Yes, on Thursday after work I jumped on the subway and took the short trip to the new Arby's on Fulton Street in Downtown Brooklyn.
As I've mentioned before, Arby's opened in the landmarked space that once housed the white linen Gage and Tollner restaurant. I must say, it's obvious the owner of this Arby's franchise spent a lot of money making sure the interior stayed true to its roots. Here is how the space (with the famous gas lights) looked back when it was a restaurant serving Jimmy Durante and Marilyn Monroe ...
Not a bad preservation job. The space is long - and the counter is all the way in the back, with the kitchen behind a wall. In fact - you cannot see any food being made at all - including the delicious curly fries. A "Runner" brings your completed order out of the kitchen and hands it to you.
The staff was really nice and enthusiastic. There were also a bunch of Arby's "corporate" types (below) milling about, supervising Opening Day. I wanted to walk up to them and thank them for doing such important work (yes, Biatches, I said IMPORTANT) but I didn't bother them. I didn't want to interrupt while they made the magic happen ...
While enjoying my meal (Roast Beef, Curly Fries, Southwest Mini-Egg Rolls ... and DIET Dr. Pepper - insert chuckle HERE), I noticed they had a traditional Bell for customers to ring if they received good service. Every time the bell rang, the staff would chant "Thank you Guest, you're the BEST!". It was really cute.
So, on my way out the original wooden revolving door (above), you KNOW I rang that bell, and I rang it loudly and proudly.
And the staff thanked me and told me that I was "the BEST"! Wasn't that sweet?!? I can't wait to go back...
