Braum's

[OKVision4U]

I have mixed feelings about Braum's and have for a long time. I really like their breakfast, it's like going to Grandma's for a big Sunday brunch. I prefer their ice cream over any of the other places around because I don't care for soft serve that much & you just can't beat their rocky road or mint chocolate chip (although I would take Marble Slab/Coldstone over Braum's if they were as convenient to me as Braum's is). Having said that, I still don't go to Braum's very often and it's been at least a year since I last had a burger from there. I think their burgers would be pretty good if it weren't for stale buns but what gets me most is the consistently rude employees and the filthy appearance of so many of them. It just turns my stomach when the person hands me my change & their hands are filthy, or when the person that hands me the food has such dirty hands they leave fingerprints on the cups. Ick. Soooooooo yeah. I'll go there for breakfast or ice cream, the staff is rude & dirty and I'll get grossed out, won't go there for ages then I'll think eh, I'll give them another shot - and so it goes, all over again.

Bingo. You described most everyone's experience so very well. We try to be good / loyal customers, but they remind us why we don't want to come back.

I want them to succeed. This just needs to be the Wake UP Call They Need!!!!!! If they don't get it in order, then Hello Steak & Shake!

[Garin]

Bingo. You described most everyone's experience so very well. We try to be good / loyal customers, but they remind us why we don't want to come back.

I want them to succeed. This just needs to be the Wake UP Call They Need!!!!!! If they don't get it in order, then Hello Steak & Shake!

But they pay their employees like 10 bucks an hour these folks are the best of the best in fast food....or they should be based solely on pay alone.

[OKVision4U]

Why does Braum's not have a location in Tuttle?

???? Anyone ????

[Garin]

???? Anyone ????

I had heard last summer that they were trying to buy the nw corner of hwy 37 and mustang rd. ( hwy 4 ) to build their first location in their hometown...... This in itself seems to be an odd business model.

[SoonerDave]

But they pay their employees like 10 bucks an hour these folks are the best of the best in fast food....or they should be based solely on pay alone.

The problem isn't with dirty stores per se, because not all their stores are. The problem is with the inconsistency of their management. Braum's management has, for years, had a problem with uniform maintenance and oversight of their stores. When they go through remodeling phases, as they have recently with the Fresh Market concept, they do a much better job of eyeballing them through the first few years of their rebuild/remodel, but once that concept has taken flight, after a time, they lose touch again. Some stores get attention, some don't.

I think perhaps its at least in part a consequence of their own success. They just don't have the staff to adequately monitor all their retail locations, so they end up having to pick and choose which locations get the attention.

As for our interests, we visit the Braum's on SW 89th east of Penn very often, and it is a fairly recent FreshMarket remodel. It continues to be fairly well maintained, clean, and properly stocked. Actually, the location near SW 119th and Western is closer, and while it is acceptably maintained, on balance it isn't as well-kept as the 89th, and we just don't go there as often.

Having been on the ol' diet for a time, I've knocked down the burger consumption quite a bit, but Braum's has historically had one of the best bacon cheeseburgers around, and the one on Western was as good at them as any. Some of their discontinued items were outrageous, such as the ol' chipotle chicken sandwich, which was awesome IMHO. However, I can't speak to their quality control more recently - I've heard that they've taken to pre-cooking some of the burger patties and putting them in a warmer, or letting buns out of the packaging and sit on a prep table before sandwiches are built, giving them a chance to dry out and get stale. Again, however, I contend that's inconsistency in oversight of process management/control - not the absence of it. I just don't think you can be as successful as Braum's has been over the years without knowing what you're doing.

One thing I think could also be at issue is store staffing. I've been to Braum's - granted, a minority of occasions - when too few staffers were helping too many customers. You get one guy cooking sandwiches, taking orders, making fountain drinks, and maybe one other scooping ice cream, taking money, maybe even rushing to the grocery side to check out a customer. If store management is guided so tightly that any given store might really suffer but for the absence of one person calling in sick (for example), that's also a symptom of not managing the stores properly.

There's still no better milk in town, and Braum's guarantees they don't use any kind of growth hormones. That more than offsets a marginally messy store - especially since the milk goes from a truck to a fridge, not through their kitchen handlers. We don't go to Braum's 100% for milk anymore - but only because a Crest in our backyard makes the extra trip less convenient.

