The Fresh Depot

Very good food for a good price. Most of the servers are culinary students trying to perfect their dishes, so they do their best to impress.
Very friendly staff. Business was slow so just about everyone in the kitchen came out and asked how the food was, and whether there was anything they could do to improve our meal.

Good food. Small selection on the menu. I asked for a blt which was not on the menu. They were happy to make it for me. The fried pickles were delicious. Good service!

We had a large party of 12 people and called ahead to make a reservation for an office lunch. We waited for an hour for our food, watching tables that were seated after we were have their orders taken, eat, pay their bill, and leave. After complaining to the manager, we were given excuses from a manager who did not seem at all concerned with our experience. We were told that they were «doing the best they can.» The food was good, but I would not return. I will also suggest to coworkers not to dine here for lunch as it takes too long.

Another good addition to a growing Downtown Hickory.
The food was good. The staff was nice, but seemed inexperienced.
I am torn between 3 and 4 stars. I went with 3 because it did take a little while to get my food.
I will definitely eat here again.

The only reason I did not give 5 stars is because the restaurant had no beers on tap, yet it advertised as a gastro pub.
I had a can of beer, it was good but this is not a place to go for beer– they only had chilled glasses.
This is the place to go for a good lunch or light dinner!
I had the fish special great for 10 $. Freshly fried flounder served with coleslaw and a side; I had the red beets which were served hot and not room temperature. My hubby had a bacon burger with thick bacon and the best French fries! The fries were thin, with pieces of skin and were served hot so the salt stuck perfectly to each fry– perfect with vinegar.
I hope this place can develop a personality as either a gastro pub, fresh, local food or lunch spot. Right now it’s trying to be everything, the décor is sparse; not inviting.
The food and service was great (waiter had great suggestions) but not a «hanging out» atmosphere. Restaurant is great for pick up orders or a fresh and quick lunch.

The service is friendly. I like the elk burger. I like that they do local offerings. I went for dinner this time. Lunch was too slow and not risking going back until I know they can turn you around faster. The carrot cake cup cake is a sweet treat.

When I think of Chicken Pot Pie I envision a light pastry filled with a luxurious filling of meat, sauce and vegetables. I was served a bowl of sauce topped with a biscuit. The sides were the salvation. Brussels sprout slaw and squash sauté with onions. My lunch companion found the baked spaghetti served cold and flavorless. The staff was kind enough to remove it from the table and our tab.

What I like about this restaurant everything served is local. Meats are from local farms and the vegetables are from the farmers market right outside.
The service was quick and the food arrived fast. There were only a few diners so not sure if this was typical. The staff was very friendly and food delicious.

This is based on lunch service:
I’m on the fence about whether I would rate this place two or three stars. The food is ok (3 – 4 Stars), the waitresses are quick (4 Stars), but the food getting to the table is very very slow (1 Star). They moved to downtown Hickory on the square from Tate Blvd. One of the complaints I have heard about the original location was the same issue. SLOW. Now I know they are in a new location but this is not a new business. They need to get service moving. They wont last very long in this location if they cant move the 12 — 1 pm lunch crowd.
I got to lunch today at 11:45 am (small table of 4). From the time we placed the order to the time we received the order was 50 minutes. Thats unacceptable.
I will update my review once I go for breakfast and dinner (maybe lunch again, but as of right now, no way)