Located just off the Mohawk Trail, the Greenfield Ninety Nine follows the formula that's made the chain successful.
It's no secret that chain operations continue to be the dominant growth vehicle in the restaurant industry. Offering what's typically a finely tuned dining experience and benefiting from major economies of scale, multi-unit operations definitely have the competitive upper hand.
Ninety Nine Restaurants, headquartered in Woburn, claims to be the originator of the casual restaurant concept, tracing the idea's evolution back to the chain's downtown Boston birthplace. Now operating more than 100 outlets across the Northeast, Ninety Nine continues to dish up a hard-to-beat combination of value and competence.
We recently visited the chain's location in Greenfield and found ourselves impressed by the experience.
Located just off the Mohawk Trail, the Greenfield Ninety Nine follows the formula that's made the chain successful -- a big bar, comfortable layout, and a locally themed decor augmented by a value-priced bill of fare and friendly, efficient service.
There's nothing high concept about Ninety Nine's menu; it's carefully calibrated to mainstream tastes. Beef and chicken dominate, with seafood favorites playing an important supporting role.
Steak selections such as a Maple Whiskey Sirloin ($13.99) and a NY Sirloin Strip ($15.99) are available, as is a dressed-up Mushroom Bleu Top Sirloin ($10.29).
Chicken and turkey make creative appearances in dishes like Chicken Broccoli, Macaroni & Cheese ($11.09) and Grilled Double BBQ Turkey Tips ($11.89), while seafood is featured in choices such as Baked Schrod ($11.39), Grilled Tuscan Shrimp ($12.99), and Fresh Balsamic Salmon ($13.99).
Starter possibilities are of a predictable sort -- Outrageous Potato Skins ($8.29), Fried Mozzarella ($6.49), and Boneless Buffalo Wings ($10.49).
We got back in touch with Ninety Nine tradition by ordering the restaurant's Broiled Sirloin Tips ($13.29), a specialty the menu labels as "famous." While we can't attest to whether or not the dish does indeed enjoy universal renown, the tips were an agreeable enough experience.
A bit salty, perhaps (but that's a common characteristic of chain restaurant fare) and seasoned with pepper and a hint of garlic powder, the tips were had a fine beef flavor and just the right hint of chewiness to them.
The meal came with seasoned rice enhanced with diced bell pepper and a side of vegetable (corn or broccoli were the options available).
Ninety Nine, we observed, maintains its wallet-friendly prices by employing a pair of clever operational tactics.
First, portions, especially "sides," are smaller than typically encountered elsewhere in the casual dining world. The difference isn't great enough to be all that noticeable, but the impact surely adds up.
Second, neither salad nor bread comes with entrees; several side salad options, for instance, carry additional tariffs starting at $3.89.
In addition to "meat-and" menu options, Ninety Nine promotes a selection of sandwich and salad options.
Among the former are an All Star Burger ($9.59), a Triple Decker Turkey Club ($9.19, a Bruschetta Chicken Wrap ($9.09), and a Crispy Cod BLT ($8.99).
A new-to-the-menu Hot Buttered Lobster Roll ($15.99) made for a pleasing meal. Warm buttered lobster piled into a grilled frankfort bun, the sandwich had an unsullied sea-sweet flavor we definitely appreciated.
Impeccably fresh coleslaw and a side of peel-on French fries completed a platter we'd eagerly order again.
Similarly, an entree-sized Tropical Chicken Salad ($10.09) met our expectations.
A hefty mound of mixed field greens, the salad was accented with a grilled, pineapple-glazed chicken breast, mandarin orange segments, sugar-glazed pecans, and a honey ginger dressing.
We particularly appreciated the latter, enjoying its savory sweet, soy-sauce-inflected character.
For dessert, the restaurant dishes up the likes of Cinnamon Apple Crisp ($4.99), Mint Brownie Blast Pie ($3.99), and Caramel Pecan Cream Pie ($3.99).
New to the end-of-meal agenda are "Petite Treats," three-bite dessert specialties.
We enjoyed a Raspberry Lemonade Petite Treat ($1.99), a cheesecake-style confection swirled with raspberry and drizzled with berry puree; and a Chocolate Milkshake Petit Treat ($1.99), a multi-layered chocolate construct.
Ninety Nine locations are fully licensed, offering a serviceable assortment of legal beverages.
Name: Ninety Nine Restaurant
Address: 17 Colrain Road, Greenfield
Phone: (413) 775-9997
Hours: Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Entree Prices: $9.99-$15.99
Credit Cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Handicapped Access: Accessible, with rest rooms equipped for wheelchairs
Reservations: Not taken, call ahead seating available