The Rockford on Glenwood South Reopens

Jon
06/23 05:36 PM

excellent

Hollis
06/23 05:40 PM

Where’s the outdoor patio going to be? Or do you mean just the sidewalk? Did I miss a whole outdoor space upstairs??

Will
06/23 05:52 PM

More vegan options plz.

roi
06/23 06:05 PM

The outside area could be upstairs.  The staff used to go outside and smoke in a small area just off (to the left of) the bar.
This is good news and I hope some of the wait/bar staff are rehired.

OMC
06/23 06:44 PM

Will, come to Seattle for that mess!

omnivore
06/23 06:49 PM

I for one hope for more meat options.

Mr. Waiter
06/23 11:39 PM

What’s up with people always asking about the waitstaff when a post is made about this place? I think it is safe to assume the staff have moved on and found other jobs. Does anybody really think they have been sitting around for months waiting to be rehired?

tonystarks
06/24 01:09 AM

Went today and was pleased with a much more engaged and pleasant wait staff. Disappointed with an ABC that was not up to par. Granted that is probably the hardest sandwich to make on their menu, but it is/was my favorite. It was okay (definitely not bad), but there was no powdered sugar (essential) and the sandwich as a whole just didn’t come together (apples cut too thick, cheese not melted). Not thrilled, but I still have hope. Much better than other lunch options in the area. I’ll be back.

vbbell
06/24 08:09 AM

We were the first customers back and we were thrilled with the new owner and friendly new waitstaff.  Food is excellent as ever…practically the same Rockford that we know and love.  No visible changes except the new tiny balcony.  Good luck to the new owner and we will be back regularly to support.

Harry Seaward
06/24 09:39 AM

they should call it the Bud Light Rockford

sally
06/24 10:44 AM

tonysparks is right on. They’ll be judged first and foremost on the quality of the ABC.

Dan from Detroit
06/24 10:58 AM

I will withhold judgment until I sample the reborn Cubano… I plan on sampling lunch there today solo & tomorrow w/the wife.  Still very good news for those who forgo dragon shirts on a Friday night.

stephoney
06/24 11:52 AM

Woop woop!  Yay for bringing back the same place!  Of course things will be a tad different with new staff and owners but the fact that they wanted to keep it as close to the original as possible makes me soooo happy!

Jess
06/24 02:31 PM

i went Monday night…it was delish. ;o)

Chris
06/24 02:47 PM

I had a great crab cake sandwich Tuesday!

C
06/24 03:57 PM

Fish tacos were excellent and the staff was very friendly.  The little patio out back looks nice, and they said the canopy should be up sometime this week.

J
06/24 09:40 PM

Went tonight, excited to see the ol’ place. Some loud paint on the front down that kind of had me worried as I walked in that might nice little hidden jewel had be resurrected as a commercial pie whole.  I tried to stay calm; got up the stairs and it looked the same old place.  So far, so good.

Next test, the Bloody Mary.  They had the best Bloody Mary made with citron vodka, some extra lemon lime magic going on, with big ol’ pepper corn flakes - I’d wake up in the the middle of the night like I just had coffee it was so sobering. Turns out, a slight miss.  Close, but not the bull’s eye.  Drinks are tough thought, and it was pretty close.  This wasn’t enough for me to throw in the towel.  I’d wait for the big guns, the ABC, to make the ultimate call of if the Rockford had indeed risen again. 

And…not worth it.  ABC was the signature and its long gone.  This was no slight miss, this was terrible.  No French toast, no powered sugar and burnt.  Someone already commented, but I had to throw my 2 cents in, this was so bad you could say anything to them about it - you just felt bad.  It was nothing like the little gem I found a few years ago.  The one that I’d include when braging to anyone that lived in any other city how great our food was in Raleigh.

Their best side… potato salad - I mean I’d dream about this stuff mowing the yard on 100 degree days it was so refreshing - no more.  Gone. More like stewed potatoes in sour cream. 

It was so bad, it’s like I lost her all over again.  Could have been a little dust on the griddle, maybe; but without the Angus and Brie I’m not sure there’s much of a chance for the ABC and potato salad to make up for what just happened.  She may not ever be able to be trusted again, ever. 

