It started about 7 years ago. My love for Red Robin. Steve took me to the one in Annapolis and they had Freckeled Lemonade. Perfect combination of sweet red strawberries and tart lemonade. We’ve gone back several times over the years. They opened one in Waldorf and we visited there. But I was over the moon to learn that we were getting one in Lexington Park. Gone were the 1-1.5 car drives to get a good burger and bottomless steak fries. We were going to be lucky enough to only have to drive 40 minutes. So I have been waiting, I have been searching. Finally I heard the news. The Red Robin in Lexington Park, Maryland opening date would be August 23rd. Less than a week away right? I can last that long right? No. Steve came home from Annapolis this evening and asked what I wanted for dinner. My only choice was Red Robin. That was the only thing I wanted. But it wasn’t open yet. So we decided to head to a different restaurant. It just so happens that it is right next door to the new site for the Red Robin.
As we made the U-turn to get there we noticed that the Red Robin was lit up and the parking lot was full. Could it be? Did they just happen to open early? As we pulled around the corner we decided Steve would walk up and find out. After I dropped Steve off at the door and parked the car I noticed it, what I thought would be the end to my dinner choice, a huge sign reading “IN TRAINING, COMING SOON” NOOOOO I really wanted to eat there. I looked out the rear view mirror, I searched out the window, where was Steve? The kids we’re getting anxious and wanted to get out. Finally Steve headed to the car and motioned me in. I quickly gathered the kids and Steve said we have to walk this way. It was definitely the long way to the door but whatever. We passed a gentleman who kindly looked at Steve and said “The ladies at the door will take care of you.” At that point I was confused. What in the world was going on?
It appears that common practice for Red Robin is to have a dry run, training night. They invite family and friends to visit the soon to be open restaurant, eat a meal and give them feedback on what could be changed. We were ushered into the lobby. Quickly sat at a table where a waitress immediately took our drink order. She stated that Kayla would be right over to be our server. Kayla, who we later realized had served us at another eatery, delivered our drinks, took our food orders, cleared away our menus and made us feel completely welcome. Now the joint was hopping. I mean wall to wall people with not a single table empty. Steve and I discussed how long we thought our food would take. Not a few minutes later and our food was set in front of us. Kayla came back to check on us a few times, refilled our drinks and even made sure we had a fresh basket of hot steak fries.
While I wasn’t asked to write this, the gentleman that added us to the list had no idea I blogged, I felt compelled to pass along what a fantastic evening we had. Our meal was great, the service was quick and efficient and the atmosphere was welcoming and happy. The only changes I could see was that the kids meal came with spoons that were large for their mouths. Steve’s food was on the colder side but we’re not sure if it came out that way or if it was because he set it to the side to eat the side salad that came with it. So thank you to the manager, staff and Kayla from the Red Robin in Lexington Park, Md. We appreciate that you allowed us to join you on your special night.
No related posts.
We LOVE Red Robin. We don’t do chain restaurants often, but that is one that I will always go back to. We just went there a week and a half ago, actually. Don’t forget to sign up on their website, you will get a free burger for your birthday!
Katie´s last [type] ..How to Choose the Best Preschool for Your Child Book Review