Comments on: Ladder 15: Forealz’ Truffles, And A Turf War Of Epic Proportions

By: e

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 01:20:10 +0000

actually, max, i’m very impressed that you did respond and that you’re willing to listen and interact with the community. i’ll definitely drop in to check the place out for food and and beer a few times.

By: Max

Max — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:21:33 +0000

I noted very much that I highly appreciate the critic’s desire to see the restaurant succeed…Very, very much appreciate it. It was an extremely positive article in regards to Ladder 15. I was responding more to the repeated comments insisting that we are gonna drop all the local beers and creative menu to make way for the “brahs.” I was simply trying to state that we are proud of the menu and are not going to let it fall by the wayside. JG was being very cool and trying to communicate that we should stick to our guns and not let the pressure of restaurant ownership and critical review change who we are at heart. Again, much appreciation to the reviewer. I should not have responded on the thread in the first place as it was probably unprofessional, and will let the place speak for itself going forward.

By: Greg

Greg — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:18:33 +0000

wow- yeah, what oversight on my part, “J.G”. I’m really disappointed in myself for not picking that up….

By: CEF

CEF — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:02:53 +0000

Cheese, you sir, are on the money.

And this ‘food critic’ who doesn’t know how a restaurant is run happened to work in all facets of the restaurant biz from front of the house to kitchen to mgmt.

I stated I want the place to succeed and that luxury ingredients need loving attention and an audience.

The real JG is good friends of the Phood, and is too busy to be commenting on a blog.

By: cheesesteak the impaler

cheesesteak the impaler — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:46:56 +0000

I thought it was obvious who “J.G.” was pretending to be. What “J.G.” fails to acknowledge is the inconsistent “vision” being held by the proprietors here, as evinced in the review and the owners subsequent “customer relations” in this entry. The real J.G. is, in fact, a lot smarter than this guy.

By: Greg

Greg — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:42:49 +0000

JG- What restaurants do you own? Want to be sure to avoid them since you seem oh so annoyed with paying customers in this city. stay strong.

By: Kim B

Kim B — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 01:32:37 +0000

Hey Ladder 15 !!!

Great Job. Don’t listen to the all the haters out on the internet. It’s really easy to jump online and type a bad review. It’s a lot cooler when you hear from one of the owners though!. You obviously have the hottest place in Philadelphia ! Just make sure you keep that laid back atmosphere I felt when I was in there. The vibe is really cool and don’t let it get to your head. Just keep listening to the feedback on portions, etc..and do the right thing. You can’t make everyone happy but listen, adapt, adjust and the place will be there for a long time. Just keep it real and don’t forget the basics. Good service, good product, good times.

THANK YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By: J.G.

J.G. — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:38:05 +0000

Max- I just want to say that I admire your passion for your business. Just do not be fooled by these food critics whom do not really know the business at all (no offense) the problem with doing so is you are letting these people dictate how you are running your brand new business. You started this place with a plan, stay on that plan and do not let anyone tell you how to run your place. I am a very succesful restaurant owner in Philadelphia, and know how rough the fine people of this city can be. If you think you have a great idea let them come around and try you out for who you are, not what they are. that is all… ps I still have to come check you guys out but for now I will stick to running my places…
Good Luck, stay strong

By: Max

Max — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 05:37:47 +0000

Greg- I do hope that you’ll give us a shot. Regarding accessibility, we do not offer a late night menu, and our last seating is at 10p.m. daily. From that standpoint there is limited accessibility. Regarding the velvet rope, that was put in place our opening Friday in order to add character to the grand opening. Having a line at 9 just doesn’t seem realistic, however the point I was making about the upstairs refers to the fact that private parties and such will be upstairs and not packing the dining room, making the dining room easily accessible for diners. Aside from that, we are open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner and I do not think that there will be lines during the week. Our dress code was put into place to keep a professional clientele and is only in effect on weekend nights after dinner. Nice sneakers and such are allowed. I do see what you are saying, but like the article infers, it is possible to have a restaurant and a social gathering spot at the same time. Keep in mind that we are brand new and are constantly taking feedback to improve the experience for all of our customers. Such as E’s comment before yours, which inspired us to increase many of our small plate portion sizes beginning tomorrow night and add house made chips to our sandwiches. As with any new place, it takes time to perfect/improve different aspects of the establishment, and all we can do is listen, tweak things accordingly, and do the best we can to earn customers.

By: Greg

Greg — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:26:34 +0000

Max- regardless of an upstairs seating area- that does not solve the accessibility issues- As a local resident, who is a professional and often has to work until 8-9 at night, I want to be able to grab a beer and some good food in my neighborhood when I get home @ 10. So lets say I want to grab a bite @ Ladder 15 on a Friday night, or catch the Phils game when they’re out west, how can I when at that time of night I have to wait in line simply to get into the place behind a, god-forbid, velvet rope?

That’s not a restautant, thats a club.

Even once I get to the front of the line, I have to be sure that what I’m wearing is bouncer approved- so how again is this place accessible? Especially when I can walk another block and go to Good Dog or Misconduct or even Nodding Head?