Wolfeboro Inn

[Markem]

My parents use to look fwd to father's day buffet and come home early from FL to make sure they made it, but they have stopped it the last couple of yrs.

Last time we went for a dinner, the food was ok.... We have found it to be a great place to get burgers while out snowmobiling.

[George Soderberg]

Tir Na Nog, thank you for your critique. There was a time not so long ago when no one was there to greet you, service was slow, servers were grouchy and unfriendly and you couldn’t seem to get a good meal ever. Over the past year we have transitioned out 80% of our servers. We have
experienced and very experienced servers and the one thing they all have in common is they are very friendly, happy, upbeat, service oriented people who care very much and patrons have been coming back and noticing (more on this later).

Your point is well taken on the salad bar. It’s an area that needs more consistency. We will also be adding 12 toppings to the salad bar as 9 does not seem to be enough. Having said that no restaurant reacts as quickly to feedback and makes menu changes like we do. So, Tir Na Nog, the chef
had been making the sauce for the prime rib with a little thickness to it, as well as a little red wine and mustard, mostly from past experiences in which people felt that a straight au jus was too thin. Because of your comment he’s going to change it. Next week, he will go to a straight, un-thickened, lightly flavored au jus. As for the meal clearly the server fired your meal too early. We’ll bring that up Tuesday at our meeting. I'm sorry it seemed to rush you a bit that night. Just wish you all would introduce yourselves and the ones that have I wish you would write in! All in all we’ve come a long way from a year ago. You’re going to love our servers!

We have also added a Dining at Dusk (early bird specials), 4-6 pm Sunday – Thursday $10-$13, and Comfort food night (new) on Wednesdays, $13-$14, homemade beans, sausage and brown bread, short rib shepherd’s pie, meat loaf, etc. and of course Italian night Monday’s.

Honestly, I have to say, I find the comments I get through comment cards, emails and other sites are in very stark contrast to this site. I don’t know why and I won’t venture a guess, but here are some recent examples:

11/2011 Dinner “This place is really turning around! It gets better and better every time. Great job!!!”
11/2011 Brkfst “This is the best breakfast in town”. (3x now)
10/2011 Dinner “Greatly improved from the beginning – We shall return”
10/2011 Dinner “We were last at the “Inn” about 3 years ago – this was a very pleasant surprise!”

Today we had a number of comments, “Best buffet brunch yet”. We served a baked French toast that was well received.

Another sign, this year we have 300 reservations for Thanksgiving Day brunch . We did 220 for in 2009 & 2010. I just don't think that you grow by 33% if you’re that far off the mark. But we'll stay focused and keep working harder to earn your trust.

A few additional follow up observations. Here’s a “curveball” for you my friend, I’m sorry to disappoint but we are doing very well financially, a nearly 10% increase over last year. Many locals are coming back. We hope many of you will too soon. The incredible Chef that was in Jackson at the Thomas House Eatery is here and he is every bit as fantastic. We volunteer, have given thousands to assist all kinds of local organizations and charities. We want to be a part of the fabric of the community. I know we have made some very positive improvements and will continue to make even more.

I hope you all enjoy your family and friends this week - Happy Thanksgiving!

[Shreddy]

Originally Posted by George Soderberg

Tir Na Nog, thank you for your critique. There was a time not so long ago when no one was there to greet you, service was slow, servers were grouchy and unfriendly and you couldn’t seem to get a good meal ever. Over the past year we have transitioned out 80% of our servers. We have
experienced and very experienced servers and the one thing they all have in common is they are very friendly, happy, upbeat, service oriented people who care very much and patrons have been coming back and noticing (more on this later).

Your point is well taken on the salad bar. It’s an area that needs more consistency. We will also be adding 12 toppings to the salad bar as 9 does not seem to be enough. Having said that no restaurant reacts as quickly to feedback and makes menu changes like we do. So, Tir Na Nog, the chef
had been making the sauce for the prime rib with a little thickness to it, as well as a little red wine and mustard, mostly from past experiences in which people felt that a straight au jus was too thin. Because of your comment he’s going to change it. Next week, he will go to a straight, un-thickened, lightly flavored au jus. As for the meal clearly the server fired your meal too early. We’ll bring that up Tuesday at our meeting. I'm sorry it seemed to rush you a bit that night. Just wish you all would introduce yourselves and the ones that have I wish you would write in! All in all we’ve come a long way from a year ago. You’re going to love our servers!

