UPDATE: OGR Forum October 2016 York "dinner/get together"

Alan,

Thanks for all your efforts in dealing with this.  As always we will just have to make due with what we have.   Personally, I'll be sure to eat a late lunch so it won't kill me to wait for food if I have too.  As long as I can get a drink at the bar I'm happy (plus I'll just order 2 at a time.. ).  

I'm staying at the Best Western so no worries about having to drive. 

It's great to think that this gathering has grown to the size it has - it's a nice problem to have.  

-Greg

Thanks for your efforts and let's have a party and celebrate life and trains!

Wow! Success is sometimes a two-edged sword. Last April, Quaker Steak was packed and we sat in the main dining room.

AGHRMatt posted:

Wow! Success is sometimes a two-edged sword. Last April, Quaker Steak was packed and we sat in the main dining room.

Hey Matt....I'm jealous!!  We were escorted to an empty table in the main dining area by one of the employees only to be asked by the manager to get up and go back into the front waiting area!  This time I am going to come in and ask for a table and then once seated see if there is anything available in the back area!!

Alan

Maybe in the future it will be necessary to hire a banquet hall (like the DCS group) and have a caterer come in.  Given what is said above, I think I'll forego the dinner session.  A wait could be long, since the attendees (including me if seated) feel no compunction to eat and leave as soon as finished.

Hi Alan 

 I thank you for all of your efforts, I'm sure it will be a good time as always. See you there, we will have a drink together. !!! 

Alex 

OGR treats?

RJR posted:

Maybe in the future it will be necessary to hire a banquet hall (like the DCS group) and have a caterer come in.  Given what is said above, I think I'll forego the dinner session.  A wait could be long, since the attendees (including me if seated) feel no compunction to eat and leave as soon as finished.

Well Robert....I am sure that a lot of folks think it is worth the wait to enjoy each other's company and no one said that you needed to eat and run...as a matter of fact it is just the opposite.   Like I said, we could occupy more space if some of us request a table that would seat more folks.  It seems that may be a way to get more space...just a thought....

Alan

RJR posted:

OGR treats?

RJR treats??

OGR Ad Man posted:

RJR posted:

Maybe in the future it will be necessary to hire a banquet hall (like the DCS group) and have a caterer come in.  Given what is said above, I think I'll forego the dinner session.  A wait could be long, since the attendees (including me if seated) feel no compunction to eat and leave as soon as finished.

Well Robert....I am sure that a lot of folks think it is worth the wait to enjoy each other's company and no one said that you needed to eat and run...as a matter of fact it is just the opposite.   Like I said, we could occupy more space if some of us request a table that would seat more folks.  It seems that may be a way to get more space...just a thought....

Alan

I think your answer emphasized RJR's concern/comment, rather than putting the concern to rest.  BS sessions are nice to catch up with friends, but not nice if you are a person who can't get in to order food because the area is full.

As to the other part I bolded, I think most restaurants won't be really happy with a "gamble" that more folks would show up.  If you say a buddy or 2 are 5 minutes behind you because you came in different cars, that's one thing, but to say someone else "may" show up is not helping the restaurant business model.

Alan, I suggest you go back and more carefully read what I said.  If you can't get in, you can't socialize.  Not even a question of ordering food.  I also didn't say one should eat & run so others can get in and socialize.  I came up with a positive suggestion of a way to allow maximum socializing next York.  Obviously, it's not your fault that QS was honest at the last minute.and said they couldn't handle it.

or everyone could do what I've always done: say to heck on eating, buy a (spillable ) beer and just stand and walk around the whole time.  Image 200 people walking into each other with beer in hand!  Of course I won't have to deal with that since people by now know to stay away if I have beer in hand

Walt - having you spill beer on someone is badge of honor and should be the goal of all who are in attendance! 

- Greg

I'd have to agree with AGR Matt.....Quaker State succes IS a two edged sword!  at leat one night that week they make a KILLING when we show up........as paying customers why should they complain.  The restaunt isn't an exclusive club, so if the "regu;ars" have complained...so be it . we are all twice a year regulars and shouldn't be told "we cannot handle y'all".

i ruminated over their (QS & Lube) logistics on having such a crowd as we are...and well behaved.....and I think they just don't want us.

Because of the crowding I have avoided going to the last couple of dinners. It's hard getting waited on and just plain too crowded. 

Nobody goes there anymore, it's too crowded.

I can't remember when it wasn't crowded.   Many times I made do with a table not with the main group or sat at the bar.  And that was several years ago at TGIF, then Tuesdays.  I haven't been able to come for a few years now.

Dennis

I can't imagine any place guaranteeing seating for 200 unless we put down some serious money up front.  Anybody willing to do that?   Nah, didn't think so.   

If some folks show up early, some show up late, and some in between, everyone is bound to have a fabulous time! 

Farmer_Bill posted:

I can't imagine any place guaranteeing seating for 200 unless we put down some serious money up front.  Anybody willing to do that?   Nah, didn't think so.   

 

I would , but the trick is getting someone to collect it. Back in the old days of AOL, the dinner they did at the Viking club worked very well. ( The food may not have been as good as at Quaker S &L but the beer flowed and everyone had a great time.) We even got to run trains!

Hey...maybe Walt has the best idea!...LOL!!

eddie g posted:

Nobody goes there anymore, it's too crowded.

Jerry

Hi Dave, I remember the AOL dinners at the Viking Club.  It wasn't the same after emcee Stirling passed.  I think Mike (also gone now) handled the rental details.  Viking Club web site says they can accommodate up to 100.

Hey Walt, remember the frazzled bartender at Ruby Tuesday?  We sat there for 30 minutes before he got us our beers? 

walt rapp posted:

or everyone could do what I've always done: say to heck on eating, buy a (spillable ) beer and just stand and walk around the whole time.  Image 200 people walking into each other with beer in hand!  Of course I won't have to deal with that since people by now know to stay away if I have beer in hand

 

Walt......I would be honored if you spilt your beer on me!

Peter

Alan, first off Thank You for all of your efforts in finding a place where we can all meet and sit. If it means that some of us will have to wait for a table, or not be able to sit with the OGR Group, those of us who come will still have a good time as we are all train enthusiasts and we can still have a good time. So, with this said, it is Sunday, October 9th, 2016 and my countdown clock to October York is already running. I will see you at the OGR Booth to pick up my Book that I ordered and the new DVD.

Take Care.

Michael 'Santa Fe Mike' Sudlow

Count me in. Kudos to whoever got this organized.

I will miss the get together as I am not going to be able to make it to York next week. Have fun and have a Margarita for me.

Paul - you'll sure be missed!

Ruby Tuesday CLOSED

Quaker State the sole option

Went there last night, l'll be there again tonight.

Have fun tonight.....wish I was there....see you all tomorrow.

Peter

Alan, just to let you know that I and 4 of my Fellow TMB Model Train Club Members had to sit outside of the 50 Back Room Gang. We still ha a great time, the Drinks were cold, the food was great and the jokes were flowing like the water over Niagara Falls. We had a great time and we cannot wait until April York for another Go Around at Quaker Steak & Lube.

Got there early, had a good time. Will try to make it there next fall.