Man, this hurts.

J (again - proofread)
06/24 09:49 PM

Went tonight, excited to see the ol’ place. Some loud paint on the front down that kind of had me worried as I walked in that my nice little hidden jewel had been resurrected as a commercial pie whole.  I tried to stay calm; got up the stairs and it looked the same old place. 

So far, so good.

Next test, the Bloody Mary.  She had the best Bloody Mary. Made with citron vodka, some extra lemon lime magic going on, with big ol’ pepper corn flakes - I’d wake up in the the middle of the night unable to go back to sleep, just like I had a cup of coffee it was so sobering.

Turns out, a slight miss.  Close, but not the bull’s eye.  Drinks are tough though, and it was pretty close.  This wasn’t enough for me to throw in the towel.  I’d wait for the big guns, the ABC, to make the ultimate call of if the Rockford had indeed risen again. 

And…not worth it.  ABC was the signature and its long gone.  This was no slight miss, this was terrible.  No French toast, no powered sugar and burnt.  Someone already commented on this; but I had to throw my 2 cents in, this was so bad you couldn’t say anything to them about it - you just felt bad for them. 

It was nothing like the little gem I found a few years ago.  The one that I’d include when bragging to anyone that lived in any other city how great our food was in Raleigh.

Their best side… the potato salad - I mean I’d dream about this stuff mowing the yard on 100 degree days it was so refreshing…no more.  Gone. More like stewed potatoes in sour cream. 

It was so bad, it’s like I lost her all over again.  I’m trying to tell myself it could have been a little dust on the griddle.  But without the Angus and Brie, I’m not sure there’s much of a chance for the ABC and potato salad to make up for what just happened.  The place may not ever be able to be trusted again, ever. 

Man, this hurts so bad.

roi
06/25 09:26 AM

Mr. Waiter see J’s comments on 6/24.  That is the reason I mentioned that it would be good to employ some of the previous employees….like those in the kitchen who creates the ABC,potato salad etc. or the Bloody Mary.

JT
06/25 10:37 AM

I had the prosciutto chicken sandwich.  Was mediocre at best. 

Chicken was hella dry like the internal temp must have hit above 200F at some point then left out in the sun for days.  It also tasted very much like the Harris Teeter Rotisserie chicken. (Could explain the dryness).

I may try again.  The soup was good.

The Rockford
06/25 10:42 AM

Sorry guys:( This is obviously a new beginning for everyone involved. We will strive to do the best we can. As for hiring the old staff back, no one has expressed interest in coming back. It will take some time but we will get it right. Thanks for stopping by.

Rock Ford
06/25 10:49 AM

I for one will give them some cred for trying to minimize change in the place.  Is it the same?...  No.  New staff, slightly different menu, and some startup/quality issues.  Hopefully they are listening to forums like this for feedback.  I get the impression that they are really trying, just not quite there yet.

They don’t yet have the daily specials on the menu, which was the first thing that made it feel different (besides the sign on the door).  But if felt pleasantly familiar.  Hopefully they are focusing on the basics now, and will continue to improve. 

I am sure that some of the issues are primarily due to changing food vendors.  I would be surprised if they are using the same suppliers.  The rest of the issue seems to be a completely new staff - including the kitchen.  I personally hope that they continue to improve, listen to feedback, and keep a good thing going.

allie
06/25 11:52 AM

When I went, I had the focaccia sandwich and I thought it was actually pretty good? I will agree that the side items were not the exact same but I give these guys so much credit for trying and for having this thing up and running in such a short time period. It’s incredible. And I’m still very happy and excited that the resurrection even happened in the first place! It couldn’t have been easy.
So, thank you kind fellows.

Oh, plus, they hired that darling super attractive Seth Wilson. And with service like that, you just can’t go wrong.

mmc
06/25 12:27 PM

I haven’t been to the new Rockford yet, but I’ll definitely be trying it out. Essentially, it is a new restaurant, and with that comes the usual bugs that have to be worked out.

