I think that everyone who has lived in Oklahoma for more than three years has some interesting and odd story about a visit to Braum’s. Here are mine:
The “Fresh” Burger:
This is actually a second hand story, but it’s still great. One time, a friend went through a Braum’s drive-thru and ordered a cheeseburger combo meal. After confirming the order, the drive-thru operator asked, “Would you like that to be a fresh burger?”My friend asked, “As opposed to what?”
“Ohh, someone just placed the same order about 10 minutes ago and couldn’t pay for it, so we have that burger ready to go. Or we can just make a fresh burger.”
“Uhm…I think I’ll take the fresh burger.”
Refried French Fries!
A couple of years ago, my grandpa and I stopped by Braum’s for lunch. When I got my order, the French fries were cold. I took them back to the front and asked for some new fries. I then watched the employee take my French fries and dump them in the fryer for about 30 seconds. He then shook them off, resalted them, put them in a new box, and gave them back. That was my first (and last) time to ever knowingly eat refried French fries.
As I wrote above, I think most every Oklahoman has a classic tale about a Braum’s experience. And most of these tales have to do with poor, slow or awkward service. That’s why I chuckled when I read this blurb from Saturday’s Oklahoman:
Work is well under way on the first of the next generation of Braum’s stores at 800 E Lindsey in Norman. It will replace the Braum’s at 1320 E Lindsey, built 28 years ago, and should be complete by the end of July, spokeswoman Andie Schwab said.
It’s “model W,” the 29th different design of store since the first Braum’s opened in Oklahoma City in 1968. Some models were tweaked, not overhauled, hence more models than letters from A to W.
Listen. I love the food at Braum’s more than anyone. Where else can you buy a malt, 1/2 pound cheeseburger and a pan of frozen lasagna at the same time? But expanding a “new generation” of stores should be the lowest low on their list of priorities. Instead, they should focus on other “new generation” things…things like “improving customer service” or “getting your order right at least half the time” or even “firing the guy who stands around and does nothing.”
If they don’t address these issues, I may actually stop eating at Braum’s. Of course that will never happen, but it seems like a good threat to end this post with.
(p.s.- Please share your funny Braum’s experiences in the comments. I know you’ve had one!)
My goodness, it’s almost as if this web site was made just for me. Wait. I helped make this web site. But still. As my friends can attest, I comment maybe once a month on how much I think Braum’s customer service sucks. But yes, the product is good!
Strangely, however, I am having a difficult time coming up with an instance of historically crappy customer service that is worthy of comment here. I’ve just had generally crappy service over a long period of time.
If crappy Braum’s customer service received was like the Baseball Hall of Fame, the “Fresh Burger” guy would have a very good peak, but I think I may have a better career record. Also, is there any way we can make this comment box a bit bigger?
Also, does anyone else play the game “Spot the Braum’s?” I can walk into any restaurant and know immediately whether or not it used to be a Braum’s. For instance, the Chelino’s in Edmond at 15th and Boulevard? That is so obviously a former Braum’s it’s not even funny. This can also easily be done with Taco Bell and Long John Silvers, however those are not local businesses so we won’t discuss that.
I just got all worked up writting a very upsetting story about Braum’s went to post it and was told that I forgot my e-mail and when I went back all of my beautiful writting was gone, I must go back to work now but the staff at TheLostOgle.com should see about fixing that, its the second time its happened to me (fool me once shame on you, fool me twice write a comment.) I will share my Braum’s experiance later.
Matador- I would suggest hitting the register link and creating a profile.
I love the way you can eat an entire ice cream cone while you wait on someone to make their way to the cash register and ring up your purchase.
I ordered a shake at about 10 at night at Braums. I was the only car or person at this store.
After waiting about 5 or 6 minutes a red eyed teenager comes to the window and tells me to pull forward and it will be right out.
When the shake finally came the kid handed it to me and there were two cups stuck together. I asked him if there were a leak or something. So he takes the shake back inside for another 5 minutes or so.
I got a good laugh out of it. It must be hard to make a shake when your high as a kite.
I just got some ice cream at the new Braum’s in Norman last Sunday. Great new building, and they even have flat screen tv’s everywhere and a much nicer grocery area. Still took forever to get my change at the register…
A few years ago I went into the Braum’s on NW 23rd and Meridan. Once I reached the counter to order the confused woman behind the counter says “I can’t take your order sir because no one here knows how to run the cash register”. I have never been more stunned in my life.
I WORK AT BRAUMS THE NEW ONE IN NORMAN!! I LOVE IT!! SO COME SEE US WE ARE ALWAYS SMILING
Not so funny but my mom bit into a wire in one of their burgers about 10 years ago. The wire chipped a tooth and cut up her gums. I am still angry with her for not suing the pants off Mr. Braums, allowing me live a lavish Mathis Brothers-type lifestyle.
Oh and I forgot my favorite. My roommate and I were driving like we were on fire from Dallas to Stillwater in hopes of making it there before kickoff. Starving, we swerved through the Ardmore Braums and ordered two burger meals. When I opened mine and took a bite, I found the burger was missing the meat. My roommate lauged, bit into his burger and then started cussing. They had shorted us two patties. I grabbed the receipt and called them. I told them that I would be coming by tomorrow and wanted a refund or replacement. When I came by and spoke to the manager, she said “Oh, that must have been Billy.” I was a little surprised. If “Billy” regularly forgets to put meat on the burgers perhaps “Billy” should be pushing a mop instead of manning the grill.
A couple of times while placing an order inside, I’ve said “this order is to go. I want so-and-so and such-and-such.” When I was done, the order-taker asked me, “is your order to go or is it for here?” Are we dealing with morons?
Another time: I ordered a carmel shake with a hamburger. The order-taker said, “we can’t make carmel shakes.” I said, “why not? You have vanilla ice cream, white milk, and carmel sauce, don’t you? You make carmel sundaes, right?” Ignoring the order-taker’s plea of finding a manager, I walked out with dumb-founded smile on my face.
Another instance: i ordered a banana split less chocolate ice cream and chocolate sauce because I’m allergic to chocolate. I don’t recall the substitutions. What did I get? You guessed it. I got chocolate sauce & ice cream.
Braums,
The staff is so sharp. They hire only people on track for masters programs. The meat taste spiced with a wang. The ice cream taste good, but makes you have gut pains. Yet all of obese oklahomans flock to it.
I worked at the original store for eight years- store #1 at 23rd and Meridian - it paid for my college. I also lost my virginity in the milk room during a January ice storm in 1977. One day, early on, Mrs. Braums was a secret shopper on my shift and I got good marks that day - my career was born. I will admit though, on my lunch break - I took already cooked fries and cooked them crispy brown - decadent. Give it another try.
One the major problems with Braum’s is customer service, but it is a silly thing to believe that the employees or your local store are soley to blame. I do not know how the corp runs its stores now, but the stories mentioned above are actual stories that I lived. The company values extreme thriftiness over creating quality product. It is an encourage practice to reuse items. There are no cleaning standards.
Most Americans consider Quality of Service the most important standard to retaining customers. Braum’s corp has proven this is not the case.Braum’s does not value employees who seek to foster an environment for producing quality product. Quality requires time and or evaluation and update of current practices. The constant acceptance of mediocre service is evident. If a person goes to his or her county heath inspection department, I am sure that he or she can find numerous and recent health code violations against the “neighboorhood” Braum’s.