roasted red peppers, snap peas, mandarin oranges and edamame,
topped with warm, crispy chicken drizzled with an orange glaze. I added some of the low-fat Asian ginger dressing. Along with a small drink, my meal cost $5.93 (including tax).

Business was already booming on Tuesday when a group of thirty-five young campers arrived with their chaperones while we were dining. According to Bob, McDonald’s has been recession-proof and has
actually seen sales increase as families look for good quality food at a reasonable price.

Bob, winner of the 2011 Apopka Chamber Businessman of the Year Award, got into the restaurant business over thirty years ago after spending many years traveling the country as a professional entertainer. With a wife, two young children and a dog, he was ready to settle in one place and raise his family. Back in the 1970s, he was approached by a friend about buying a McDonald’s franchise. However, he didn’t purchase his first
restaurant until four years later. Although he was offered other franchises, he was careful to ensure the town was one where he wanted to live before he made an investment.

As he told me, “McDonald’s would call and ask if I wanted to move to a certain location. I would then call my agent and get an entertainment job in that town. Then I would go live and work there for awhile and decide if it was someplace I wanted to move my family. If I didn’t like it, I would say no. Today, franchisees don’t have that flexibility. If a location becomes available, they have to take it or miss out on their opportunity.”

A franchise opportunity came available in Illinois, and Bob kept waiting for the town to rezone so he could open the restaurant. But things weren’t moving very quickly and while he was waiting, an opportunity became available in Apopka. Bob said, “I’d never heard of Apopka, Florida, but said to my wife, ‘Let’s go!’” As fate would have it, about a month later the area for the franchise in Illinois was rezoned, but it was too late. Bob and
his family were already in Apopka and very happy to be here. Franchise opportunities became available in cities such as Detroit or Chicago, but he said, “They don’t have the flavor of small towns. That’s the most fun of
running a store… you get to know everyone in town!”

Bob has never looked back nor regretted his decision to move here. Currently the owner of six McDonald’s locations in Central Florida, he attributes his success to the rule that “the customer is always right.” As he said, “If it wasn’t for the people in Apopka, we wouldn’t be here. Our goal is to get you to come back and the only way we can do that is to have good quality food and take care of our customers.” Bob said he firmly believes, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Maybe that’s why so much of his business is based upon repeat customers that frequent his restaurant three to four times each week.

Some of those repeat customers include the famous Coffee Club, a group of local residents that meet each morning at the 233 East Main Street location and “solve all the problems in Apopka.” When I asked Bob how I could join the club, he told me, “You just have to sit down and have coffee with them every morning and you’re part of the club!” So once I’ve finished the Dine Around Apopka tour, you just might find me hanging out at “the club”!

There’s much more to share about my visit with Bob Allegroe, so be sure to keep checking back for more, after I complete my visit to his McDonald’s at 1681 North Rock Springs Road! Until then… bon appétit.’

Restaurant Hours: Dining Room – Sunday through Saturday – 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Drive Thru open 24 hours

Phone: 407-886-0822

Web site: http://www.mcflorida.com/2190/contact/manager/

 

A “bodacious” breakfast at Bubbalou’s

Breakfast and barbeque makes for a winning combination at Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar BQ in Apopka at 1701 Rock Springs Road. And even though Bubbalou’s is known for barbeque, a growing number of Apopka residents are discovering it’s a great place for breakfast too. As I learned from general manager Ryan Grady, the restaurant is full every weekend in the morning.

My friend Jane Hobson and I got service with smile from our waitress, Penny, who was celebrating her six-year anniversary with Bubbalou’s. She recommended the omelets so I took her advice and enjoyed a fluffy Western Omelet filled with diced ham, green peppers, onions and a sprinkling of melted cheese. Trying to keep it healthy, I requested egg whites only. It came with a side of grits and whole wheat toast. Together with coffee and ice water, my meal was $8.57 + gratuity.

But after visiting with Ryan and hearing about their sweet potato pancakes breakfast specialty, I will definitely give them a try on my next visit. If you’re going to have breakfast at Bubbalou’s, bring your appetite. On the menu you’ll find a wide range of full country breakfast items including omelets, skillets, “great big pancakes”, biscuits and gravy and steak and eggs.

Bubbalou’s has been serving breakfast and barbeque in Apopka for six years. Although it’s one of five Bubbalou’s in Central Florida, this store is unique, because it’s the ONLY one that serves breakfast and is a
full-service restaurant. And it’s only the second location with a bar and live entertainment on the weekends.

Founder Sam Miner started Bubbalou’s in Winter Park. Sam’s family has been in the Orlando area since the early 1900’s. They always loved barbeque, so they started a successful catering business that led to opening a restaurant. The sauces, mild, sweet, hot, killer, psycho, and mustard-and vinegar-based North Carolina style are family recipes.  Hearing the word “psycho”, I had to know more.  “It’s extremely hot”, Ryan said.  “I can’t touch it.” In fact they keep it behind the counter and serve it only upon request! The mustard-and vinegar-based
sauces were added to meet customer demands. As Ryan told me, “People are very knowledgeable about barbeque and know what they like, so we added these sauces based upon their requests.”

Quality food, a clean restaurant and excellent customer service have kept people coming back and helped Bubbalou’s thrive in a tough economy.  “As long as everything you do is based on those three things, you’ll keep people coming in,” Ryan said. Offering more menu options and entertainment has helped as well. Having
an enclosed dining and bar area allows Bubbalou’s to offer live entertainment on Friday nights, Karaoke on Wednesday nights and live Trivia on Monday’s. As Ryan said, “It gives our customers another reason to come in.”

Their newest venture is steak night on Thursdays. Starting at 6:00 pm, customers can enjoy a 12-ounce New York strip steak and baked potato for $12.99. For just $1.00 more you can add soup or a salad. When I asked Ryan about this new option he said, “People want to enjoy something besides barbeque all the time, and there are not a lot of places in Apopka where residents can have a good steak. We wanted to offer them that option without having to go to Altamonte Springs to find it.”

When I asked Ryan to share his message with Apopka it was short, and right to the point: “Come by and check us out, you might be surprised by what we have to offer.” I definitely was…pleasantly surprised!

Restaurant Hours: Monday – Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Sunday: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM

Phone: 407-388-1212

Web site: www.bubbalous.com