From the fact that someone actually responded, I’d say that reviews like J’s sincere review are beneficial and are being heard. Bitching and whining with nothing thoughtful to back it up aren’t going to get anyone anywhere though. I hope the folks on here find something new to bitch about soon. I feel pretty certain they will…

I’m with Allie - thank you to the guys who have worked hard to keep one of our institutions alive the best they can. I’ll be stopping up to see what’s going on and hoping they are able to pull this one out!

dwntwnrite
06/25 04:13 PM

When you walk in, it feels like the old Rock, but as soon as the waitress tells you that she is “going to take care of you” (lingo that bad chain restaurants and cheasy upscale restaurants make their waitstaff say)- you know the experience isn’t going to be the same.  The mission style burrito was a major disappointment. The prices seem a little higher.
The cold tortilla was so big it wrapped around 3 times so you mostly get layers of tortilla.  And the beans and rice had a strange taste. The old Rockford put the burrito in the oven to heat the tortilla a make it slightly crispy in places.  If they can’t make the food the same, they need to change the name and stop acting like the Rock. I won’t be going back.

reenz
06/25 04:18 PM

I got the eggplant sandwich, with was surprisingly delicious (dare I say better than before??). The absence of the black bean burger was a huge let down. And I also noticed the “I’m so and so and I’ll be your server”... which is friendly enough, but just kind of weird. At least the art on the walls is the same!

C
06/25 04:36 PM

What a bunch of whiny little bitches.  Just stay your mopey asses at home.  The fucking waitress greeted you wrong?  Jesus Christ.

JT
06/25 04:41 PM

@C

Most of the people here have given very descriptive feedback as to what’s wrong.  That should be helpful rather than hurtful.

CF
06/25 06:00 PM

They have lame chairs, I won’t eat there.

NOTAPOSER
06/25 08:10 PM

The loud sign you all are referring to is the ORIGINAL that wore out over sixteen years.

Sea Bass
06/25 09:49 PM

I JUST SAW A NEW EMPLOYEE!!! HER NAME WAS LILLY ZOMG!!!!!!!!!

TripAdvisor
06/25 09:50 PM

I was going to go but it was raining and I had diarrhea. 
 
0 stars.  Would not recommend.

Mick1907
06/25 10:15 PM

Trip Advisor and CF- Two thumbs up!  Needed that laugh.  Thanks!

GusselGanyon
06/26 09:00 PM

I never went to eat at the old Rockford, but it was always our go-to late at night for a few beers to cap the night. I was happy to see the same layout, artwork and feel. I also enjoyed the new little patio in the back. That’s a real plus, especially for smokers.

The old bartenders were the best in Raleigh. Rob and Cheetie fit the Rockford perfectly. Their music choice was on point and I rarely heard a band or song I was familiar with, but I always loved it. They made great drinks and even better conversation. The new bartender (didn’t catch his name) was cool and seemed friendly…but no one is going to replace the Rockford’s old famous duo.

The one knock was the $3 PBRs. I know it’s only a dollar more, but the $2 PBR bottles are what got us in there on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. On Friday and Saturdays we’d make up for it with New Castles and whatever else was on tap, but if they want to establish their regulars, they’ll have to find some way to be a little more resonable with their beer prices. There’s a lot of competition these days in Raleigh.

Overall, it seems if they fix the ABC ordeal and will come down a buck on those PBRs then they’ll be able to establish their strong, loyal following once again.

Raleigh Boy
06/26 11:47 PM

Went there Friday evening for dinner. My first time back, and they were just fine. Didn’t notice anything really different. And our server didn’t greet us with ‘hi my name is..’ Ordered an old fave of mine—canollini bean spread with havarti and tomatoes on grilled whole wheat.When I got my check, my vodka martini was gratis on account of a mixup at the bar.Can’t beat that for customer service! Got really crowded by 8 o’clock. Just like the ‘old days.’ All in all—a very positive experince!

roi
06/27 11:26 AM

I agree with GusselCanyon.  Same here went there as one of my last stops and found the bar tenders (Rob and Bernard) to be friendly.  And they need to reduce the PBR pice to $2.  I liked the redneck on vacation….PBR with lime.

word
06/27 01:32 PM

They now server the pbrs in 16 oz cans. Hence the price raise….

