Sparky H.
Yelp
Concept: Genius. Execution: Cluster****.
After walking by this place several times, I finally tried it. It wasn't what I expected. The front of the house was unstaffed and automated. You order at a computer kiosk. You have to enter your cell phone number so they can text you when your order is ready. Also, a screen shows your name and whether your order is "In Progress" or "Ready." Once your order is ready, you scan a QR code on your receipt, and a locker with your food in it opens up.
Fun! Right? I ordered my food, sat down, and waited. And waited. And waited. I got pretty sick and tired of seeing my order "In Progress."
After more than 40 minutes, I heard someone call my first name. It was an actual live employee. I went up to her, and she said my order was ready. I pointed out that the screen still said, "In Progress." She waved my barcode under the scanner anyway. She got an error message. She waved it two more times, and on the last try, a locker opened up and my food was in it. Nevertheless, the screen still said, "In Progress."
Was the food worth the wait? Alas, no. It was room temperature. The portions were small. The chicken dumplings in broth tasted pretty good, I must admit. However, the edamame were too salty and looked burnt (see photo), and the lo mein had no flavor whatsoever.
Finally, 58 minutes after I ordered -- when I was almost done eating -- I got a text saying my order was ready. (See screenshot). Thanks a ton, guys!
P.S. In response to the owner: I ordered under my real name; "Sparky" is a nickname. If he really wants to investigate, my order number is shown in the screenshot.