February 25, 2008
I was wrong!
Thanks to alert blog reader Teresa Z, I have discovered that Flat Rock Grille at Valley View Mall isn't a chain at all!
After a tip from Teresa, I called Flat Rock and talked to Dan Shean. Dan runs the restaurant with his wife, Tracey Anderson, and another business partner. The team bought the local Flat Rock in May 2007 and have been working hard ever since to restore the food and service to top-notch quality.
Shean, who worked for Outback Steakhouse for 20 years, said they've been sourcing all of their food and other products locally in an attempt to keep their dollars in the Roanoke Valley.
I guess I'll have to hit up a different chain restaurant in order to find out whether they really do compare to some of our locally-owned establishments!
As long as I'm setting the record straight, I'd like to address a rumor that The Roanoker Restaurant is closing. The rumor floated past me sometime last week, but owner Butch Craft assured me that they are NOT closing. She said she hopes the 66-year-old restaurant has many, many years of business in its future.
Comments
[February 25, 2008 4:49 PM]
LoriThis is great to hear - that Flat Rock is locally owned AND trying to source locally! My husband and I have been wanting to have a date night and I think we will have to treat ourselves!
[February 25, 2008 5:38 PM]
Tracey AndersonHey Lindsey,
Owner of Flat Rock Grille!!
I thank you for your Blog:)
We did take over May 2007
It has been a long haul to turn it around and a everyday challenge. But with quailty of food and service training...We CAN again make FRG number one again..I thank everyone that has had great experiences. Thank you!!!!
Tracey
[February 26, 2008 12:06 PM]
Amy Hanek : →http://www.houseonthegladehill.blogspot.comThis is great news - both about Flat Rock Grille and The Roanoker.
I should check the Flat Rock Grille again...
[February 26, 2008 4:52 PM]
RichI never ever EVER had a bad meal at Flat Rock. Tracey- you all do a wonderful job. Thanks for the good work.