Consider Yourself FLAMED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Sorry, but I have no respect for your opinion..............nor your name (pretension, you are not the Phantom GourMET). I was eating at WPs way before I ever found this forum, before WPs was a "forum favorite", and before I ever heard of Pepper, on numerous holiday weekends when it would rain and my husband and son and I would play board games in the motel room (at Bay Top Motel) and was looking for the closest place to get just plain sustenance, at that point not much else mattered.

We lucked out, with Waldo Pepper's being basically the closest place to drive to in the pouring rain. Waldo's service and food and hospitality were always wonderful. This was before the "lobstah" roll was introduced, before the fried clams, before a whole lot -- it was pizza and subs, and I always remained loyal. Since then they have grown, expanded, and now moved into a new location -- and I wish Barbara and Bruce nothing but the best!

I find it interesting that you've had only ONE post, and it was to denigrate them....................so what's that say for you? (Sorry Webmaster, if you choose to delete this post so be it, but this was just plain nasty on the poster's part.)

I am not quite sure what is going on, but.... I have been a very strong supporter of Waldo Peppers and have eaten in the new place twice already. The food is great and the new place is an improvement. However, we ate there today around noon today and the classic (cold) lobster roll was different. There did seem an abundance of stringy meat and much less claw or tail meat. It was good, but it wasn't up to Pepper's standards. Perhaps it just was a less than good batch. I would have given it a 5 compared to the usual WP 9-10. My thought was that it was just an off day and I was not going to report it and I certainly will go back to WP. Although calling it a 3 is a little harsh, we do not need to call each other names. Perhaps we can all step back and have a WP roll. I am sure WP just had a "glitch." There is always a problem when a restaurant is judged on one visit.

Same Experience
 

We have stopped in a couple of times and the first time was great. The second time was similar to your experience. The lobster roll was stringy with little or no claw meat. I am chalking this up to start-up and we will try them again.

Jetskier:cool:

Come on now!!!!!!!!!
 

HONEST TO GOODNESS POEPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOW FOOLISH YOU TRULY SOUND.
I'LL BE THE BAD GUY, I DON'T CARE!!!!
I knew when I was reading the post about Waldo Peppers not being "the greatest of all time" the guy would get crucified for not saying how much he loved the world famous Waldo Pepper's Lobster Roll. Everyone comes back calling the guy a liar, and ridiculing him as being a new member of the forum??? So, as a new memeber, his opinion is not valid???!!! You folks embarrass yourselves. I realize many people are friends with Pepper, and, although I don't know her nearly well enough to call her a friend, the two times I have met her in her old store, she seemed like a complete sweetheart...salt of the earth type person. But...the restauant is simply not immune from negative reviews. You people calling this guy a liar???? Shame, shame! Funny, the Lobster Pound gets a negative review, and everyone jumps in. Someone mentions something negative about WP, and because she is a friend to many members, you all think the guy is a liar. JUST PLAIN FOOLISH.
Here's a news flash....I went yesterday, 2:20 PM, got a lobster roll to go. Ate half, and tossed it. I'm sure it is a temporary glitch, and will be fixed, but it just was not good. I still like Pepper. She is a fantastic person. But the sandwich was not right! OK now, everyone line up and call me a liar!!!!

Phantom Gourmand
 

I dropped by the new location this week but haven't tried the food yet. Business was brisk for a weekday afternoon as you can see from the full parking lot.


Although she doesn't look too good right now, I understand that the old Cessna will be repaired and displayed in a new location in front of the building.

On a wing and a prayer
 

I tell ya, with a little duck tape, a couple of leftover doors and mebbe some Super Glue Red Green would have her flying again in no time .....

After reading the comments posted after mine I began to think why you would use such a name as Phantom Gourmand if you realy did not have some kind of Hidden Adgender here. It sounds like you have gone way out of your way to deny any involvment with the food industry, which could mean just the opposit.
Maybe this is not the only name you use to troll the forum?