We have also added a Dining at Dusk (early bird specials), 4-6 pm Sunday – Thursday $10-$13, and Comfort food night (new) on Wednesdays, $13-$14, homemade beans, sausage and brown bread, short rib shepherd’s pie, meat loaf, etc. and of course Italian night Monday’s.

Honestly, I have to say, I find the comments I get through comment cards, emails and other sites are in very stark contrast to this site. I don’t know why and I won’t venture a guess, but here are some recent examples:

11/2011 Dinner “This place is really turning around! It gets better and better every time. Great job!!!”
11/2011 Brkfst “This is the best breakfast in town”. (3x now)
10/2011 Dinner “Greatly improved from the beginning – We shall return”
10/2011 Dinner “We were last at the “Inn” about 3 years ago – this was a very pleasant surprise!”

Today we had a number of comments, “Best buffet brunch yet”. We served a baked French toast that was well received.

Another sign, this year we have 300 reservations for Thanksgiving Day brunch . We did 220 for in 2009 & 2010. I just don't think that you grow by 33% if you’re that far off the mark. But we'll stay focused and keep working harder to earn your trust.

A few additional follow up observations. Here’s a “curveball” for you my friend, I’m sorry to disappoint but we are doing very well financially, a nearly 10% increase over last year. Many locals are coming back. We hope many of you will too soon. The incredible Chef that was in Jackson at the Thomas House Eatery is here and he is every bit as fantastic. We volunteer, have given thousands to assist all kinds of local organizations and charities. We want to be a part of the fabric of the community. I know we have made some very positive improvements and will continue to make even more.

I hope you all enjoy your family and friends this week - Happy Thanksgiving!

I'd probably toot my own horn too when comments were almost unanimously on the negative side

In all honesty, do you think people want to come on here and complain about a place that they "want to do well"? There's likely a reason for the complaints, especially when they're consistent over a long period of time. Just my $.02

[dpg]

Well Mr. Soderberg where's all the "nay" sayers now??

[Bigstan]

What's the issue with it? He acknowledges an issue and tells you the corrective actions he is putting in place.

He uses the opportunity to chime in on other new offerings and changes.

I would say the comment card reading has no value, thus he invites those that may have positive responses to chime in. Keep in mind - how many negative comments are placed for every positive one? If I had customers I thought were happy I would invite them to chime in when my establishment was repeatedly critized over a year or two (and rightfully so, I have been there a time or three). Can't really blame the guy.....

He defends a charge of lack of business / bad economy contributing to the overall lack of care. If business is indeed up of course he would seek to reinforce that all is well and things are moving in the right direction.

If everyone wants them to improve and do well we should hope that the turtle wins the race and the eventual / slow progress fixes all.

AND - with 300 reservations for Thanksgiving the reviews over the next couple weeks will tell all either way.........so lets wait and see.

Good Luck!

[Heaven]

I thought his post was fine and I am glad he is responding and listening. I will say that the use of the term "my friend" comes off as being condescending in this context, IMHO.

Oh and, I don't think there is any way to save that salad bar. It fits at most two people at a time never mind an employee working to keep it tidy and filled. I'd prefer the option to order a side salad that had some distinction. How about keeping it just as a soup and bread bar?

[CTYankee]

Maybe it's time to bring in Chef Ramsey for a makeover....

[Greene's Basin Girl]

Originally Posted by CTYankee

Maybe it's time to bring in Chef Ramsey for a makeover....

Good one! Wouldn't that be fun to watch on Fox.

[Neko]

OK, the Inn had 300 hundred reservations Thanksgiving Dinner today.
Yet no one has posted anything?
Wasit that good?

[NoBozo]

I was also wondering how many people 300 reservations represents. Is a reservation a single person..OR a table for four persons. Any way you count it..300 people waiting for their meal in the Wolfeboro Inn is going to be FUN. ........Waiter..another round please...... What time is it..?

I really hate to be negative about any business in this time of economic distress. Every business needs every customer they can get... and the market... Should determine Who Fails. NB

[Heaven]

That would be 300 people

[Jidge]

My wife and I along with two other couples had a 1:00 reservation and we were seated right away. The service was fast and friendly. The food was awesome. There were 3-4 choices of entrees along with vegetables, salad, a delicious lobster/butternut squash bisque, and a few different breads. The entrees were all cooked perfectly and all had a little twist that made them far from ordinary. They had a few different types of pies ,cakes and cookies. The place was full but it was never crowded,even in the buffet line. It was a fun time for us all and I would definitely recommend it for next year. I hope to make it a new tradition because when we were done , we were done....no clean up! The only bummer was not being able to take some turkey for sandwiches later

[NoBozo]

I'll wait to see who else posts a review of the Thanksgiving Experience at the Inn.

