The new Stapleton restaurant Four Friends Kitchen opened a couple months ago, and has quickly become a big hit in the community. There are always plenty of people dining in with several people waiting to get their chance to eat at the American eatery with Southern charm. “Our family loved our first experience there,” says diner Rob Hale. “It’s unique, friendly, and of course the food tastes great.” Adam Christin agrees. “The food there is great,” says Christin. “We will absolutely go back, and highly recommend it to others.” The restaurant has been so busy, they have received pressure to stay open longer, according to General Manager Amanda Schmit. “We are certainly considering it,” says Schmit. “But, coming into this thing, our deal was that we would be open those hours, and that was it. So, we will continue to evaluate it, and we are in no hurry to extend the hours as of now.”
Although almost all Four Friends Kitchen patrons have had a great experience, some have left with hard feelings. John and Terri Mason met their good friends Andrew and Leah Beerbower for brunch last Sunday, and a great meal ended up turning sour for the two couples. “We had a great time, eating and drinking,” said Terri. “The food was great, and so was the conversation, as usual. But, when the check came, that is when things went bad.” John says their now former friends became combative and insulting when the check arrived. “We assumed we would just split the check,” said John. “But, they started insisting that they pay the bill. We know they have more money than us, and it felt like they were almost throwing it in our faces. We have always split the check, because that’s what you do with your friends. So, we ended up getting the split, but not before we decided we could no longer spend time with the Beerbowers.”
The Beerbowers shared a different version of the story. “We thought they had paid the last time out,” said Andrew Beerbower. “So, we simply were trying to repay their previous gesture. But, they turned it into this whole money thing. It was very weird.” Terri says she was caught off guard by the Mason’s response. “It was like they had pent up anger that we are more financially successful than them,” said Terri. “We never thought that was an issue with our relationship, but clearly, jealously reared its ugly head. I don’t know if this is a relationship that can be fixed, or frankly, is worth fixing.”
“No, we won’t be hanging out with the Beerbowers anytime soon,” said Terri. “They can have their money and show it off with another couple. It won’t be us.” John says although it was a bad experience, they will definitely dine at Four Friends Kitchen again. “I mean, have you tried the smoked brisket hash and eggs? We will certainly be back.” The Beerbowers will also be back to the Kitchen. “We will be back,” said Andrew. “Hopefully, we won’t run into those crusty Masons.”]]>