Braum's

[bluedogok]

We are very pleased with the Braum's on NW 23rd, just east of Meridian. Much less so at some of the other stores.

That is the store by my parents house, it replaced first Braum's store on Meridian just north of 23rd which is now a vet office. I grew up on the stuff and wish they would get one closer to Austin than Hillsboro.

[JayhawkTransplant]

I will say though that when I order my favorite treat (chocolate and strawberry Mix) from Bruam's the employee is almost always bewildered and confused even though it is an item that is right on the menu. I always have to explain it to them... "Yes, a Mix... chocolate ice cream with strawberries in it... just like it says right there on your menu."

YES. Twice I have been to the Braum's on Memorial and have had to explain what a Mix was!! I ordered a standard one, not some bizarre combination I made up. I have also had my order completely forgotten and given a size I did not order. My coworkers always joke when we go to Braum's that one of us will get shafted.

The ice cream and milk are great! It's too bad you have to go through a lot of drama to get it.

[Achilleslastand]

Braums does have great milk,ice cream and deserts. But it seems like everytime i go to the one on may and nw 61st i have to try and understand the employees broken attempt at english and/or ebonics. I think tonight ill go get a banana spilt and celebrtate diversity and multiculturism.

[metro]

Again, I love Braums food, but hate the service or lack thereof. Was at the one at NW 39th and Penn last night, one family getting ice cream, one old lady in front of me ordering a kids burger, and me ordering a burger behind her. 7 employees getting ice cream cones/ shakes for the family of 5 (including the "manager"), one working drive through, one register, and two manning the food. Talk about incompetence at it's finest. Why one earth do you need 7 employees getting one families order of ice-cream? And this Braums tends to be quicker and better food than my other regular Braums at 17th and Classen.

[rcjunkie]

Guess I'm just special, I visit Braum's at least every other week and I've never found the place dirty, received poor service or cold burgers.

[MsDarkstar]

edit to remove my post - I missed a page of the discussion & the answer to my question was on it

[Joe Kimball]

Braum's Manager (or anyone else), are the seven new flavors replacing any now-former flavors?

[easternobserver]

I am wowed by the new design Braums stores. They are laid out very well, and the new store at 44th and Sunnylane is always clean. My guess is that they really put some thought into the new designs and used a layout and materials that are very functional. Some of the older stores were outdated for modern operations, and perhaps that is why some complained about them being inefficient or dirty. Personally, I'd rather go into a Braums to pick up everything I need for a great dinner than go fight with WalMart or Homeland, be there for hours, and get home and not feel like cooking anymore.

[TheTravellers]

This isn't flaming but my own experience doesn't support that they are any different than anywhere else. Why in the world do you think Oklahoma is somehow backwards as compared to other places in this regard? What is your evidence supporting that?

Read my other posts (not sure how much detail I've gone into in them, though). I've lived in other states (1995-2009) where you can renew your license plate stickers online easily without a "convenience charge" of $4, where businesses actually have websites listing their hours/menus/services/etc., where restaurants don't run out of food during prime lunch or dinner hours, where road construction (and road plowing) is done right, where grocery stores consistently stock certain items (a whole different problem), etc. I don't have time to enumerate all the ways I've found (some) OK and OKC businesses to be less than ideal, but it just seems that things here aren't quite up to the level they should be in 2011, and I'd bet that other posters here that have lived in other states can back me up on some of this (if they're willing to :-) ).

[Joe Kimball]

I know only of anecdotal evidence that the OKC sonic boom tests of 1964 were inspired not only by the location of the FAA, but also of the perceived general acceptance of Oklahomans.

[PennyQuilts]

Read my other posts (not sure how much detail I've gone into in them, though). I've lived in other states (1995-2009) where you can renew your license plate stickers online easily without a "convenience charge" of $4, where businesses actually have websites listing their hours/menus/services/etc., where restaurants don't run out of food during prime lunch or dinner hours, where road construction (and road plowing) is done right, where grocery stores consistently stock certain items (a whole different problem), etc. I don't have time to enumerate all the ways I've found (some) OK and OKC businesses to be less than ideal, but it just seems that things here aren't quite up to the level they should be in 2011, and I'd bet that other posters here that have lived in other states can back me up on some of this (if they're willing to :-) ).

I've also lived in other states and I can assure you that Okahoma is head and shoulders above the last place I lived (Virginia) in terms of car stickers and the like. When we moved back in late 2009, I expected to have to spend half a day to get my tags and driver's license. In Virginia, the DMV was like going to hell and you had to take off work. On everything. It is a horror. I was done in Oklahoma in less than two hours, including having to go to another place to get my new driver's license. With the local tag agencies all over, it took about ten minutes to stop in and have it renewed. In places like Virginia, they don't have local tag agencies. You have to go to a "center," often during limited hours and stand in line with a number. The shortest time I was ever there (not including commute time which generally added at least an hour) was three hours. SHORTEST time. Moreover, you had to get your car's emissions tested every other year (before heading back down to the DMV). The emissions check was at private car shops so you just had to find one that could get you in and out - generally this amounted to another afternoon you had to take off work.