WINNOCTURN

Curious
 

Winnocturn...
I'm curious if you would tell us....
You seem to have some issue with Phantom's posting. And call into question his review, somehow based on the fact he is a new forum member.
And yet, Jetskier posts that he experienced the same thing, and you take no issue with it. He has been a member snce 04, with 300 plus posts. Have you considered the possibilty that it was an honest review of a bad experience?
As I stated earlier, I too recently had food there that was "quailty challenged". I'm sure it was just some honest mistake, but you can't get jummpy because someone has something negative to say.
I realize that any Waldo Pepper thread on this forum is usually a big "love in", but hey, someone didn't care for what they had, and posted it.
I see no bad intent.

my wife and i went there today and we both agree that it wasn't up to par and i agree with the most recent posts that lobster roll was stringy in fact wasn't as good as the last two I had at the new Boston Seafood( which at the time was 10.95- $3 cheaper) will certainly go back but more than a few have now stated the same concern

Wowwwwww....well another recent Lobster Roll complaint to report
 

I'm surprised about the back and forth about Waldo's lobster rolls. Makes me hesitant to report my first experience at the new Waldo's....
But alas, the pen (or cursor...?) is mightier than the sticks and stones...

Was there Wednesday for lunch for the first time at the new location. Was not too impressed with the waitress service - I'm totally grossed out to see my food preparers/servers smoking then coming to my table without washing their hands...ICK! That's what my waitress did...I was too tired to care enough to complain knowing I was just getting my menu anyway.

I ordered the lobster roll with fries and my pal had the Italian sub. She loved her sub, especially the banana peppers.
My fries were totally fresh and yummy.
But my lobster roll was huge disappointment compared to lobster rolls of the past. I had the cold one, but the filling was luke-warm. There was one claw piece, but tons of what others have described as stringy stuff. It was very dry and unenjoyable.

I will, of course, return after a while and see if there are improvements, but I hope the constructive criticism is taken as just that ... I'm a HUGE Waldo Pepper fan, irrespective of how amazingly friendly Barbara is. I hope and expect things will come around.

Then again, maybe it nothing will taste so good because Pepper isn't the one delivering it to my table...:cool:

We made our first and last visit yesterday. We both had the haddock plate. The ice tea was good, fries were excellent but..... the fish was overcooked and with a heavy breading that overwhelmed the fish. The coleslaw was fresh made but the dressing had no flavor. And the thin wedge of lemon was cut from a lemon that was way past it's time. :(
The bill for the two plates, two ice teas, tax was $27.80.

So while the meal not a total loss, IMHO there are much better choices in the area for that type of fare.

Non-seafood
 

Okay, for those of us who don't eat seafood (sacrilege, I know), how are the non-seafood items...burgers, salads, subs?

If the food is not good, tell them
 

If you are unsatisfied with anything at a restaurant you should tell the management. Most are very appreciative to know if their staff is not performing and quality is not up to their standards. I know Pepper wants to know as her standards are very high.

As for posting negative reviews here, my opinion is that the first step is to tell management of the issue and wait. If the issue is still there another time, then a negative review is appropriate. We have a lot of power on the internet to destroy a business with poor reviews. I believe it is important to give any restaurant the chance to make good on a negative experience.

Waldo Pepper lovers are that for a reason. The standards set by Barbara and Bruce are very high. They are not a large chain but a local business trying to serve a need and stay in business. We need this type of business in the area to support the tourism $ that keep the Lakes Region alive.

So please.. tell them if you are not happy with their product... their past performance has always been outstanding.

Anyone up for a Pepperfest?

IG

My apologies
 

I searched past posts by Phoenix and saw that he has raved about WP's since 2004. Satisfied that his opinion in the above is an honest review of the current situation, I apologize to you Phantom for calling you a liar. It is unfortunate though that you chose to post a negative review as your first post which led me to giving you very little credibility, sorry.

Fair is fair
 

I understand that Waldo Pepper is a small local business and many of us have supported it loyally over the years. Their food has been consistantly good and everyone enjoyed talking with Barbara.

I am not sure how involved Barbara and Bruce are with the business these days. When we had concerns about the quality, I sent Barbara an email. My sense was that I owed it to her to tell her. Businesses such as this live or die on word of mouth...that happens predominantly outside this forum. I did not hear back. In addition, we have not heard anything on this forum by way of a response.

I think that it is completely fair to post the good and the bad about any restaurant. That is the purpose of this forum.

I truely like Waldo Pepper and will do my best to support them. However, when there is an issue good businesses simply address it. They have a great location and a loyal following it would be a shame to falter where they have been so good on quality in the past.


