New restaurant on Westport Road

[Robin Garr]

Business First caught up with this story in this week's edition:

Incredible Dave's aims to offer something for everyone
by Sarah Jeffords Pister
Business First Staff Writer

It will be mid-February when Incredible Dave's LLC, a planned restaurant and family-friendly entertainment complex on Westport Road, opens its doors.

But the 57,300-square-foot facility already is humming with activity.

Brightly colored tile is going down. An obstacle course -- 27 feet high -- is going up. Kitchen equipment is being installed, and water features, to separate the restaurant from the gaming area, are taking shape.

The scene is a dream come true for founder and CEO David Lawrence, who has been developing the concept for the past three-and-a-half years.

A single father of 8-year-old twins, Lawrence has spent many evenings in family-oriented restaurants and fun centers. In his quest for venues with quality food and a relaxing atmosphere for parents, he stumbled on a business opportunity.

He said there is a gap between the pizza and arcade facilities that cater to children and the casual-dining restaurants where adults can enjoy a beer and bowling.

So he set out to create a venue that satisfies both ends of the spectrum.

Full story in Business First

Here is their website to learn more...
http://incredibledaves.com/

There is a coffee shop as well.

Music warning on the website, just FYI.

Anyone else feel that it seems a little... dated? Maybe it's the color scheme. I look forward to checking the place out. I'm hoping he arcade center is as impressive as the bolwing facilities appear. The only thing the website addresses directly is a Xbox and Wii lounge, and redemption games. I'd like to see a nice arcade, with actual arcade machines though. I can play Xbox and Wii at home.

What I find not so helpful is the list of events that gives a day of the week, but no date. The Grand Opening is tonight?

The Grand Opening is Monday, February 18th... I'm going to be a server there, and it's going to be quite the place! The menu is amazing, all made fresh daily from Executive Chef Patrick Dale...

I went to Incredible Dave's today with my family and we had a great time. The kids had a blast playing on the enormous indoor play area. Today was the first day the restaurant was open and they had A LOT of issues. We had very poor service and it took forever for the food to come out. I'm sure they will work it out over time but I was really disappointed.

The menu is amazing, all made fresh daily from Executive Chef Patrick Dale...

I thought the menu was extremely boring. Seemed no different from Applebee's, O'Charley's or other corporate restaurants of that ilk. They need a lot more vegetarian options besides salad and pizza.

[quote="thommy browne"]was the first day the restaurant was open and they had A LOT of issues. We had very poor service and it took forever for the food to come out. I'm sure they will work it out over time but I was really disappointed.

Well I will tell you what, we were ALL disappointed! Today was a disaster for us... (I work there) BUT you gotta kind of expect that on an opening day.. it WILL get better.. We need more staff!!! The kitchen is way understaffed as are the servers.... As soon as I got there they gave me a NINE table section and then started seating me one right after the other.... it was ridiculous... there is no way to give good service to anybody when you are stretched that thin.... That said... please don't let your poor experience keep you from coming back... we just have some serious kinks we need to work out.

And you are right... the menu is VERY similar to places like Applebees, O Charleys, Chilis... etc... but it is supposed to be! Why do you think those places are so succesful! The thing is... while we might have similar dishes... ours are ALOT better!!!! You are right about having more vegetarian options... I will bring it up with Dave tomorrow.

While I didn't make it there, my wife and three kids were there yesterday. Their experience sounds a lot like Mr. Browne's. Service took a long time for anything as they were clearly understaffed. My wife said the food was ok, but luke warm - they tried a few apps and some entrees. My 12 year said the food was okay, but he pointed out that his grilled cheese was burned - I guessing the kitchen was slammed hard as well.

My wife asked for a drink list even though she was having tea so whe could see what wines and beer they offer. We'll have to find out some other time because the requested list never made it. After asking twice she gave up.

That said, the kids (12, 10, and 7) had a great time and want to go back. My wise 12 year old suggested we wait awhile though "for them to work the kinks out" and for the hype to die down a bit. He must of heard Matt!

I really do hope the execute the food well.

Matt - can you tell us what beers you offer on tap? Hopefully some good locals!!

Cheers,


Doug.

I drove by on Wednesday or Thursday night and saw ambulance's right in front of Incredible Dave's. What happened?