I had a lunch two weeks ago at Brand that still has me somewhat annoyed. Room temperature Mug root beer, poured from a can into a smudgy Mason jar, was not a value-added component to the reasonable lunch special. When the pulled pork sandwich arrived, it was soggy, but tasted moderately good with heavy doses of the vinegariest of the ice-cold signature sauce vials, stickily socketed in the wooden table. I attempted the cherry and peach flavors as well, which are well-intended, in sort of a perky Glade fashion, and made a decent potato dessert with the nice french fries, the high point of the meal.

The unforgivable sin was the side of spongy brisket, which should never have been served fresh, much less after microwaving. The staff was having a loud expletive-laden business conversation at the far end of the dining room; there was no joy in the place that day, and I do hope they have better. With improving reports, I'd consider returning for an evening to sample fresh product and some of the bacon-caramel ice cream. For that day, a Kuhdo'd Cuban sandwich at 90 Miles was required to improve my constitution.

My dining companion and I stopped in earlier this evening and were definitely not impressed. The ribs were mediocre. Zero smoke ring, pale and very little smoke taste overall. Fries were limp and soggy. Pork was a bit better, but still just OK. Burnt ends mac & cheese was pretty good but not revelatory. The tiny tiny tiny little cornbread muffins were decent, but $2.95 for 3 is a bit much.

We won't be going back.

According to their FB Page:
"This Thursday, August 15th, starting at 5pm the new and improved BRAND SMOKEHOUSE & TAP will be opening it's doors for carryout and delivery! "

Jamieson22 wrote:According to their FB Page:
"This Thursday, August 15th, starting at 5pm the new and improved BRAND SMOKEHOUSE & TAP will be opening it's doors for carryout and delivery! "

Awesome! I was hoping that "closed for renovations" didn't mean they failed a food inspection and were forced to close