Jetskier:cool:

Pineneedles apology
 

Pineneedles, I graciously accept your apology. I agree that it is sad that my first review was seen as negative. In that review, I did mention some good things about WP. I know the positives are easier to overlook than the negatives. Truth be told, I have been a customer of WP's for a LONG TIME. The food was always good. The mark of a good restaurant is consistency, it was obvious at my last visit that the quality of the lobster rolls was not consistent with what has been previously reported or experienced. At the time of my visit, there were many of the lobster rolls served besides the 2 we got. As I was sitting close to where the servers came out of the kitchen, it appeared that all the lobster rolls contained the stringy leg meat rather than the tail and claw meat. The rest of the food served was hot, fresh and prepared well.
Once again, my intent is not to flame or denigrate the reputation of any establishment, but rather report, as honestly and accurately as I can, MY experience on a particular visit.
I like to think that the owner/operators of WP's and any future reviewed eateries will accept them as constructive criticism and correct the issues accordingly. My comments, corroborated by others is a clear indication that something is awry with the lobster rolls at WP's. Maybe the 3 rating was a little harsh, but I would not rate it to anything higher than a 4. The decision to return to the quality of the lobster that we all previously enjoyed is entirely up to the owners of the restaurant.
Did you see my latest review of Louis Nasis's Famous Pizza?

I think many people are uncomfortable complaining face to face with management because they were taught not to complain or are wary about what the response will be. I've seen interesting responses when I or a fellow customer have complained to business owners or management. Some have been receptive, some have been belligerent, and one even ran and hid at the back of the restaurant.

I'm planning on being at Waldo's sometime tomorrow for lunch with Sister Rose and Nephew Rose #3.

Their roast beef subs with the works are the best I've had in the area.

The ribs and the pulled pork are also excellent.

Second That!
 

I can second that ... I had a pulled pork barbeque sub last Thursday evening and it was delicious. Quilt Lady had a chicken parm. sub and it was excellent, too. On our previous visit a week or so before that I had a haddock hoagie and QL had a cheesesteak sub. Both were excellent.

I think we all need to recognize that any new business, including a new restaurant, will have some initial kinks to work out. The new Waldo's has different kitchen equipment, an expanded menu, and a new staff. As others have said, it is incumbent upon the owners and/or managers of such new businesses to correct any initial problems as soon as possible, but let's give Barbara and Bruce a fair chance to do so. As those of us who were customers of the old Waldo's know, both Barbara and Bruce set high standards, both for the quality of their food and the quality of their service. I think we'll see them make any necessary changes in their new establishment very soon.

agree
 

DHL
I am in complete agreement with what you said about a new business and so forth. I wish them nothing but the best, and will continue to visit from time to time (although the new location is bit off my path). In the past, the lobster rolls have been unreal.
What I took MAJOR issue with yesterday (I don't know if you read my two posts from 7/12) was long time members of this forum just laying into a guy who posted something negative about WP. (one has since apologized). Coming right out and calling him a liar, and saying they gave his post zero credibility, and a person actually saying they had no respect for his opinion.
It was almost comical. Sort of like "how dare anyone say anything about the great Waldo Peppers. Don't you realize every member here is a friend of the owner. Curse you". The posts shocked me. The odd thing was that the post really was well written and not all negative. Mildly negative actually. And I agreed with it, as I had bought a lobster roll the day before, and actually tossed half of it away.
I think a couple more apologies are due to Phantom...

tasteless lobster roll
 

I tried the new location last week. I'd had one lobster roll at the old location - probably a year ago - and thought it was pretty good.

But on this visit, the waitress was either bored or unfriendly and the young woman at the cash register was suffering from the same thing. I was excited to try the lobster roll but was disappointed because it had no taste whatsoever. The portions were big - and I only ordered the single - but it was almost completely without taste. I had thought I wouldn't post my experience since many of you are really friendly with the owners but when I read that others have had similar experiences I thought I'd chime in. I want small businesses to succeed in the area but unless they are made aware of the fact that there might be a problem, it will only hurt their business. I'll try it again next year and if the food is better, I'll go more often. if not, unfortunately I won't. Negative feedback, when honest and fair, is sometimes much more helpful than positive feedback.

The rest of my family enjoyed their meals but I don't remember what they ate.

