What in the world happened to Big Jacks? I remember Swoosh saying something about some changes being made.....but are they taking out Big Jacks? If so, I'm going to be one sad and upset individual. You don't mess with my Big Jack! >:(
Word on the street is that it was open for opening weekend and has not been open since.
The windows are all tarped up on the inside and you cannot see anything.
I guess we'll see what becomes of it.
They starting messing with big jacks last year, when they pulled out the hot food, and started selling the cold premade sandwhiches.
I never ate there...yet always wanted to. Unfortunately with my veterinarian wife had no options there... Maybe I'll try the sandwich someday! I was not a fan of olives...but was going to try it sometime and risk it...if it were a giardiniera I would have been all over it, but muffeletta...not quite there yet.
I hope they just work on the menu and open it again as the Jack's Sandwich Shop. To me, that place is a classic and has historical value for the park.
Big Jacks was my favorite place to eat on park. I hope it opens soon in all of it's former glory. I hate to start the rumor mill...but Big Jacks is dangerously close to another piece of SDC history that is currently closed and boarded up. Lets hope their 2014 plans don't include a major renovation in midtown.
Don't give 'em any ideas, you are making me nervous!
It wont be reopened as the "old" shop was.. The PTB will not go to the expenze to bring back in the cooking equipment, since they just pulled it out last year..
Now IF they were to open is up as a FULL cold meat and cheese deli, fresh made sanwhiches when u order them, that might work..
Just open a Subway. Problem solved. You can put a Panda Express and Taco Bell Express next door as well. Yep. Problem solved.
Subway, hmmm... When they first announced they were re-doing Big Jack's menu I thought why don't they set it up like subway??? Cut the meats and have the toppings all out so guests can go down the line and get their food. Fast and delicious. When I saw the pre-made sandwiches I was very disappointed.
I feel it's going to take a major upgrade to Center City to see Jacks open again. Grandfather's mansion has a new roof and as time goes by you will notice updates within it. Maybe this is the start to something better for Center City, but something has to happen to draw people there.
Quote from: Copper on June 13, 2013, 08:08:30 PM
Subway, hmmm... When they first announced they were re-doing Big Jack's menu I thought why don't they set it up like subway??? Cut the meats and have the toppings all out so guests can go down the line and get their food. Fast and delicious. When I saw the pre-made sandwiches I was very disappointed.
I feel it's going to take a major upgrade to Center City to see Jacks open again. Grandfather's mansion has a new roof and as time goes by you will notice updates within it. Maybe this is the start to something better for Center City, but something has to happen to draw people there.
I'll be quite honest, I thought that was what they were going to do as well. I really think they missed out on a golden opportunity there. The issue with BJs is the location. There is a counter service (a more accessible one at that) right around the corner just off the square... and then you have Sweet Mary's at the other end of City Center. There really wasn't a need for a 3rd restaurant in that area, that was hidden, and not very well known to n00bs.
I agree that it is nice to see the new roof on GM. I really do hope that the upgrades inside that have been "rumored" will come into reality.
Swoosh, we can only hope that the "upgrades" to GM, is part of the 2014 project.. ::) ::)
Much like the improvements to FITH and FM the last few years, the improvements at GM are "when they have time" -- there have been upgrade/improvements at all 3 without any fanfare the last few years. They'll happen when they happen, but they will happen
PLEASE, NO CHAIN RESTAURANTS ON THE PARK!
I can honestly say, that in all 22 years and in the multiple times each year my family has visited SDC, we only ate at Big Jack's once. I don't much live olives so I've never been back. I'm sure there were plenty of people who loved it, but you know how it is with SDC...you have places you have to hit every year and Big Jack's wasn't ever one of them for my family.
However, I hope they can re-open it. I hope the sign with the lady holding the sandwich is still there!?
Nice to know Grandpa's is gettin' some love. Such a great time visiting that place as a kid and I have noticed in recent years that it could use some work, but it's still great.
Hate seeing old places in the park like Big Jacks close and disappear. I hate to think of what's next?! ???
But, as Preachin Bill says, there aint no use doin' the choppin' til the dogs has 'treed the coon.
In do find it odd, that they did frontage work on big jacks building, then closed after the season started.?
It is a shame to see Jacks goin down for sure. However I think the big problem is the general direction of the "bulk of the population in general".
OK what I mean is things like, Jacks sandwiches going from YUMM to HO-HUM with the switch over to premade pre wrapped cold-cut-combos. (might as well be Subways).
Or like the toy store going from handmade/homemade to preassembled packaged, mass produced plastic gizmos that can be purchased at almost any department store (and for a few $$$ cheaper I might add).
No Im not picking on SDC. This is an act (even an accepted practice) at most places these days. Not only does that practice "frequently" irk me, but the reason for it. It usually cuts somebodys job, almost always saves several $$$ and usually the quality is much less, and the quantity is usually smaller also. Actually it is a great practice for everybody EXCEPT the end consumer (who generally has to pay several $$$ more).
