Wharf Research

A nice new facility. I think they specialize on test kitchen studies. The staff is pleasant, even if you’re late. Location is sort of out of the way & a little tricky to find. But they provide you with a detailed map.

I done two focus study groups here and they are always so sincere and nice. Small place located within Pier 39 in the back by the carousel. When I came, I parked in the Pier 39 lot and paid $ 21.00 for more than 2 hours being at Wharf. You may want to find a parking on the street next time.
Inside is modern yet comfortable and wait time depends on the group before you. The first time I went here for a study group for Annie’s salad dressing and got $ 75, I think (?) and a stack full of coupons for free Annie’s dressing. This last time, I went for a study on tuna products which was a group study with several other women all ranging in ages from 25 – 30. The person conducting the study group was great to work with and courteous. In no way did I feel uncomfortable or rushed in any way, (where if you’ve ever done a study group before, can sometimes be the case.)
The jig is you can only do a study group here twice a year, and if you don’t live in the city, plan your trip accordingly and make sure your compensation is worth the drive. But in any case, walking out of a place with an envelope of cash somehow makes up for the ride.

As the other review said, a gorgeous location. Honestly its not the most convenient though and I highly recommend taking public transportation or parking several blocks away unless you want to pay $$ for parking. They recommend pier 39 garage but that’s a whopping $ 7 per hour which is a rip in my book. I also went for a taste test but unfortunately on the day I went, they must have been behind schedule because we had to wait about 30 minutes past our scheduled start time — a bit inconvenient when you’re parked in a 2 hour time zone. Also, unlike other companies that offer taste tests with private booths for each tester, this place crams about 25 – 30 people into a very small room — not so great if your claustrophobic. Still the money IS good for what they have you do.

Went here for a research project on Wed. March 3^rd. It was @ their Pier 39 location. That’s right they have a small office in the back of Pier 39 and the project was there. It was a research taste test. I had a great time and was even running about 5 min. late. I am always 15 min. early but had to navigate MUNI @ the very last min. They were gracious enough to allow me in still.
The testing was good and boy do I wish I could wake up every day and my office looked out on the Bay from the Pier. Reminded me of when I went to see the Blue Angels on the Bay Cruise last year. I didn’t even notice their offices. Hope to help them out again, they are small but first rate!