I don't know what the magic formula is for getting Braum's attention on the consistency of their stores. I think the strength of their fresh produce and grocery offerings differentiates themselves sufficiently such that they don't concern themselves with competition from Steak'n'Shake or Freddy's, because Braum's fancies themselves as a dairy store that happens to sell ice cream and burgers (and has expanded that store selection to include more general grocery items).

Part of Braum's business strategy has been to populate densely in areas where they can be considered neighborhood stores - and that's worked fairly well. If, however, more conventional grocery outlets (like Crest) become more pervasive in the areas where Braum's has its "Fresh Market" stores, then that might begin to affect their per-store performance in the way it has affected how frequently we visit Braums ourselves (as I noted earlier). Hiland milk isn't as good as Braum's, but as best we can tell is offers a similar (if not identical) hormone promise, and if I've got two carts of groceries to get home, chances are much lower that I'll be willing to drive three miles north or east just to get to Braum's.

Braum's is certainly in no danger of folding or going away, and yes, they have some consistency issues to deal with. They obviously have at least a decent idea how to make the business work, or they wouldn't have been around as long as they have been. Will be interesting to see how it all unfolds.

[trousers]

The Braums on Mustang Rd is one of the cleanest, friendliest, efficient fast food joints around.
The one on 39th & Penn on the other hand may have standing water around the registers. But you can buy crack in the parking lot so i guess it all evens out.

[OKCRT]

The Braums on Mustang Rd is one of the cleanest, friendliest, efficient fast food joints around.
The one on 39th & Penn on the other hand may have standing water around the registers. But you can buy crack in the parking lot so i guess it all evens out.

They are not consistent,that's for sure. They seem to have been going downhill since they lost one of our favorites (Ernest scared stupid guy) that did their commercials. Hey Vern,all that stuff,remember? Can't think of his name.

But really,Freddies Frozen Custard is more like Steak N Shake than Braums. Steak N Shake has some of the best steak burgers (but not really steak burgers if your from Ok that would be the Del Rancho type) around. Freddies is a close clone but not as good. Freddies frozen custard(the custard) is pretty good also. But when I think Freddies I think Steak N Shake but a notch below.

Now Braums and DQ always seemed to go hand in hand back in the day when there were DQs around. I still haven't fought the crowds at the new DQ but daughter went today and said the steak finger basket was really good.

[OKCRT]

What we really need around these parts are White Castle. You either love em or hate em. I happen to be one of the lovers.

[SoonerDave]

They are not consistent,that's for sure. They seem to have been going downhill since they lost one of our favorites (Ernest scared stupid guy) that did their commercials. Hey Vern,all that stuff,remember? Can't think of his name.

Jim Varney. The guy passed away several years ago.

But really,Freddies Frozen Custard is more like Steak N Shake than Braums. Steak N Shake has some of the best steak burgers (but not really steak burgers if your from Ok that would be the Del Rancho type) around. Freddies is a close clone but not as good. Freddies frozen custard(the custard) is pretty good also. But when I think Freddies I think Steak N Shake but a notch below.

Now Braums and DQ always seemed to go hand in hand back in the day when there were DQs around. I still haven't fought the crowds at the new DQ but daughter went today and said the steak finger basket was really good.

Bingo. Steak-n-Shake fights Freddy's. I like S-n-S's burgers, but Freddy's custard is better IMHO. S-n-S's milkshakes are really good, but they're almost too sweet - like they actually add sugar or some sweetened thickener to the mix when they make them. Freddy's custard is a great if rare treat.

[OKCRT]

Jim Varney. The guy passed away several years ago.




Bingo. Steak-n-Shake fights Freddy's. I like S-n-S's burgers, but Freddy's custard is better IMHO. S-n-S's milkshakes are really good, but they're almost too sweet - like they actually add sugar or some sweetened thickener to the mix when they make them. Freddy's custard is a great if rare treat.