Dan from Detroit
06/28 09:37 AM

wow Pfah - how every cryptic… it’s like you’re the Dan Brown of newraleigh.

word is bond
06/28 10:04 AM

The Rockford closed down because it was not making any money and all you guys can talk about are the old employees, lowering the prices, and how it’s “just not the same”. I have been in Raleigh all of my life and the inconsistencies and nuances of the Rockford were the things that I loved the most. Hell, the service was never good and the food it was like playing the lottery. But I always seemed to come back and knock down a few, look out the windows and for few minutes or hours I would imagine I was in a different place unlike anything else in this dry ass government town. Why can’t you all just be happy that someone was willing to throw their money at a failing business so the community can have something back that belongs to them. Instead of crying…show up with your damn wallets open, help them along, support them, and create a new Rockford for yourselves.

JeffC
06/28 10:34 AM

“there’s a VERY good reason that the original staff want nothing to do with the ‘new’ Rockford. “

Uhhh…the new owners want to break even?  How very gauche…

2Hot2Handle
06/28 11:32 AM

People that complain about the people who are complaining are even worse than the people who are complaining.

Do they still do $3 for all draft beer???

THAT was my favorite thing about the Old Rockford.

It would be funny if someone started a restaurant somewhere else called The Old Rockford. I would laugh anyway.

arthurb3
06/28 11:50 AM

I don’t normally brave the yuppies of Glenwood South or the pain in rear parking but now with all the fuss I will have to give The Rockford a try.

Otherwise, Glenwood South, is boring.

Brian
06/28 12:10 PM

—“there’s a VERY good reason that the original staff want nothing to do with the ‘new’ Rockford. “
Uhhh…the new owners want to break even?  How very gauche…—

I was going to say because ABCs are a bitch to make and the new owners wouldn’t see applicants without resumes, but blaming the staff for slow business seems fair enough.

Wait, what?

Svana
06/28 04:27 PM

The new Rock was fine after an initial visit. Good food, friendly people, same decor, etc. One complaint. The music. Astounding that so many restaurants fail to get this component of the dining experience. The original staff played music they and many patrons cared about - Bowie, Iggy Pop, the Beatles, sure, why not. Now it’s satellite radio (with an announcer..). What might have been the soundtrack to Dawson’s Creek turned out to be the soundtrack to Twilight. Dreadful. Catering to the new Miami Beach aesthetic of Gloso. At least, however, there are no televisions. Otherwise, I wish them well and will be back.

Alba
06/28 04:46 PM

It’s a challenge to follow in anyone’s footsteps, not the least of which, a beloved hole.  Thank you New Rockford for giving it a go.  I plan to, as ‘word of bond’ so eloquantly put, show up with my wallet open and help create a new Rockford. 

Since the community wanted it back, shouldn’t the community take part in shaping it?  Productive feedback.. and patronage.. for example.  For those who care, see you there!

J
06/28 05:37 PM

@Alba, right on! @The Rockford.  I’m a lifer.  Love the place and I will be back many many times.  I hope that my feedback was just that - feedback.  You guys really are doing a great thing here, I’m totally excited and glad you’re back.  You rock!

Cool
06/28 07:02 PM

they should rename this place ROCK HARD and have Fucked up play there!

The Rockford
06/28 10:36 PM

Svana! They sold us a broken cd changer.

K
06/29 03:56 AM

Even though the OLD Rockford staff was NOT asked back, a group went up to check it out. No one working seemed to know who they were. They did not recognize any new employees as regulars from before. I have been warned that for the old staff, it is weird. They even have our pets photos still up on the bar mirror.
I hesitate to check it out after spending 7 years thinking of that place as a second home, a safe zone and a venue for what really was and remains to be a family.