So far..we have ONE review in 300. That's a fact.

"Seminar Posts" (They are made up) are posts designed to change the current perception ....in spite of the ongoing/historic evidence. When I see a low post rate....I become suspicious. Disingenuous posts bother me.

I also understand why no one else wants to speak up. No one want's to be negative....NB

[RLW]

Originally Posted by NoBozo

I'll wait to see who else posts a review of the Thanksgiving Experience at the Inn.

So far..we have ONE review in 300. That's a fact.

"Seminar Posts" (They are made up) are posts designed to change the current perception ....in spite of the ongoing/historic evidence. When I see a low post rate....I become suspicious. Disingenuous posts bother me.

I also understand why no one else wants to speak up. No one wants to be negative....NB

Who says any of the 299 even view this blog and or feel as if they want to put in a review.
It kinda turn me off when people put in negative comments regarding a particular evening and they weren't even there.
Do you actually know that the threads that you are referring to are really disingenuous posts or are you trying to read between some lines????

[Heaven]

Originally Posted by NoBozo

I'll wait to see who else posts a review of the Thanksgiving Experience at the Inn.

So far..we have ONE review in 300. That's a fact.

"Seminar Posts" (They are made up) are posts designed to change the current perception ....in spite of the ongoing/historic evidence. When I see a low post rate....I become suspicious. Disingenuous posts bother me.

I also understand why no one else wants to speak up. No one want's to be negative....NB

It would be nice if you (at least) read the person's other posts before calling them a fake/fraud.

[NoBozo]

I stand corrected. I will in the future try to keep my opinion to myself. Even though it definately appears I was attacking someone, there was no disrespect intended. My post was just an observation. NB

[fpartri497]

It does seem that on the surface anyway that you have an agenda against the Inn

[Jonas Pilot]

I talked to a buddy over the weekend who went to the Inn for Thanksgiving with his family. He told me they all had a great time and everyone enjoyed their meals and service. I asked, "What did they have?" He said, "What didn't they have?" He said it wasn't too crowded and they seemed to have control over everything. He thought it was a great price for what they offered and he would definitely do it again.

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by Bigstan

What's the issue with it? He acknowledges an issue and tells you the corrective actions he is putting in place.
Good Luck!

I had pulled down my previous post which I'm sure this post was directed at in which I mentioned Georges response rubbed me the wrong way.Obviously he saw the same thing after rereading it.His own words:

"I let my emotions get the best of me and I shouldn’t have made the comment. That’s not been my style and I feel bad about it. That won't happen again".

Props for standing up and acknowledging the bad tone.That goes a long way in my book.I might have to give the Inn a try now.

[Bigstan]

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

I had pulled down my previous post which I'm sure this post was directed at in which I mentioned Georges response rubbed me the wrong way.Obviously he saw the same thing after rereading it.His own words:

"I let my emotions get the best of me and I shouldn’t have made the comment. That’s not been my style and I feel bad about it. That won't happen again".

Props for standing up and acknowledging the bad tone.That goes a long way in my book.I might have to give the Inn a try now.

My bad if I pointed at the wrong post. I just hope to keep everything positive and hope everyone is moving in the right direction....if everyone who posted a negative comment goes back to try again (and everyone says that they wish success to the inn) then we would have all the reviews we need and would be doing our part to help a local business.

[Shreddy]

I'm going to give Wolfe's Tavern a +1. I went in there last night with some coworkers and we sat at the bar. The nacho plate was very good and the beer tasted great . All in all, it was pretty hard to mess up, but it was well enjoyed.

[VitaBene]

I will be there tomorrow evening for the Power Squadron Christmas Party and will report back!

[RLW]

My wife and I are going to give it another try on Christmas Eve. I'm sure it will be a lot better than the last time we were there. As I have always said, always give everything a second chance before throwing in the towel.

[Lakepilot]

We went to the Wolfeboro Inn tonight with my inlaws. We got there around 6 pm and were seated promptly. Our waitress was Jen and she was did a great job taking care of us for the evening.

Our drink order was taken promptly and delivered very quickly. For dinner, I had the all you can eat Haddock and it was cooked to perfection. It was excellent. My wife and in-laws had the reuben (you have to ask for the bar menu) and they all loved it.

We had just been to "The Restaurant" so were expecting much from the Inn, but we will definitely go again.

