Comments on: Founders lacks right recipe for food

By: Jeff

Jeff — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:26:47 +0000

Why not go to a bowling alley next and review their food? I mean, I understand it’s a bowling alley…but can’t they have good food too? The point is, you go to Founders for one thing…the beer. And in my opinion it’s some of the best beer around. Having any food available is just a bonus.

By: Tom

Tom — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:00:33 +0000

your gripe is that your sub was good, but messy? You ordered a MEATBALL SUB!

“excuse me, waiter, this beer I ordered appears to be bitter and taste like hops. Expect a scathing review.”

And it’s because of people like your friend that most places are afraid to make any of their dishes spicy. A little heat and they whine and moan about it, so management makes everything bland.

Considering that Founders is not a restaurant, I think their sandwiches and appetizers are pretty creative and tasty.

By: JoelFalz

JoelFalz — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 07:23:51 +0000

I agree that lack of sides (chips, fries) makes the pricing on Founder’s sandwiches steep. That said, I’ve been impressed with every sandwich I’ve ever had there. I think it’s completely unfair to compare Founders to any other restaurant in Grand Rapids in terms of service and selection…because its not a restaurant. Founders is a brewery focused on bringing phenomenal beer to the masses, and they do so better than any establishment in Michigan. If you’d shown up after 6pm on any Monday evening your “expectations” would have been absolutely destroyed, and you’d know what the place is really about.

By: Pete

Pete — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:05:39 +0000

I tend to agree. I was disappointed standing in line at the window, realizing all I had to choose from were sandwiches. But as far as sandwiches go, it was tasty. And…the beer is fantastic, which is why I was there in the first place. With beer like that, you can overlook the lacking food menu.

By: Clay Maker

Clay Maker — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:12:01 +0000

I love going to Founders, Ive consumed nearly every sandwich there, and am generally impressed with the quality. That said, I’m willing but not thrilled pay the $10 a meal and I agree that chips or a side should come with. The last few subs Ive ordered have featured bread that was not fresh that day, which is OK unless you’re accustomed to it being the other way. The staff is my favorite in town, and make every experience memorable. Initially 4.0, now 3.5.

By: Tom

Tom — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:19:51 +0000

I agree with this review, though I may have awarded it three stars instead of two. I can’t believe so many people are saying that Founders has some of the best sandwiches in town! Founders can’t begin to compete with places like Schnitz Deli and Cherry Deli. I also agree with the people who have noted that Founders is primarily a brewery. The author hit this point a few times in his review as well. Even so, if a place serves food and a customer pays for it, there’s no reason he or she can’t expect it to be good.

Joey, I’ve had Red’s Rye at Founders. It’s spicier than most people would imagine it to be (even in light of the capicolla and chipotle mayo). Also, every dining experience entails expectations and every review is biased.

By: Chris

Chris — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:09:09 +0000

Completely disagree with this review as far as food quality goes.
In my opinion Founders has some of the best deli sandwiches in town.
That said, it’s all about expectations. Having been there, I expect great beer and good, unique deli sandwiches, not burgers and fries I can get at most any bar. I agree service can be an issue. Drink service is often hit or miss, based on how busy they are and who your server happens to be.

Joey, I wouldn’t read any review and expect it to be unbiased. That kind of defeats the purpose of writing a review.

By: Joey

Joey — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 03:42:57 +0000

Founders has great grub, and certainly doesn’t advertise itself as anything but a deli, offering a menu comprised of unique sandwiches and a few appetizers. If you came in expecting burgers and fries, then you obviously didn’t intend on being impressed or come with any pretext about the place at all. And you thought the Red’s Rye Sandwich was too spicy? What did you expect, when the ingredients include ‘capicolla’ (a spicy ham) and ‘chipotle mayo’? Perhaps next time you review an establishment, you should leave your ‘expectations’ at the door and come in with an open mind, especially if your intention is to deliver an unbiased review. Either that or stick to burger and pizza joints.

By: Christie

Christie — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 02:00:15 +0000

I totally agree with the review. It would almost be more appropriate if they didn’t serve food at all.

By: Ron H.

Ron H. — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 04:31:29 +0000

I thought Founder’s was smoke-free at their new location. Am I wrong? There was no smoke when I was last there…