All you did was trash Oklahoma small business as if there is a lower class of people here than in, say, New Mexico, Tennesee or Minnesota. It was ridiculous. Are you actually trying to make the argument that they don't run out of food in restaurants in other places and that it has something to do with the character of Oklahomans that you've had that experience here? Or that is has fundamentally changed in recent years? That is irrational.

As far as the menus on line, that is probably true with big chain restaurants if that is your thing. A lot of us avoid such places like the plague. But then, a lot of us aren't as picky, I guess.

[HewenttoJared]

Businesses aren't as on-the-spot here because most of our residents don't know what is possible from a truly professionally run retailer. In the past I've managed retail everywhere from small-town stores to Edmond, and the difference in quality of service is based entirely a result of customer expectations. Customer expectations are, on average, lower in OK.


That being said you also have to take into account the incredible pressures being introduced to food markets these last couple years. Horrible weather conditions have made many fruits and vegetables hard to come by in the proper quality for the right price. Shipping costs are spiraling upwards. I wouldn't base your judgment of Oklahoma on the last couple years. It's a tougher than usual environment.

[Larry OKC]

Penny:

I understand completely what you are saying about drivers license renewal etc. The closest I ever came here to matching what we see characterized in sitcoms and the like is when I went down to the Social Security office at Shepherd Mall. it was take a number and wait for HOURS.

But I can understand some of what Travellers is saying. Low expectations lead to low results. How long have we seen the evidence of that with our public schools, politicians MAPS etc? "As long as it isn't completely crappy, were happy"

Not to derail the thread, best way to get better service etc is to insist upon it. When something is lacking, let management know (politely of course) and give them an opportunity to correct it. Then if they decide not to, vote with your wallet and patronize someplace that does it right.

[Wolf]

I used to work for braums my self and they do precook patties just like everybody else and rondvu the 63rd and i35 is the corporate store. Shows how much the company cares

They didn't use to. I worked at Braums in the '90s and we had to make everything fresh, even during the lunch rush. Of course, everyone complained that it took too long, so I assume that's why they now precook the burgers. So now the burgers are too old, I guess. Can't have it fast AND fresh, people. Make up your minds which one you want. It's your fault that the burgers aren't as good anymore. Oh well, at least they're better than Sonic. When I want a burger I go to Johnnie's.

[Joe Kimball]

They didn't use to. I worked at Braums in the '90s and we had to make everything fresh, even during the lunch rush. Of course, everyone complained that it took too long, so I assume that's why they now precook the burgers.

I'm personally fine with the precooked patties, as long as they're kept hot. I remember the "everything-made-fresh" Braums; it indeed took FOREVER to get your food. Order a couple of grilled chicken sandwiches sometime and you'll get a flavor of what the wait for EVERYTHING once was.

[Pete]

I grew up with a Braum's within walking distance and clearly remember that we'd phone in our burger orders so we didn't have to stand there and wait for them.

[Easy180]

Wondered how the service got so much faster...Holy bells it was slow before the change...Would normally have your shake gone by the time your burger arrived

[Pete]

I'm sure part of the change at Braum's was due to the advent of the drive-thru.

That's a huge part of their income stream and I'm sure those customers couldn't be serviced if a burger wasn't put on the grill until it was ordered.

Also, they serve so much more than burgers that I bet it's hard for them to keep the proper number in the pipeline. Most burger places are continually cooking burgers because they are continually being ordered. It's much hard to have them "just in time" when you've got a hundred items on your menu; so they probably make a bunch of them and keep them to the side until an order is placed.

[oneforone]

I miss the honey comb style frozen patties they used to sell in the grocery side. I loved how they cooked up on the grill or in a skillet.

[Charlie40]

You can always request a fresh cooked one, I usually do because all the ones i have gotten from them before i started asking them to cook it fresh were cold with a cold slice of unmelted cheese on it.

[TheTravellers]

I've also lived in other states and I can assure you that Okahoma is head and shoulders above the last place I lived (Virginia) in terms of car stickers and the like. When we moved back in late 2009, I expected to have to spend half a day to get my tags and driver's license. In Virginia, the DMV was like going to hell and you had to take off work. On everything. It is a horror. I was done in Oklahoma in less than two hours, including having to go to another place to get my new driver's license. With the local tag agencies all over, it took about ten minutes to stop in and have it renewed. In places like Virginia, they don't have local tag agencies. You have to go to a "center," often during limited hours and stand in line with a number. The shortest time I was ever there (not including commute time which generally added at least an hour) was three hours. SHORTEST time. Moreover, you had to get your car's emissions tested every other year (before heading back down to the DMV). The emissions check was at private car shops so you just had to find one that could get you in and out - generally this amounted to another afternoon you had to take off work.

