Hopdoddy Burger Bar — Restaurant in Brookhaven

Hopdoddy or Hop-dodgy?

A few days ago, I visited the Cumming location with a friend. We were served old fries, and when we brought it to the manager's attention, they replaced the fries and gave us cards (pictured below) for ANY MENU ITEM ON US. I appreciated the gesture because I'd always thought Hopdoddy was a place with great food, good prices, and solid service; until...

Fast forward to 9/14: I decided to use my card at the Druid Hills location. I sat at the bar, ordered a couple of frozen margaritas, a burger, and fries. Usually, I go for the Double Bacon Jam, but since Hopdoddy was treating me this time (via the card), I opted for the Cadillac Wagyu, their most "expensive" burger at $15 .

I couldn't finish everything I ordered so I waved the bartender over and asked for the check and presented the card. The bartender takes one look at the card and immediately says "we don't cover alcohol"; Now...despite the fact that there are no exclusions listed on the card which clearly states "ANY MENU ITEM ON US", I was unperturbed as alcohol exclusions are common in situations like this. I simply told the young man it's for the burger, not the drinks...this is the precise moment when Hopdoddy Druid Hills became Hop-dodgy. With the card still in hand and Without blinking, he says "We don't comp the Cadillac Wagyu because it's the most expensive item on the menu"

"Did you read the card?" I asked.

"Yes but that the only burger we don't comp with this card" he replied.

"Where does it say that on the card?" I asked.

"It doesn't, say that but..." he knew where this was going from the look on my face...If I were to describe it in one word it would be "dafuq?"

Out of nowhere and without warning or greeting a young woman appears to my left and says "I'm the manager, let me see."

After reading the card, she repeated what the bartender said about not comping the wagyu burger. Seriously, who's talking about abolishing The Dept of Education with reading comprehension like this!? I couldn't understand why this was even a discussion because if we read the same thing-then wtf were we even taking about? ‍ After some back-and-forth, she finally took the burger off the bill, but replaced it with a hefty side of attitude saying, "Next time, just know we don't" as she went back to wherever she came from

So...let's recap:

Went to Cumming location and was served old fries; management gives me a card for "ANY MENU ITEM ON US" as compensation.

Went to Hop-dodgy in Druid Hills and was told by management the card actually means "everything EXCEPT alcohol and the wagyu burger." After having ordered and despite the lack of exclusions shown on the card

After some back and forth with management about the words printed on the card and what they mean, management reluctantly and with much attitude comps the "expensive" $15 burger

I don't know when or how it happened that we're living in a version of reality where customer service and accountability are relics of the past; a version of reality where words printed on paper don't carry the same meaning when spoken aloud, but what I do know is that this experience has left me feeling like that "next time" she mentioned in passing will most likely be next Nevuary 33rd. The whole exchange was unnecessary because the words on the card mean what they mean...period, if those words aren't conveying the message you intend to convey...use different ones; and last, but most definitely not least, if there are items that are excluded from the options available with your 'let us make that right for you cards' (pictured below) LIST THEM ON THE CARD .

9/22/2024 UPDATE: After posting a response and asking for my contact information (which I provided); I have yet to be contacted by anyone regarding...

This was my first time visiting Hopdoddy Burger Bar location today, I was there around 4pm. The service from the employees was great, very nice, helpful and friendly. I ordered the buffalo burger (bison burger medium), fries and a Big Larry frozen Margarita. I've had bison before so I didn't expect too much of a difference, and it's possible that I should have had cooked medium well. The texture of the burger was like roast beef, which I don't recall bison being like that and the taste was just ok, kinda different then I remember bison being. I did get the buffalo sauce on the side, which was a good idea it wouldn't have helped. It wasn't horrible but it's not something I would ever order again. I was told the fries come out first but I could get them to come out with the burger, I requested for them to come out with the burger. I wouldn't have thought that would have changed the quality, the fries tasted as if they were old fries that they put back in the grease to recook them, they had a chewy texture. The frozen Margarita was good but I ordered and paid for a big Larry and it came in a pint glass, if that was a big Larry the little Larry must have came in the small cup for the mini milkshake, which would have been ridiculous for the price. I did get a mini salted caramel milkshake to go. I actually appreciate the size, but it was more of just melted ice iceam not really a milkshake. The taste was good just not what I was expecting. Overall the food was just barely ok, if I return I will just try a basic burger medium well no fries or milkshake. The service is the one thing I can say was very good. The young lady who took my order was so helpful and knowledgeable, even came around to check on me, and I did tell her the meal was just ok. I did appreciate the...

First off, Lauren hustles and runs the bar so well. Always tending to multiple customers in a timely manner so you never have to wait long at all. She knows the menu and drinks very well and always gives the best attitude and customer experience. Spinning parties constantly in an effective manner is a skill. I am a regular and have noticed she gives 100 percent with every single customer or group no matter if she’s running the bar or food or on her 4th double of the week. Goes above and beyond her job to accommodate and make sure people feel taken care of. I’ve had everything on the menu and it has been consistently great. The best part about this place is how easy you can customize your burgers and salads and sandwiches with free add ons and sauces (so many House made sauces) Free of charge. First time there I ordered one of each (knowing that’s so extra and an annoying request) and she didn’t even bat an eye. Lachelle was super happy and excited to make me a sauce platter… for my sauce lovers lol…. Try them all! I recommended sitting at the bar and getting half off every sun-thurs all day! Best deal around. Yes half off food and drink! Tip them well! All the employees are great and are very considerate and prompt when dealing with you. Seems like they like their jobs every time I’m there which is ALOT. This has cultivated a healthy teamwork dynamic I’ve noticed with the food staff. Good to see. Possibly why their service is so good. Great/cool/smart management. Thanks! Hit up hopdoddy ! And then check out the number 5 biggest and busiest Guitar Center in the world in the same parking lot! GC Atlanta. Great fun loud gear filled candy store for music lovers and new students. GC...