Camille's enters the Big Apple

[dsjeffries]

quote:Camille's Sidewalk Café, a Tulsa-based franchisor of fast-casual, coastal inspired restaurants with over 1,000 cafes open or in development worldwide, has opened its first Camille's restaurant in Manhattan, New York.

The newest member of the Camille's franchise family is located at 142 East 43rd street between 3rd and Lexington Avenue in Manhattan. It's in a prime location situated just one block from Grand Central Station.

[Ibanez]

I find Camille's to be underwhelming. I just don't understand the popularity/hype.

[tulsascoot]

With the abundance of culinary delights in NYC, it's hard to imagine anyone going for mediocre deli food born in the mid west.

Unless they get a better executive chef, it will probably tank.

[AngieB]

I'm not a fan either. Maybe they will become the Frankoma Pottery of the deli world...  

"Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor."



[]

[BierGarten]

I went there a couple of weeks ago (Cherry Street location), bought a $7 sandwich, and could not believe how tiny the sandwich was.  It tasted good, but man, definitely left me wanting.  I will take my $7 somewhere else from now on.

[cannon_fodder]

I'm sorry that I have to agree.

I think it is a good for what it is, but over priced deli food that holds itself out to be sophisticated is not my thing.  That sounds like I don't like it... but it IS nice.  Just not my thing (I don't like Starbucks, Panera or the like either really) .

However, if they can sucker some New Yorkers in to forking over some cash and a few pennies trickles back to Tulsa... I'm a big fan.  Starbucks, Tulsa style (which of course includes food).

[T-Town Now]

I also do not understand Camille's attraction. The food is mediocre at best, the prices are too high for what you get, and their service leaves a lot to be desired.

The restaurants are attractive, but nothing really stands out that's memorable.

In short, there are many places right here in Tulsa (as well as in other parts of the country) that offer better food at lower prices, top notch service, and nicer decor.

There just isn't a reason to go to Camille's. I've eaten there a couple of times, and each time I thought that it just wasn't worth it. Lousy service at the counter especially stands out.

[Ibanez]

Their "Coney Beach" location in Bixby is the same. They have since lowered their prices, but the first time my wife and I went there it cost us $30 for 4 hot dogs and a 2 drinks.

Let me say that again....

$30 for 2 hot dogs each and 1 drink each.

[guido911]

quote:Originally posted by wavoka

Their "Coney Beach" location in Bixby is the same. They have since lowered their prices, but the first time my wife and I went there it cost us $30 for 4 hot dogs and a 2 drinks.

Let me say that again....

$30 for 2 hot dogs each and 1 drink each.

I had the same experience at that restaurant. I did not know Coney was affiliated with Camilles.

[HomeStyle]

quote:Originally posted by guido911

quote:Originally posted by wavoka

Their "Coney Beach" location in Bixby is the same. They have since lowered their prices, but the first time my wife and I went there it cost us $30 for 4 hot dogs and a 2 drinks.

Let me say that again....

$30 for 2 hot dogs each and 1 drink each.

I had the same experience at that restaurant. I did not know Coney was affiliated with Camilles.

Different owners, same accounting firm.

[TheArtist]

I have never eaten there personally. But, you know what I think the key to their success is? The name. "Camille's Sidewalk Cafe" You do have to admit it has a great ring and cache to it. Almost seems too obvious to be new, as if its a classic that has always existed. If they fail, it will be because of the food, because that name is a winner. You may not think that something as superficial as a name can really have such an effect, but it can. The logo and colors are right on target too. Perhaps its all a good example of "illusion over reality". Works for me, tis the basis of my business ya know.[]

[AngieB]

quote:Originally posted by HomeStyle

quote:Originally posted by guido911

quote:Originally posted by wavoka

Their "Coney Beach" location in Bixby is the same. They have since lowered their prices, but the first time my wife and I went there it cost us $30 for 4 hot dogs and a 2 drinks.

Let me say that again....

$30 for 2 hot dogs each and 1 drink each.

I had the same experience at that restaurant. I did not know Coney was affiliated with Camilles.

Different owners, same accounting firm.

No, same owners. Beautiful Brands International, formed by David and Camille Rutkauskas, is the parent company to Coney Beach, Fresh Berry and Camille's.

[guido911]

quote:Originally posted by TulsaMINI

quote:Originally posted by HomeStyle

quote:Originally posted by guido911

quote:Originally posted by wavoka

Their "Coney Beach" location in Bixby is the same. They have since lowered their prices, but the first time my wife and I went there it cost us $30 for 4 hot dogs and a 2 drinks.

Let me say that again....

$30 for 2 hot dogs each and 1 drink each.

I had the same experience at that restaurant. I did not know Coney was affiliated with Camilles.

Different owners, same accounting firm.

No, same owners. Beautiful Brands International, formed by David and Camille Rutkauskas, is the parent company to Coney Beach, Fresh Berry and Camille's.

Good information. I think a Fresh Berry is moving next door to that Coney in Bixby. Looks like I should probably avoid both that area (except for Papa Murphy's Pizza of course).

[joiei]

What is Fresh Berry?  I have never heard of it.  I don't get down south that much by choice and need.

[safetyguy]

quote:Originally posted by joiei

What is Fresh Berry?  I have never heard of it.  I don't get down south that much by choice and need.

http://www.freshberry.net/

It's frozen yogurt. From the looks of the website they make sundaes, popsicles, cones, etc. I personally have not tried, but hope to at some point. I don't know that its in the greatest location because of parking with Coney Beach, Papa Murphy's and Starbucks really close to each other.