midlife crisis wrote:I wonder how the Rhino feels about all this. On the one hand, it is no doubt increasing their patronage. On the other hand, all those new patrons are presumably taking up the tables and ordering nothing to eat. I recall C'est What faced the same issue when JK Wine Bar opened and had to start rationing tables to those who planned to order food.
survival of the fittest.
when we waited at the Rhino, we looked at their new menu.
sorry, but giving 1/3 of your menu the title "Food On A Stick" is not overly appetizing.
we ordered their dutch fries w/gravy to share. was kind of gross. mayonnaise and gravy don't go together well.
we were still hungry so we ordered something simple - think it was pita and guac and bean dip. the dips tasted like they were from a jar.
so unless i was starving or lazy, i have no reason to eat from the Rhino.
also, put it in perspective. the Rhino has 50ish tables? Grand Electric has eight. Grand Electric is full of hipsters and foodies. the Rhino was full, when i went, of jocks, a bachelorette party, a table of 15 nineteen year olds (including a guy drinking Smirnoff Ice) and some of Parkdale's less hip/afluent residents.
we're talking about 2 different audiences.
I'm driving from East York to go eat and drink at Grand Electric. I ain't driving across town to eat or drink at the Rhino. the only reason Rhino got my patronage was due to Grand Electric. so they're likely making money from GE, not losing.