The Wonder of it all

As an IT professional, I frequently utilize the internet for work purposes. When I encountered advertisements for Wonder, I felt compelled to investigate further. Consequently, I made the first-ever in-person purchase from their establishment. My intention was to gain a comprehensive understanding of their operations.

I visited the location situated at 825 New York Ave in Huntington. Interestingly, there is also a nearby establishment in Melville that I was previously unaware of. While I am uncertain if there were any discernible differences between the two, I am hopeful that there may be. Upon entering the establishment, I was met with a solitary individual seated on a stool, awaiting an order that required delivery. In fact, during my wait for my order to be prepared, the only individuals who entered the premises were delivery personnel.

Upon my arrival, I observed several tables and bar-style stools positioned near the windows. Additionally, there are two kiosk stations located directly in front of the entrance, which are easily visible upon entering. The remainder of the building is dedicated to the assembly cooking process. They employ a “hub-and-spoke” model, wherein components are pre-cooked or prepared at a central commissary kitchen. Meals are primarily prepared at a central facility to ensure consistency across various brands (e.g., Bobby Flay, Jose Andres). While the establishment is primarily designed for delivery, many locations in New York City offer limited, on-site, in-person ordering and dining options. As previously mentioned, the location I visited was unable to accommodate the lunch rush at a McDonald’s.

It is important to note that “Having it your way” is not the primary focus of Wonder’s business model. On the Kiosk, I attempted to order a chicken sandwich without garlic mayo, but wanted regular mayo in its stead, but this was not feasible, even after inquiring with the sole individual I observed who was employed at the establishment. He seemed to distribute the completed products to the delivery personnel.  

Upon the arrival of my order, it was packaged in an aesthetically pleasing manner. However, due to my apprehension about consuming food at Wonder, I opted to take it home. Upon inspection, I was astounded by the discrepancy between the image displayed on the kiosk and the actual product. I even took several photographs with my phone to provide a visual comparison between the image on the kiosk and the reality.

Disappointed you bet this was $7.75 with no drink. The time I waited was about 10 minutes  

This venue may not be the most suitable for me. I prefer a more traditional dining experience, where I can sit down, enjoy a meal, and engage in conversation with the waitstaff, as is common in diners that are becoming scarce in my neighborhood.  I will try the other Wonder in Melville and see if my experience is any different.