Quaker Steak and Lube

Sounds good to me, however I must say, the chain versions of Quaker Steak and Lube are not a good as the original in Sharon PA.

I've been to the one in Sharon, PA, and have made a number of visits to the QS&L just down the road from OGR HQ.  I found both to be okay, but nothing outstanding.  Really not all that different from Fridays in terms of menu variety and pricing.

However, I didn't find either QS&L I visited to be very well set up for handling a group/party type of function.

That's the issue Allan......I want to talk to someone and see what's available......or better yet, if they're going to be open at all by then.....

I emailed the corporate headquarters.

Peter

I have been to those two and about 6 others. They don't seem to follow a formula for layout. Most have more than one eating area some as many as 4 or 5 of varying sizes. I guess we will have to wait how they do the one at York. I agree the food is just OK, no better or worse than Fridays.

Pete

Another thing to keep in mind:

It's ALWAYS a bit risky to dine at an establishment that has been only recently opened.  Not a terribly good idea at all.

Your right Allan, it takes a month or two to get it right.

As long as the food is edible, the key is the layout.

I don't think they can ruin beer.........

i'll report back if I get a response. We have 3 months to come up with something.

Peter

Peter, only 89 day's till York week.

I drove near there today and it certainly looks like they're working on it.  I haven't heard anything so I think Peter is on the right track by emailing the company directly. 

If the new place won't be open in time, the only other suggestion I could make is the Stone Grille & Taphouse, which is immediately off Queen Street on St. Charles Way. Even with traffic and lights it shouldn't be more than a 10/15 minute drive from the fairgrounds.  I was in there a couple of weeks ago and I think the layout would certainly work for you guys.  There are booths around the sides, but tables in the middle so it's very open and conducive for socializing.  The food and service were both pretty good in my opinion.  And, yes, they have many beers from which to choose.

Some drawbacks: the parking lot is not very big and I don't know if they could handle a hundred or so crazed model railroaders coming in all at once.  The phone number is on the website if someone wants to call and find out more.

Incidentally, there is a new Hampton Inn being constructed on the other side of Queen Street on Pauline Drive.  Again, I don't know when that will open.  At the rate they're building, I would think it would certainly be open in time for October.

So, that's what I know.  I'm not saying this would be the best alternative, but just another option to consider.

I'd like to see a map where these are.."Kenneth Rd."?..since I am often hunting for a

new and different restaurant in that area...(and know I have missed some away from

the U.S. 30 main drag)

1411 Kenneth Rd is the address of the now-closed TGI Friday's.

Interesting option, Zeke.......we'll have to weigh in on everything as we get closer.

Peter

I wonder how many truly care how good the "food fare" is, as long as it's half-decent, at a gathering like this where the 'gathering' part is THE reason to have it, not the eating part.

But then I'm biased because I'm not a big eater and don't really care about what is offered.  But still, a question that I was thinking about.

- walt