Banrai Sushi — Restaurant in Oak Ridge

So hopelessly understaffed .....

Was here with our large peer group and decided to eat dinner in the hotel and chose Banrai. Keep in mind everything is pretty busy when a large group comes into the hotel. I am also keenly aware that staffing in the hospitality industry is more challenging than ever before.... however ... this restaurant was not packed. There was a party of four before out party of three waiting to get seated. We waited 25 minutes in line. The manager glanced at the line numerous times but never came over and communicated anything. It was like we were INVISIBLE.

Once seated our server was delightful with a great attitude but she could NOT KEEP UP. It was just her and some management help for the restaurant. The tea machine was broken so no Hot green tea. The food ended up being quite good and we were enjoying our conversation so the LONG waits for table and every speck of food did not bother us that much.

Ginormous kudos to our server (unfortunately forgot her name) for being cheerful and running her butt off trying to accommodate everyone. She...

Sushi takeout took 40 min. At that time i had to abandon my luggage and go to bathroom. African American concierge(?) noticed my silent unhappiness and comped my food. Sushi was just fine no complaints, even if one in combo was Cali roll (not at hi end place guys). But this manager is worth his weight in gold. I’m traveling and would never have gone back. But it suggests you’ll be done right...

While it was good service and pretty good drinks (one alcoholic and one hot green tea), the food was mediocre in terms of taste and poor in terms of price. The edamame (appetizer) was barely this side of tasteless, the sushi was bland (spicy tuna roll and Atlantic roll), and the best part of the meal was the miso and pickled ginger. It was alright atmosphere as it was...