Amtrak ups its food game for long-haul riders

(thinks of days when dining cars were like fine restaurants)   (shakes head sadly)  

Apparently the USA reporter didn't do sufficient research. I seem to recall that not that long ago, Amtrak "downgraded" the food service, and now that memories have faded, the current Amtrak management can make headlines over an "up-grade"? 

Some upgrade  

M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

(thinks of days when dining cars were like fine restaurants)   (shakes head sadly)  

We've ridden the Autotrain many times over the past 15 years. I can say that the quality of the food has slipped substantially over that time. Just another cost cutting measure by the bean counters.

Much like air travel, rail travel has become a means to a destination. Remember when you would see everyone dressed in their finest to board a plane.

Bob

We'll see.

What I don't understand is how chain restaurants like an Applebees or Outback or whatever can do food OK but Amtrak cannot/could not find something is at least palatable to a trainload of diners for a similar price?

Or why no chain restaurants or cafeteria foodservice providers are interested in taking on RR food service.  

Railroads may not have the ability or want to provide gourmet meals in the 21st century but can't they at least provide something equal to Saturday night out food?

Something just doesn't fit.

Rule292 posted:

What I don't understand is how chain restaurants like an Applebees or Outback or whatever can do food OK but Amtrak cannot/could not find something is at least palatable to a trainload of diners for a similar price?

Or why no chain restaurants or cafeteria foodservice providers are interested in taking on RR food service.  

Railroads may not have the ability or want to provide gourmet meals in the 21st century but can't they at least provide something equal to Saturday night out food?

Something just doesn't fit.

 

Just my opinions:

1) To my knowledge, Amtrak does NOT accept credit cards in their diners. Only cash, and as a result the "theft of funds" is pretty high.

2) The quality of the waitstaff is very spotty throughout the Amtrak system. Regardless of the complaints against certain poor quality staff, Amtrak doesn't seem to terminate them.

3) The current Amtrak management doesn't want the diners anyway.

4) The cases of "running out of food", especially when the train is delayed (which is fairly common on many of the long distance trains), are quite high.

Amtrak has it’s own Rewards Credit Card and you can use a credit card or debit card on any Amtrak Train.

Amtrak's Credit & Debit Card Policies

"On Amtrak cars, we offer a variety of carry-out style foods, including sandwiches, pizza, snacks, and beverages including liquor, wine and beer. ... Credit cards(MasterCard, American Express, Visa and Discover) and debit cards featuring a credit card logo are accepted for payment on all trains that offer food service".

Source: Amtrak

Remember: Keep looking for the hidden agenda.

Gary: Rail-fan

Amtrak certainly does accept credit cards in dining and café/lounge cars.  I get the feeling they prefer them to counting out change (though I don't understand why anybody has a problem with that). 

I guess this is an upgrade from airline crackers and soda.  

The "café" cars between NYC and Montreal take credit cards for sure …. I had cheeseburgers and Coors' both ways using my MC.

(Very pleasant trip, BTW …. the route, the passengers, and the staff)

“This contemporary style of service has been well received by customers......"

Well, perhaps by those used to eating out of vending machines. Certainly not by any sane person who's eaten in a proper dining car.

I have that credit card. I love it. 

Breezinup. I agree with you 100%.

You people that criticize Amtrak do you ever ride long distance Amtrak trains.  Because my experience is a whole lot better than your opinions. 

Clem 

CLEM K, You do know that I ride them very often.

I have always found Amtrak dining car food to be tasty and fresh.  And this has been based on several trips spanning years.  I had a filet on Acela First Class...and although its prepared like airline food...it too was good.  I just wish the cafe cars had higher quality options or even the hot meals to order...and it seems they are improving those menus a bit.  

A key factor hasn't yet beenm mentioned in this discussion.  As part of the most recent funding legislation, the  tax-cutting Congress  required that Amtrak break even on dining car service.  It is my understanding that that is the main reason for eliminating the kitchens in dining cars and preparing all meals in a commissary to be heated on board.  It's the cheapest possible way of providing food service.

I had been thinking about a transcontinental trip on Amtrak, but if I can get eggs cooked to order for breakfast, or a freshly made salad for dinner, I'm not sure I want to do any long distance travel on Amtrak.  I'll save my money and maybe have enough to travel on the Canadian.  

mlaughlinnyc posted:

A key factor hasn't yet beenm mentioned in this discussion.  As part of the most recent funding legislation, the  tax-cutting Congress  required that Amtrak break even on dining car service.  It is my understanding that that is the main reason for eliminating the kitchens in dining cars and preparing all meals in a commissary to be heated on board.  It's the cheapest possible way of providing food service.

I had been thinking about a transcontinental trip on Amtrak, but if I can get eggs cooked to order for breakfast, or a freshly made salad for dinner, I'm not sure I want to do any long distance travel on Amtrak.  I'll save my money and maybe have enough to travel on the Canadian.  

 

I'm not sure how this is any different than any other cafeteria-type setting, whether a hotel, corporate office or a hospital.

They can't give the food away, there has to be some type of acceptable profit/loss ratio. 

Hotel restaurants are often filled at O scale meets with people buying overpriced (but good) food.

Why can't Amtrak make a go at it?

Perhaps they just don't have it in their gut the way the Fred Harveys did in the days gone by.

"Amtrak:  We've upped our food game, now UP YOURS!"  

Mitch