Overall Rating:

2 out of 5

Media image is not the reality..., November 11, 2008
By 2SweetinTexas

"After seeing numerous television reviews and the popular Food Network television show we were so looking forward to the opportunity to "Eat at Neely's". We attended a convention this past week in Memphis. I hosted a dinner for about 30 people at the Jefferson Street location. I must say the experience did not at all match the warm and friendly media image. At a high level, the experience was nothing short of disappointing.

We visited on a Thursday afternoon at about 3:00 p.m. We were a scheduled and expected group (I had already communicated with the corporate office.) Because of the size of our group, it was their preference for us to eat from their “groups” menu. It is a flat rate of $18 which includes a choice of meat, choice of two sides (beans, coleslaw, or fries), bread, sauce, unlimited drink refills, and dessert (sock it to me cake). The rate also includes the tax and gratuity.

As we arrived no one greeted the party or even appeared to be expecting us. The person at the door actually yelled at persons who arrived before I (as the coordinator) arrived. Once she realized they were with the group she asked, “why didn’t you tell me?”
Once I arrived, (again as the coordinator), no one ever came to greet us or to identify who our server would be. After about fifteen minutes, I asked to know who our server was. After standing while two servers went through the “do you want this group or do you want me to do it” discourse, we finally had our server. While I can admit that she was sincere and friendly, I don’t think that the management did a good job of supporting her as she met the needs of a 30 person group. With this ratio of 1:30, the server was expected to get and fill drink orders, get and deliver the meal and to cut and serve the dessert. It was nothing short of a major embarrassment for me.

The restaurant failed to even prepare for our arrival by having adequate silverware available for us to use. A member of my group was up helping to pass out silverware and napkins. Being highly embarrassed, I immediately asked her to allow me to help while they tried to enjoy the experience. At that point I not only passed out silverware, but “bused” tables and actually had pitchers of ice tea and lemonade and I, the paying customer, personally refilled the drink glasses for my guests.

The food was disappointing. We waited about 20 minutes for food…which wasn’t terribly bad for our group. I hated the presentation most. The plates are institutional like….like a prison or a high school and our food was slopped on to the plates accordingly. The rolls are nothing special and were cool, out of the package with hunks of butter smeared on top…might have been better had they been warmed. Several guests complained of the food being cold. I wouldn’t know…because I (the hostess) never had the opportunity to sit and enjoy my meal. I worked as a member of the serving staff the entire time. I took my food home in a to-go container.

The restaurant does indeed have a very, “no frills” atmosphere - padded booths and chairs, dark wood paneling, and historical memorabilia decorating the walls. It felt distinctly Memphis, however, with overhead speakers belting out the blues (although with a church convention in town and nearly 90% of the guests being guests to the city for the convention, it surprised me that they did not opt for a more gospel type feel…but that didn’t bother me…it just proved that they don’t exactly pay attention to detail).

While most in our party were disappointed with the experience, everyone was at least happy to have our time together. One guest (out of 30) did note that the sock it to me cake was good. Again…I wouldn’t know…I didn’t get dessert. Guests did not enjoy the pecan pie (which is an out of the box cut and serve…I watched them do it.)

The management and the staff are very task oriented. They are focused on getting a plate out to you…but not at all on making your experience memorable and special. In fact, despite the seeming challenges of my group, the manager never made a point to get involved or to help offer support. He didn’t talk to me until the end when I wanted to question the bill. (Remember…the gratuity was included….and I helped the server…I left like I was entitled to sharing in the tip or at least my meal free). I had the opportunity to talk with the manager before I left. He was absolutely floored that I did not enjoy my service. From his perspective, he could not understand what was wrong. His felt that I assisted the server because I “wanted to.”

I absolutely do not ever need to go there again. And I do not at all recommend it for a group.
It would have been so nice to have found a jewel. I am actually disappointed that I am disappointed.
Trust me when I say…it’s not a good choice."

29 of 36 people found this review helpful.

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