The Cheesecake Factory

My friends and I celebrated her birthday at this location on 11/25th. Just a day after Thanksgiving, hoping it won’t be as crowded as usual. I was wrong. Sadly, they don’t allow reservation for group of about 12-14 people. They require that if you want to be on the waiting list, you should come in about two hours earlier. Shouldn’t be a problem if I live closer but I’m about an hour drive (so, I cried a little inside. I was left with no choice but to get there couple of hours before the planned dinner time. I approached the front desk and while I was standing in front, few managers came by and asked what can they help me with and gladly assured me that they will try their best to seat us all in no more than couple of hours (as I don’t really plan to walk around the Birkdale twiddling my thumbs) Finally received their text about 10 minutes earlier than requested dinner time which is perfect because everybody in our group got there the same time. Our server was very prompt, thorough, friendly, knowledgeable and patient (she’s amazing and I know I shouldn’t have not forgotten her name, but it’s just me.. I’m bad with names). She really handle our large group like a pro. Not a single mistake in our orders. Food— was really superb, the usual large portion but who are you kidding? Who doesn’t like a left over lunch following day? So, sure.. give me that massive pasta serving of carbonara ( Pancetta was a bit overcooked though but didn’t kill me, so who cares). Let me tell you, I’m a calamari snob ( I wear dental braces and I avoid eating anything rubbery so not pop them wires in my mouth) With that being said- calamari wasn’t rubbery. Just melts in my mouth like soften butter before you start baking your memaws butter biscuit recipe. So, the flavor is amazing, not too, salty not too bland.. the portion!!!!!!!’??? of course.. the ocean almost ran out of squids just to fill my plate and make my heart happy, and I’m really glad that it’s so crunchy too, and not oily, I have enough of that on my face. Didn’t need more from my food. Let’s talk about cheesecake… whooaaa, you didn’t think I’d order ice cream at the Cheesecake Factory, don’t you? But whoever does..you do you. I ordered two: yes. Don’t judge. This girl loves her sweets. But I ordered two of my favorites: The Tiramisu Cheesecake and The Salted Caramel. I brought home an extra cheesecake since we ordered whole cheesecake for the birthday girl and sheesh her good heart decided she will share her 12-14 slices for Gluten Free Godiva Cheesecake. Not a fan of Godiva but this is simply amazing. Rich cocoa, thick and compact… just how I like it. My other cheesecakes— were consumed a day later. My dog approves of their whipped cream, she said it’s better than the Starbucks Puppychino. Enough rant- but I’ve always loved Cheesecake so, I’m a bit biased. 😅

Ate lunch here today, just a few days after opening. (My daughter has Celiac Disease, and I was hesitant to go, because I was concerned that the wait staff would not be trained well yet.) It was hands-down some of the best service that we’ve ever had at a restaurant! Seriously! Employees are happy to be there, and they’re happy you’re there too. The food was delicious as always, so happy this location is open. We had no interaction with management, but when a restaurant runs this well, and employees are so well trained, that usually means great management; great employees, great food and wonderful atmosphere, it was A+++ for us.