Chance of trendoid invasion: 100%.
I've worked there for 4 years (which makes me pretty new) and my first shift under the new ownership was last Friday. We've all been holding on to a shred of optimism that things would stay largely the same -- though obviously there was room for *some* improvement -- but it's not looking good.
First, nighttime regulars should know that Mara wasn't welcomed back. Big minus there.
And they now have a "chef." And no longer serve pitchers. And are going to have a menu of "classic martinis" to honor the tavern's heritage. (Forget that martinis were never what the QH was all about.)
And this is a particularly loud warning of things to come: The outside sign? It's going to be replaced by a big silver "Q." Ugh!
There were a few regulars in last Friday...it was pretty slow because of xmas weekend...and no one was loving the changes. I'm sure most will try it a few times and then look for another comfortable, laid-back, cheap place to go.
Late-night was definitely a different crowd and vibe altogether -- the lights went down ridiculously low, while the jukebox (which mercifully hasn't been changed yet) was louder than ever. Liquor ensured the customers were loud and obnoxious. I can't imagine what it's going to be like when it's busy.
My take on it is, been there, done that, don't want to do it again. I worked there once a week for fun. It was the easiest restaurant job I've ever had, the regulars were all great (and I'm going to miss them terribly), there were never any problems, the food came out quickly and done to order, and the hours were short. (Now they're staying open regular bar hours, and I'm too old to handle that!)
I'm sure they'll be successful, but they're going to alienate a lot of people in the process. People who have been coming there since they were kids! It's still one step up from a chain, but the QH as everyone has known it is gone. Sad, sad, sad.