Where else in OKC can you go and order a Chocolate/Banana or a strawberry/banana or a vanilla/strawberry ect ect. shake? SNS does do a very good shake and you get it in real glass which IMO makes it taste better than a paper/plastic cup. IMO they have one of the best fast food burgers in town.Fries are the skinny shoestrings and they are not bad but could be better. Overall SnS is very underated in OKC IMO and there needs to be a few more around the city. I only know of Edmond,MWC and the one around Reno Mac area. And their chili is really good for a fast food joint BTW. Blows Braums chili away IMO. I always get the chili at SnS as a side.

I really miss old Jim Varney. Corny as hell but he did well for Braums and himself. Dang,making myself hungry,might have to hit up SnS and NO I don NOT work there or have anything to do with them even though this might sound like an advertisement for them.Then again a Papa Angelos peperoni petezer sounds pretty good.

[Plutonic Panda]

They are not consistent,that's for sure. They seem to have been going downhill since they lost one of our favorites (Ernest scared stupid guy) that did their commercials. Hey Vern,all that stuff,remember? Can't think of his name.

But really,Freddies Frozen Custard is more like Steak N Shake than Braums. Steak N Shake has some of the best steak burgers (but not really steak burgers if your from Ok that would be the Del Rancho type) around. Freddies is a close clone but not as good. Freddies frozen custard(the custard) is pretty good also. But when I think Freddies I think Steak N Shake but a notch below.

Now Braums and DQ always seemed to go hand in hand back in the day when there were DQs around. I still haven't fought the crowds at the new DQ but daughter went today and said the steak finger basket was really good.

Hey Vern, this suuuuure is a nice place you got here Vern- Vern-Vvvv-Vern Vern good Vern.

[Richard at Remax]

There was drama with it. The owner and the wife got divorced. Wife took the Main Street (west Norman) location and the original owner took the Alameda (east Norman) location. West Norman location was shut down due to tax problems I think, or it might have been health code violations. The Alameda location now operates as the "Custard Factory" so they aren't associated with the old Rusty's name. Still my preferred place to go and they are always great.

That's too bad. I loved their custard. I would sometimes "mess up" an order so I could take it home later. I worked at the west side one and it was in top shape when I was there. I can tell you first hand his wife was just a miserable person. Would make us run personal errands for her but had to clock out when we went. So hearing her store went to crap is no surprise. Rusty was a good guy and boss. Ok back to Braums.

[Easy180]

Where else in OKC can you go and order a Chocolate/Banana or a strawberry/banana or a vanilla/strawberry ect ect. shake? SNS does do a very good shake and you get it in real glass which IMO makes it taste better than a paper/plastic cup. IMO they have one of the best fast food burgers in town.Fries are the skinny shoestrings and they are not bad but could be better. Overall SnS is very underated in OKC IMO and there needs to be a few more around the city. I only know of Edmond,MWC and the one around Reno Mac area. And their chili is really good for a fast food joint BTW. Blows Braums chili away IMO. I always get the chili at SnS as a side.

Yep. I always get the chili Mac when we hit up Steak N Shake. It is crazy good especially after a night of drinking

[stick47]

Any time I've gone in the Freddys in Yukon, they've had twice as many workers as they needed in there which is usually about 4 times as many employees you'll see in Braums. The prices are a little higher but I like that they provide a lot of jobs for the community. Although Braums dairy products can't be beat for freshness and quality IMO they could use a healthier menu in the grill area.

[Garin]

I wish we had a Culver's , it would put Freddy's and Steak 'n Shake out of business.

[Dennis Heaton]

I would go to Braum's or DQ...if they had Mt. Dew Floats.

[SoonerDave]

SD, That overlapping % would be greater than 65% of their product offering! Maybe you haven't been inside a Braum's store before, maybe you are still waiting for your order at the drive thru... waiting, waiting, waiting.

65%? Please cite your reference for that number. Otherwise its a manufactured argument that doesn't bear further discussion.

SD, and Braum's has very good milk and worth the trip. But, Braums can't survive on JUST MILK.

Thankfully for them, they don't now, nor have they ever. Since you obviously don't realize this, you couldn't possibly have a cogent assessment of their business. So we're done here.

[kevinpate]

I would go to Braum's or DQ...if they had Mt. Dew Floats.