I, Too, Apologize
 

Another apology accepted
 

Waterbaby, thank you, too. Your apology is also accepted. I have to admit, with the same avitar and the same kind of comments, I was thinking that you and Pineneedles were somehow "related" . I'm sorry too if I kinda raised the hair on the back of your neck with my posting. It was an honest review, and I hope the owners take note and correct the deficiency. ( note that to date, the owners have not posted any comments...a little disappointing, would you not agree? )
I am a relative newbie in the Lakes region, 13th year now, formerly in Moultonboro and now, Meredith. I am also a REAL NH NATIVE, I know...a rare breed...I'm thinking pretty soon they will let the few of us remaining open a Casino! :)
Oh, and does this post make me a 4 post wonder? :laugh:

OK,it's my turn.Had my first chance to eat at WP's yesterday.The two of us sat at a window seat and it took a few minutes for a waitress to get to our table with only 3 tables full.She was very apologetic but I did not wait more than 3 minutes.My better half ordered the 1\2 Italian sandwich with onions only and I ordered the classic cheesesteak with onions.Oh ya,and a side of onion rings.My sandwich was the usual very good Philly sub but I didn't notice right away that it was missing the onions.The Ms sub was stuffed full of meat as always but came out with everything on it including hots.She kind of picked off what she didn't want and we finished our meals.Onion rings were very good.While we ate I looked around and felt this place has no soul like the other one.I'm sure it will in due time but for now it felt like a very cold atmosphere mostly because there was not much of the interesting stuff hanging around the walls.I'm sure this will change.As regular members know I consider Pepper a friend.So here's my honest opinion.I was a little disapointed and wanted to visit the old place.It's very soon after their opening so I will assume things will start to get some flavor of the old WP's.Actually,I have no doubt about it.Keep at it Bruce and Pepper!

As I posted on 7/11 we had visited the new place and what we had was very good. But we had a rare oppertunity to talk to Barbara while we were there, I will not get into specifics but she had plenty to say about the difficulties that she has been having with the "help" and the fact that she is having a hard time finding "help" that "Get It" (meaning, the way Bruce and herself feel about the way customers should be catered to and held dearly as friends and family should be) It has not been an easy venture with the town of Gilford either, one hurdle after another. She still has the same vision as before and will not settle for anything less( as people who know them can attest too) They will once again be the great Waldo Peppers and than some but they need the time to fix and adjust and finely tune their business. Keep the faith. Also, both are working full-time jobs else where and also working at the restaurant and she stated she wishes she could find time to get back on the forum and say Hi to everyone soon. Big "HUG" from me and the mrs. Pepper.

Thank You!!!
 

First and foremost, I wish to extend my most sincere THANK YOU to Phantom Gourmand, Jetskier, GHfromAltonBay, SIKSUKR, IslandLife, Newbiesaukee, Slickcraft, MaidenCove07, and anyone else whom I may have missed listing, who have given us their honest negative feedback! As bizarre as it may sound, that is FAR more important than any positive feedback, and you have provided me with the information I need in order to correct the problems!

I have printed out this entire thread, and with the help of a bright yellow highlighter, it will prove invaluable as a training tool. It's been a very stressful three weeks, as we work to train so many new staff members ~ bringing them up to our rigid standards is not easy. With the facts printed out in black and white, it should be a bit easier for our new team members to see more clearly why our standards are so high, and we make such a big deal about maintaining them.

I'm truly mortified to read many of these posts, because it means we are failing you, our loyal customers! My sincerest apologies to all who have experienced issues at our restaurant, and my pledge to you that your comments are not taken lightly. Over the next few days I will be contacting each of you privately, and hope that you will allow us to make things right.

To the many who shared their good experiences, I thank you as well. It does help to know that we are managing to get it right at least some of the time.

Again, my apologies to all who have had a less-than-Waldo's-standards experience, and my deepest thanks to all who brought their issues to the table here. Please, continue to be honest and forthright, so that we may know what our weaknesses are and work to strenghthen them!

Gotta go now ~ I've got A LOT OF WORK TO DO!

Hang in there...

Semper Fi

Pepper: I am so impressed with your reply that we will give WP another try.

When we were driving home that evening I commented to my wife that customers are often reluctant to say something negative when asked how the meal was. Maybe a good question would be: "Do you have any suggestions as to how we can improve"?

