I finally experienced Spark. I admired the Scissortail location for a while but never had an opportunity to stop by. The Chisholm Creek location opened this week, and I'm glad I didn't go out of my way to visit sooner.
I'll start with how much I favor the branding---the colors and retro design---nailed it.
Menu & Ordering
My dad and I got to Spark around 12:30. Prime lunch hour. Spark was busy! The pace was good—lots of movement & minimal wait time. TBH, I didn't find anything on the menu grabbing the attention of my taste buds. I opted for the Power Bowl. My dad ordered the hamburger & bacon and cheese fries. There would be an additional $0.50 charge for sliced red onion on his hamburger. It seems like your first little bit open, you'd track requested items and then consider charging if need be. The cashier wasn't unkind, but also wasn't lacking a bit of an attitude. We both ordered a soft drink.
They ask for your cell phone number to notify you when your order is ready. Let me reiterate---Spark was BUSY. People were moving every which way. Spark was LOUD. Both could be improved. I never prefer the cell phone method because it requires me to have my cell phone in front of my face rather than being focused on my company. It also puts responsibility on the customer to be accountable for getting the food they paid for. Somehow, I missed the text even with my volume and phone in direct eyesight. Our food was eventually brought to our table, but a number system could work better.
2. Order Review
The hamburger was fairly small. The bacon and cheese fries were tasty, but in a paper boat, being disintegrated by the cheese. The Power Bowl was so-so. I didn't love the dressing and had no option to add meat. (Pub W has an amazing Power Bowl I crave weekly, so Spark probably didn't stand a chance anyway.)
The sodas tasted like they were running out of syrup.
3. Atmosphere
Spark has a lot of energy! However, the space could use some help with noise cancellation. It was a bit much. Chisholm Creek is such a fantastic area. Spark is definitely a family-friendly restaurant with a lovely outdoor space and playground off the patio. I get more of a poolside snack bar vibe from Spark.
4. Prices
Spark Burger (American Cheese, Bacon, Tomato, Pickles, Spark Sauce) - $7.50
Bacon Cheese Fries (Bacon, Melted Cheese, Chives, on Crinkle Fries) - $5.50
Park Power Bowl *I feel like it was supposed to say Spark Power Bowl, but who knows? (Quinoa, Grains, Sweet Potato, Avocado, Hummus, Crispy Chickpeas, Red Onion, Diced Tomatoes, Candied Jalapenos, Sliced Almonds, Chia Seeds, Citrus Vinaigrette - $12.50
Soft Drinks (x2) - $5.38
TOTAL = $37.72 with a 15% tip (even though we were responsible for all services aside from actually preparing food)
I won't rush back to Spark. I could see stopping by for a cocktail or fries if I was in the area.
Cheers!
Comments