Quote from: Junior on June 14, 2013, 12:43:55 AM
PLEASE, NO CHAIN RESTAURANTS ON THE PARK!
Remember how odd and out of place the Welch's grape juice sponsorship felt?
Quoteusually the quality is much less,
Amen to this.
I have seen a drop in food quality at SDC. Being that most is served from foil holding trays it smacks of the high school cafeteria. When I get hungry at the city memory serves up a time that they were BBQing corn on the cob in the husk on main street. They would peal back the husk using it as a handle and dip that entire ear into a vat of butter. Slap it on your plate and call it done. That is the SDC I long for when I get hungry at the park.
The park has started to serve home cooked burgers up on the square but I usually don't want to climb the hill to eat lunch. I guess I should to show support for home cooked foods as much as I comment about the quality or the prefab.
The Mine Restaurant used to serve meals family style with wedges of cheese and big pickles. Dessert came around on a tray. It was awesome!! They used to have barbecue places around the park like the corn on the cob place you were talking about on the square. I also remember being able to buy wedges of cheese, sausage, and bread. It was so good we never got around to making sandwiches out of it.
^^^ Can't you still buy the cheese and sausage at the General Store?
Chains....Like Dominos pizza at White Water?
Please, no chain restaurants inside SDC, ever! If you want to gut the Ozark Marketplace and fill it with chain restaurants or shops, OK, not too much of an issue with me. Please, though, not in the theme park.
They are not far from it with the dippin dots and the Slurpee stations spread all over the park. I don't think they will give a franchise a spot though. They rely far too much on the sale of food to share that. Lets face it Jr, years ago you didn't see anyone leaving the park without a bag, meaning they bought something. I don't see many bags anymore. They are very dependent on the food sales.
No bags... that is because most people come for the rides, and not the experience/ crafts/ hand made items that we all got hooked with once upon a time.
hand made toys GONE
hand carved items mostly- GONE
baskets GONE
real candles MADE at SDC GONE
I could go on and on...seeing that I just got back about an hour ago from there.
Rube
I believe they still do the candles there at Carries, do they not.
Well about as many candles as hand carved items are sold at the wood carvers shop.
My apologies, I was a bit abrupt with the accusations. Candles can be dipped, and some are carved, dipped, designed etc. Most are Yankee and other brands. Like in the Mill, yes, there is flour milled (packaged) there, but most things are brought to sell there, mixes, trinkets, tools etc.
I had a good talk with the carvers yesterday, and it is a shame that they work hard, and people end up buying items that are cheaper to sell for the park by bringing them in already made.
Mine restaurant stopped bringing cornbread out but if you ask for it they will bring it.
Rube, I agree. The woodcarver shop espescially. It was....disappointing....this year and we made no purchases. My dad used to buy soemthing every year as he is a wood carver. No more little hillbilly characters, either.
And to those who want good food it can be found. The skillets (tater patch is best!!) and that burger place up on the square is excellent, excellent burgers. Along with the mine, mill, etc.
I still see (and carry!) bags out of the City, but you won't see as many IN the City thanks to Package Pick-up, which is a REAL blessing.
I dont buy as much there as I used because of actually origin of the items! Will not buy anything from SDC that is not at least american made.
Wife has been buying some pottery bowls for us lately., but i make sure they are made by the local craftsmen.
Love the Package pick-up.!
They still have the corn on the cob (in season). It was down by the restaurant that is on the back side wilson's farm (between wilsons farm and the walk down to lost river) I don't remember what it is called but I could take you there
Okie... Rib house?
As sanddunerider asked,
Rib house down on the lost river had corn on the cob, grilled and half out of he husks, two weeks ago.
I absolutely love the Rib House. Unless it is BBQ Fest, that is where we always eat.
I was gonna say rib house, however, I didn't want to sound stupid and call it the wrong thing. I appreciate the help. ;D
Love the rib house, but they have a new "dish" this year. forget what it is called, BUT dont get it! portions are WAAAYY too small!. IMHO.....
I always get the open faced pull pork sandwich with baked beans and then get a carton of extra BBQ sauce to dip my pork as I eat. YUM!
For the amount they charge the portions should be bigger
Really? Have you been to a restaurant lately? The size portions and costs are spot on with the outside world.
Do I think that the prices are little high? Yeah. However I am also not delusional that I am going to find a deal on theme park food in a park not named Knoebel's. Just being honest.
Quote from: Swoosh on July 02, 2013, 11:49:37 AM
Really? Have you been to a restaurant lately? The size portions and costs are spot on with the outside world.
Do I think that the prices are little high? Yeah. However I am also not delusional that I am going to find a deal on theme park food in a park not named Knoebel's. Just being honest.
::)
A person just needs to watch what he orders, with the info we have available here on the site, food worth the money is a lot easier to find..