I can see the ad campaign now ... Do the ewwwww

[gjl]

What we really need around these parts are White Castle. You either love em or hate em. I happen to be one of the lovers.

Yep, the Porcelain Palace. Any time I'm in a city that has White Castle I have to stop and get a bag of them. I know you can buy them frozen in the grocery stores here but they are not the same as fresh sliders hot off the griddle. Sometimes I wonder if I like them so much because I can't get them fresh very often. The relatives I have in cities with White Castles say they hardly ever eat them.

And I ate at a Braums tonight in Newton KS. The store was clean, it took just a couple minutes to get my food (chicken sandwich and fries) and it was hot and tasted fresh. And the shake was great.

[Roger S]

Yep, the Porcelain Palace. Any time I'm in a city that has White Castle I have to stop and get a bag of them. I know you can buy them frozen in the grocery stores here but they are not the same as fresh sliders hot off the griddle. Sometimes I wonder if I like them so much because I can't get them fresh very often. The relatives I have in cities with White Castles say they hardly ever eat them.
.

Only a bag? Last time I flew into Detroit my friends met me at the gate with a Crave Case..... Those are some dang good friends!

[td25er]

If anybody is seriously comparing Braum's wait times to Freddy's, they are a moron. Freddy's takes FOREVER.

[Dennis Heaton]

kevinpate...try one, you might like it. Kinda like peanuts in Pepsi or RC and Moonpies...it's a Southern Thang!

OKCRT...YES to White Castle!

[OKVision4U]

65%? Please cite your reference for that number. Otherwise its a manufactured argument that doesn't bear further discussion.




Thankfully for them, they don't now, nor have they ever. Since you obviously don't realize this, you couldn't possibly have a cogent assessment of their business. So we're done here.

Sdave, ...this is not a "secret" recipe or trade secret. This is called a Menu...?!?!%$% Braums has it posted on the outside of the building on the Drive thru. You've seen it while you were waiting 2 hours for that shake. sdave, they also have several boards w/ their MENU listed for all the world to see. You may not be that familar w/ business practices...but this is a very common one. ...they offer burgers, shakes, malts, drinks, specialty items, fries, etc. ( I think you know where i'm headed w/ this.) That is my reference. ....next!

Assessment, yes, I provided several. sdave, you can ignore it, that's fine. Enjoy your shake. But, everyone in this market knows that Braums ( a privately owned corp ) is behind and struggling to catch-up. They are losing market-share and having more, and more competition open New stores each month. Now, sdave, while you may enjoying that ice cream, DQ / SnS / Freddy's hasn't helped Drew Braum sleep better at night. Drew knows this, all the execs know this, but you may not. ...that's ok, just enjoy that shake while you can.

[jn1780]

Sdave, ...this is not a "secret" recipe or trade secret. This is called a Menu...?!?!%$% Braums has it posted on the outside of the building on the Drive thru. You've seen it while you were waiting 2 hours for that shake. sdave, they also have several boards w/ their MENU listed for all the world to see. You may not be that familar w/ business practices...but this is a very common one. ...they offer burgers, shakes, malts, drinks, specialty items, fries, etc. ( I think you know where i'm headed w/ this.) That is my reference. ....next!

Assessment, yes, I provided several. sdave, you can ignore it, that's fine. Enjoy your shake. But, everyone in this market knows that Braums ( a privately owned corp ) is behind and struggling to catch-up. They are losing market-share and having more, and more competition open New stores each month. Now, sdave, while you may enjoying that ice cream, DQ / SnS / Freddy's hasn't helped Drew Braum sleep better at night. Drew knows this, all the execs know this, but you may not. ...that's ok, just enjoy that shake while you can.

You should probably try turning your head to the right next time you walk into a Braums store. They have a whole section of items not listed on their menu. I know! Crazy! lol

You seem to be fixated on the fast food aspect of their business though.

[OKVision4U]

You should probably try turning your head to the right next time you walk into a Braums store. They have a whole section of items not listed on their menu. I know! Crazy! lol

You seem to be fixated on the fast food aspect of their business though.

Yes, and most of the SKU's are Ice Cream. ...that is the 65%. You are right, it's cazy simple. The math is simple for most okies.