Although we didn't have the salad bar, I made it a point to check it out. It wasn't as large as it was in the old days, but it was still good. The lettuce appeared fresh and not water logged. The chicken white bean vegetable soup looked good, but again, we ate nothing off the salad bar.

We are very fortunate to have so many good restaurants in town and the Wolfeboro Inn is one of them.

[VitaBene]

I attended the Lakes Region Sail & Power Squadron dinner at the Wolfeboro Inn this past Saturday and everything was great.

Our group of 25 or so was seated alone in the 1812 Room. We had a buffet style meal with salad, turkey and beef carving stations and assorted veggies and starches. Everything was excellent. Our servers were attentive and pleasant!

Nice job, Wolfeboro Inn!

[SIKSUKR]

Glad to see a few positive posts here from reliable long time forum members.

[dpg]

Huh?? Big Stan and SIKSUKR totally lost me, I missed something in the translation - oh well...

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by dpg

Huh?? Big Stan and SIKSUKR totally lost me, I missed something in the translation - oh well...

My bad dpg. I had a post that I pulled down that stated Mr Soderbergs post#12 rubbed me the wrong way. Stan asked what was wrong with it. I pulled it thinking it seemed I was stirring the pot. Mr Soderberg posted after that that he indeed thought his post was out of line so What you read between Stan and I is in regard to that.

[Lakepilot]

We went again to the Wolfeboro Inn. It was Sunday night and there wasn't much of a crowd. We were seated promptly and the service the rest of the evening was good. The salad bar was fresh and full. Not what it was in the old days but good. The 6 of us all had Prime Rib. 5 medium rare and 1 medium well. The orders came out in a timely fashion and each was cooked perfectly and tasted great. I hope it continues to be good in the future.

[Barbara]

The Wolfeboro Inn, along with almost every other restaurant and food provider in town, had a table set up at the Festival of Trees Gala on 12/8. Their food offerings were outstanding. I had a great conversation with the new chef. I will be at the Inn next week for a Christmas party for a local organization and hope to find it to be wonderful.

I was in the IGA this AM, admiring their wonderful salad bar. Maybe someone from the Inn should go over there for some pointers on what makes a great salad bar!!!!

[Pineedles]

Sorry Barbara but there is no way a restaurant can duplicate a supermarket salad bar. A grocery store has such a divergent and large crowd that it must put out EVERYTHING. A restaurant has a limited number of people perusing their salad bar, they can't offer the same number of choices.

It looks like the WI has turned the corner. Good luck!

[Barbara]

I've been to fabulous salad bars in restaurants. Maybe it won't work in Wolfeboro with the number of patrons on any given night. On the other hand, a fabulous salad bar might attract more patrons.

[Pineedles]

What would you consider a fabulous salad bar? Please elaborate as to the contents. Thanks.

[NoBozo]

I'm just wondering. The last few reports seem to indicate the WI is improving. But they seem to have been Buffets.

Now I would ask for input from other restaurant managers:

Is it Easier to put up a Buffet...OR ...serve individual tables with orders from the menu. Again: Just wondering. NB

[Bluebell]

We hadn't been to the Tavern for a while because of sometimes good, sometimes bad, dining experiences. Well, we went back this past summer because our out-of-town visitors really wanted to go there. Both the food and service were excellent. It was so good that we went back the very next night and had another great meal. Since July, we've been to the Tavern at least a dozen times for dinner or breakfast and have been very pleased with the food and service each time. Wolfe's Tavern is back!

[Sandy Island fan]

We serve about 250 people, between campers and staff, and have a salad bar for lunch and dinner, as well as a fruit bar at breakfast. The salad bar includes (at a minimum): lettuce (romaine, iceburg and spring mix), spinach, cukes, tomatoes (chopped and grape), celery, broccoli, onion, shredded carrots, and carrot sticks, mushrooms, zuchini, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, olives, sunflower seeds, tofu, cottage cheese, feta cheese,and shredded cheddar cheese, hummus (made onsite), egg salad, tuna salad, croutons and bacon bits, pickles, pickled beets, and pita bread wedges. There are usually 6 salad dressings and cruets of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. There may also be specialty offerings, such as a tomato/cucumber/basil salad, taboule, pasta salad, rice salad etc. There is always a bowl of fruit, as well. I may have missed an item or two, but you get the idea.
Not trying to brag, but I do think it's a "fabulous" salad bar.

[Pineedles]

Having an egg and tuna salad in a bar is pretty over the top as I would imagine some people could make a complete meal with those two items added to the other items. Just curious, what do they charge for the salad bar alone?