All you did was trash Oklahoma small business as if there is a lower class of people here than in, say, New Mexico, Tennesee or Minnesota. It was ridiculous. Are you actually trying to make the argument that they don't run out of food in restaurants in other places and that it has something to do with the character of Oklahomans that you've had that experience here? Or that is has fundamentally changed in recent years? That is irrational.

As far as the menus on line, that is probably true with big chain restaurants if that is your thing. A lot of us avoid such places like the plague. But then, a lot of us aren't as picky, I guess.

OH, FFS, here we go:

In WA I was done with my license plate and DL in less than an hour in person, I did it online in IL for less than they charge here. Here, the DL system went down 30 minutes before closing, nobody could be bothered to bring it back up (nothing to do with local tag agents (which is a nice little racket, BTW), but the central server(s) died), so I had to take *more* time off and lose *more* money than I already had. Nothing like that has ever happened in the 15 years I was living in other states.

Restaurants do run out of food, but nowhere close to the frequency that places do here - City Bites has run out of jalapeno cheese bread at noon (they did a quick fix which worked, but still), Old School Bagel Cafe constantly runs out of bagels (certain flavors, but one time they had run out of pretty much everything 2 hours before their closing time), BBQ Chop Shop was just ridiculous, and I'm quite sure there are others I'm forgetting right now. Don't know about a lower class of people, but there are certainly a huge percentage of business owners here that don't know how to *professionally* run a business, half-a**ed will do just fine because most people here accept it (as mentioned by a few other folks, thanks for the support, I need it :-) ).

And once again someone spouts off without knowing anything about me - me and my wife do *NOT* eat at big chain restaurants, we abhor them and only eat at them when we're forced to for some kind of thing where other people choose the restaurant. We're extremely particular when it comes to restaurants, so you're completely f-ing wrong there. Know what you're talking about before you start typing.

Anyway, off-topic, sorry, but my point's been made, hopefully I don't have to defend myself in this thread again, but if so, I guess it can be moved by an admin if it's too far off-topic.

[bandnerd]

I can't remember the last time I was at a restaurant that had run out of something that wasn't listed as a limited item (such as Paseo Grill's chicken pot pie). I guess maybe I just don't pay attention because most of the time, my experiences are really good just about everywhere I eat. Including Braum's. Even in the drive-thru.

[ljbab728]

OH, FFS, here we go:

In WA I was done with my license plate and DL in less than an hour in person, I did it online in IL for less than they charge here. Here, the DL system went down 30 minutes before closing, nobody could be bothered to bring it back up (nothing to do with local tag agents (which is a nice little racket, BTW), but the central server(s) died), so I had to take *more* time off and lose *more* money than I already had. Nothing like that has ever happened in the 15 years I was living in other states.

Restaurants do run out of food, but nowhere close to the frequency that places do here - City Bites has run out of jalapeno cheese bread at noon (they did a quick fix which worked, but still), Old School Bagel Cafe constantly runs out of bagels (certain flavors, but one time they had run out of pretty much everything 2 hours before their closing time), BBQ Chop Shop was just ridiculous, and I'm quite sure there are others I'm forgetting right now. Don't know about a lower class of people, but there are certainly a huge percentage of business owners here that don't know how to *professionally* run a business, half-a**ed will do just fine because most people here accept it (as mentioned by a few other folks, thanks for the support, I need it :-) ).

And once again someone spouts off without knowing anything about me - me and my wife do *NOT* eat at big chain restaurants, we abhor them and only eat at them when we're forced to for some kind of thing where other people choose the restaurant. We're extremely particular when it comes to restaurants, so you're completely f-ing wrong there. Know what you're talking about before you start typing.

Anyway, off-topic, sorry, but my point's been made, hopefully I don't have to defend myself in this thread again, but if so, I guess it can be moved by an admin if it's too far off-topic.

Well then, there you have it. Oklahoma is the worst place in the world. No one here has any idea what they're doing and they are just out to cheat all of the public. Maybe we should just all leave the state. LOL

[rcjunkie]

Well then, there you have it. Oklahoma is the worst place in the world. No one here has any idea what they're doing and they are just out to cheat all of the public. Maybe we should just all leave the state. LOL

Well said, if your that unhappy here, find your nearest one-way truck rental store and hit the high road.

[ljbab728]

I can't remember the last time I was at a restaurant that had run out of something that wasn't listed as a limited item (such as Paseo Grill's chicken pot pie). I guess maybe I just don't pay attention because most of the time, my experiences are really good just about everywhere I eat. Including Braum's. Even in the drive-thru.

You're absolutely right bandnerd. I also can't remember the last time when a local restaurant was out of anything I wanted to order. I'm sure it happens but they must reserve that experience exclusively for TheTravellers.