John
06/29 12:42 PM

We ate there last Friday night. I like that they painted their name on the front door. It was a pain in the butt before to direct friends there who had never been and it seemed cliche that the old Rockford didn’t have their name on the door. I never liked the ABC so didn’t order it this time. Wife had one of the salads and I had the turkey bacon something sandwich with potato salad. No complaints on the food because my standards were always low for this place’s food. It’s the atmosphere and the attitude that made it great in my opinion. Our server was much more pleasant and timely than any server was before. I always hated how slow the service was there before. One complaint, I ordered a Big Boss Blanco Diablo and was served a Highland Gaelic Ale instead. The server even called it a Blanco Diablo when he brought it to me and than served 3 Blanco Diablos to the table next to me that were also the same color as Highland Gaelic Ale. I assume the bartender and that server just didn’t realize the difference. I drank it because I like both beers equally. I will go back again - but my one request, make the portions bigger - I always leave still hungry.

mark
06/29 02:41 PM

Rockford…. yessss!

Brian
06/29 07:00 PM

“Svana! They sold us a broken cd changer.”

So it’s the old staff’s fault that you can plug in satellite radio but not an iPod?  I can’t recall any employee playing a CD there in years; it was always an iPod.  There’s no excuse for having an announcer over music in a restaurant setting.  Even Pandora circumvents that problem.

The thing that troubles me about this new Rockford is that the new owners have taken a failing business, raised prices (perfectly understandable), and lowered quality (it’s not an ABC if it’s not on french toast).  Things must change to make money, of course, but many people who loved the old Rockford will stop going if there are differences to their favorite dishes, and if the place is “the same as before,” it’s not going to draw new clientele.

oakcity
06/30 03:01 PM

the old rockford is gone. things change.

get over it.

mgd
07/01 05:12 PM

Same crappy service.  Fish tacos were pretty good.  But Im still confused by the bar stools.  Are you suppose to dry hump the triangle or sit on the broad side???

Chico
07/09 08:38 AM

Haven’t been to the new place yet, but I would never compare the new staff to the awesome staff that was there before. For years it was the only place I would eat on Glenwood (until Globe came along). Sad to see the old Rockford go - but happy to be working with Dani Nation and Chris Plankers. Plus, now Flash is in my neighborhood. I heart silver linings.

Lee
07/19 06:09 PM

Love the Rockford more now than before. Waitstaff is much nicer… the lazy rude staff that worked there before is a reason why many of my friends and I stopped going. Every business has to raise prices according to their costs so i have no problem paying more for my food. I plan on supporting the new owners and their efforts. Congrats on reopening a failing restaurant in this economy.

C
07/19 06:44 PM

I’ve been a fan forever and quite frankly- the new deal seems like a fresher version of the old deal….don’t get me wrong- I loved the old crew, food and everything…. But everything has to evolve at some point.
Yeah some of the items aren’t quite the same- but you can’t fault the new crew for bring new- the food still tastes great and the new Mac and cheese w bacon bits and crispy onion freakin rocks!!!!!! Kudos! Keep up the good -new energy….thanks for reopening!

Jenn
07/21 02:05 PM

I have not been yet as I just read it has re-opened and was so excited!  Less excited after reading the reviews, but hopeful that the new owners will read these and take action to resolve these issues.  I hope they did not raise the prices too high as that was one of the reasons that we went OFTEN - it was one of the few very afforable and delicious places to eat on Glenwood South.  I hope my favorites are still on the menu and that they can learn to master the mashed potatoes and that they bring in polenta too!

Frank Boeler
07/21 02:28 PM

Honestly, the new menu at Helios is SO much better.  Not to say that The Rock is bad, I do enjoy their food, but if you are looking for a fantastic and affordable sandwich, Helios has them beat.

mgd
07/21 02:56 PM

Helios is pretty tasty but watch out they can go a little salt crazy.

David
07/21 05:45 PM

A number of comments, by what appeared on the surface to be multiple people, have been removed from this post because they violated our comment policy:

1) Almost every negative comment came from one user who was impersonating many different users by using different names. Some of these comments could be interpreted as slander.
2) Obscenities were used. 
3) These policies were violated multiple times. 

We welcome user input, but we always reserve to remove comments that we feel violate our policies or put us at legal jeopardy. 

Thank you for understanding.
-Editors of New Raleigh

Rebecca
07/26 12:47 PM

I’m going to try it out.  I and my officemates were very disappointed when it closed.  I do hope they get the ABC back though - it was definitely my favorite!  I’ve gotta admit…I sort of liked that there was no sign outside…I just told people to go to to 320 1/2!  Best of luck to the new owners.