I live in Fern Creek, and alas it's a chain wasteland out here for the most part.
I've eaten twice at Aspen Creek, and it's been packed to the rafters both times. Yesterday was apparently prom night for a local school as there were quite a few teens all dolled up (and lurking helicopter parents).
As I understand it, this is the first in what could become a chain, but I would classify it as such already. In fact, the carry-out boxes have the Texas Roadhouse logo on 'em. lol
Location: easy in and out (with a handy traffic light by the ubiquitous corner Rite-Aid).
Parking: Plentiful but considering the crowds, expect some occasional spot standoffs for a space.
Design: Your standard "lodge" structure, although oddly enough the only tables in the place are in the bar. I've heard several people with families complain because there are only booths in the main eating areas. The booths seat 6 comfortably however.
Restrooms: Yes, I'm including this as a separate category, as I have never come across a restroom with a disco ball. The ceiling "tiles" are old record album covers. Needless to say it feels rather weird to attend to one's needs with Lionel Ritchie staring down from the ceiling. I'm female, so I didn't venture into the men's room to see the guys get similar decor. In any case, I wasn't quite prepared for a disco bathroom in a mountain lodge type of restaurant.
Wait times: 15-30 minutes for me both times I've visited. When one checks in at the hostess station, they are handed a number and told to wait until said number appears on the number boards that are conveniently located in several areas, including outdoors. Call ahead seating is available (and I recommend it).
Menu: It's available on the restaurant's website, but there's a wide variety of items to choose from. I would hazard a guess that they intend to compete in the same niche as Cheddar's: lots of dishes, large portions, family friendly, and cheap prices. I was dining with out of town guests yesterday, and since they not gastronomically adventurous, our table was laden with chicken strips, chips and queso, onion straws, pizza, sirloin steak, and pasta. Nothing mind-blowing here, but the food was prepared properly, served hot. Service is always prompt and friendly, and our server removed dirty dishes quickly and kept drinks refilled.
Prices: As mentioned before, the prices are very reasonable. An appetizer of onion straws enough to feed 3 people is only $2.99. My bowl of Asiago chicken pasta was $7.99 (add on a house or Caesar salad for $1.99). My friend's 8 ounce sirloin with 2 sides was $9.99. The most expensive dish on the menu is in the $10.99 range.
I've seen the posts about Cheddar's, so I'm sure everyone cringed at my comparison. Aspen Creek is not a foodie paradise, but I think it will remain popular just based on the prices and the "familiarity factor." I'm not quite a foodie yet, but I don't see this as a place I will visit regularly. More than likely it'll just be one of my "I don't feel like driving all over town and it's close and decent" choices.