BTW, when the waitress asked the couple at a table next to us how everything was and got a negative reply, she quietly said sorry and quickly retreated. I don't think that she was ready for or knew how to handle a complaint.

More good and helpful information! I will make a concerted effort to empower our waitstaff with the necessary skills to immediately address issues, as well as insist that they bring these issues to the attention of managers immediately as well. If the waitstaff ignore the issue that's unacceptable!

Thank you, and keep it coming!!!!!

What a CLASS act.....
I've never been to Pepper's, mostly logistics and distance. Now it is even further away, but I am going to try to make it a point to visit, sounds like a great place. Good luck.

hungry
 

All this reading made me crave WP steak & cheese /w salami..(better than salt & pepper) so off I went and boy am I a happy camper this was the first time there since they moved the location has changed but the subs are still the bomb

what happend ?
 

Pepper, what happened to your delicious cole slaw? I always would order 2 or 3 sides. My wife had a lobster roll, was not like it used to be. I had fried clams, not anything different as your food used to be. I think we need you back pepper. Sometimes partners will not have the dedication that you had, they could be inclined to cut corners on quality to make their investment return quickly. Something is wrong somewhere. Be carefull you may become just another run of the mill sandwich shop, not Waldo Peppers.

Larry

steak and cheese?
 

All this reading made me crave WP steak & cheese /w salami

They do not have steak & cheese at WP, they have cheesesteaks. Get it right! (That's a Philly reference, and Pepper and I may be the only ones that get it):laugh:

And Pepper, have I told you lately that I love you? ;) You'll get the kinks worked out.

I am a big fan of WP's cole slaw, absolutely the best!!!! But I will admit and have been relunctant to do so (for fear of getting u know what), that we visited probably the 3rd/4th day they opened. Building is nice/big parking lot, tables. But, I liked it better when you would order your food at the counter and go sit down. With the 8% NH Meals tax, alot of peeps on fixed incomes do not have the extra money to tip a waitress vs. leaving something in a tip jar @ the counter. As for the waitress, she was nice, but it take a while to get our menus/drinks. Again, better when you there was more of an option when you had both bottled Pepsi and Coke products in the sliders and pick your own vs. fountain.

When we ordered our lobster rolls off the menu provided (there was not an option of "hot"/"cold") and the waitress never asked "hot" or "cold" which is what we are accustomed to when visiting the old WP's, therefore, I personally made a point that I wanted "cold" and my husband "hot" as he loves their hot buttered lobster roll and does not like mayo at all w/ his lobster. The waitress did in fact right it down on the slip, but when the order came, his was not a "hot buttered" lobster roll and that is what he really wanted. I felt bad for him and the problem did not get fixed and we made it very clear that is not what was ordered and the waitress knew that, nor did they state that "hot" was not an option at that time of ordering. The waitress did offer to take an order of fries off the bill when she came back to the table (do not know if she spoke to Pepper or not, but she was there servicing tables herself) but he would have been happier if the untouched roll was removed from our table and returned as "hot buttered" and we were never provided that option and he ate it reluctantly:(. The meat was fine, claw and tail meat. The onion rings were good, but we prefer the "old" rings better.

It will be awhile before we attempt a visit again as we were somewhat disappointed as loyal customers, but we do believe in 2nd chances.

I visited WP the second day they were open back in June. I was very happy with the service, the Lobster Roll and the fries.

I will say, there was a couple that was seated across from us that was not too happy with the service. They were seated before us in a different server's section and had not yet been greeted by the time our food arrived. The expressions on their faces spoke volumes!

I was informed that WP will be open all winter long, and is adjacent to the sledding trails. I think a few 'sled parking' signs will make this a very popular breakfast and lunch spot along the trail.

Pepper,
That is just the kind of attitude that will keep us coming back.

YW, amd TY
 

Pepper is all Class!!!
 

As always, Pepper acts with dignity and honor.
I know you and Bruce have your hands full working and managing the new place. As a Waldo Pepper's fan for at least the last 5 years (maybe more, who can keep track when operating on "Lake Winni Time"), I know how good it can be.
Ge ahead and work out the kinks Pepper. I'll be back...
Looking forward to when the pizza comes back to the menu!