My mom used to get a jar of apple butter and a loaf of bread from the Mill and call that lunch. Trust me, I am the king of being cheap.
QuoteMy mom used to get a jar of apple butter and a loaf of bread from the Mill and call that lunch.
Your Mom was a smart lady!
She still is, but I wouldn't want her hearin it and gettin a big head and all
I would have to say, to listen to most of us on here......ALL our mamas and papas did a pretty good job! ;)
OK....last weekend I was checking out Big Jacks and It think they have turned this into some sort of employee break area. The original table and chairs are still in there, but they have put in a couple of vending machines. Couldn't really see much more than that as we were looking through the curtains. Looks like Big Jacks is gone...... :'(
Hm, well maybe they could combine it into a employee / guest break area. That way both the employee, and the guest can take a break, and chat amongst each other. ;D
Although, I suppose that wouldn't be much of a break? Haha.
Sorry, by break time (when I worked there) I was ready for some quiet time NOT around guests so I could catch my breath and have a cold drink. Fifteen or twenty minutes of down time helped me make it through the rest of the afternoon. ;)
and thus the reason I hide in the phone room at my work. Talking to people all day every day can wear ya out
Exactly. At my work I talk to people in person, on the phone, and over a radio for the entire shift. That is the essence of my job. I think we could all use a Big Jack Sandwhich Shop style break room. :P
Yep, and I love my teaching and my students, but I sure want that break room to get away from them!
makes you wonder if they will ever try to do anything in that area for more foot traffic or just leave it as is and make it a slower area for the employees?
I've never seen Big Jack's Sandwhich Shop bring in large crowds so I don't think its demise will effect foot traffic much. In fact, that area seems to be more of a foot traffic channel than anything else.
when I checked out big jacks last week, almost all of the signage was down, tables out , but no chairs, doors locked, No lights on, curtains in all windows.. NO sign of usage whatsoever. the picnic tables are still out back in the shade trees,
Strange....when we were there a few weeks ago, you could stand on the ledge and look over the front door and see inside. Looked like they moved some vending machines in there. They were certainly on because the lights were on inside the machines. Oh well....I know I'm the odd man out, but I liked Big Jacks.
I was so upset about this because I loved the sandwich shop. But I guess I don't recall them having as much business as other places, so I understand. And employees do need a break. I just know that I got sad every time we walked past there. Sandwiches are my favorite food. Especially the fancy-ish kind they had there.
I am saddened every time an old part of SDC goes away. It reminds me that I'm getting older.
I have noticed in the last few years the sandwiches changed and they were not that appealing. Did eat there about 2 years ago and the sandwich was sub-par and way too expensive for the food I got. :o
Back in the day the sandwiches were amazing and one would feed at least 3 of us. :)
I miss the old Big Jack's.
Today I stopped by the Spring House for my traditional Spaghetti dinner (minus the bread bowl that they no longer offer) and I spoke briefly to the lady behind the counter. I guess it was down to Big Jacks or the Spring House and the new menu bought them at least another year and sealed Big Jacks fate. Seems like every time I turn around they are changing things that I am not happy about.
Never did care much for sammiches, still really dont. As far as food is concerned, I really never ate at Jacks, probably never would (if they were still open). But I sure do hate all the old things shutting down to make way for something new and maybe out of theme.
(IE Crossroads). While the Pizza (Ive heard) is fantastic, the old chicken house will always belong there.
33 yrs never ate at Jacks, and never ate at spring house... We were never able as kids to eat at the park other than a Breakfast buffet to last the day. Rest assured I think the funnel cakes will never go...never had one of those either! Wagon works only once...I stick to the calico potatoes and the succotash / sausage bowls if I am eating at the park.
Quote from: qwed94 on October 12, 2013, 11:54:47 PM
Never did care much for sammiches, still really dont. As far as food is concerned, I really never ate at Jacks, probably never would (if they were still open). But I sure do hate all the old things shutting down to make way for something new and maybe out of theme.
(IE Crossroads). While the Pizza (Ive heard) is fantastic, the old chicken house will always belong there.
The pizza is pretty good and you can get free drink refills there. What I liked best was that they were playing the same Western Themes music there that they were playing in the queue line at Outlaw Run. :D
Down near the Rib House, they have a new pulled pork, potatoes, and onions skillet. Absolutely amazing! I have noticed, too, that as the price of food in restaurants rise, SDC's food prices aren't looking as high as they used to. It's getting to the point where I can feed my family at SDC for about the same price as a meal at Cracker Barrel.
That pulled pork skillet is a sore subject with me. I saw and smelled it early on my last visit, read about it in the Pathfinder, and went back later to discover that they shut the thing down early! You would think if it's advertised, they would deliver on the "promise".
As for Big Jack's, when I have ate there, I was not impressed at all.
I think the pork skillet is just OK, but overpriced....will not get it again.
I agree cheesehead, we had talked about it before, should be about 1/3 to 1/2 again bigger.... tasted great just not enough of it...