We weren't expecting to eat at Hops on Saturday 6/30/12 but due to the Outback Steakhouse on Independence being a cluster of inconsistency we decided to venture across the street..
Unlike Outback we were greeted by friendly staff immediately and got a table with a beautiful view of fermentation tank #2.
Lydia our server was quick, efficient and friendly and did a great job of getting us in and out quickly as needed to make it to a 7.40 movie across the street.
Being a quick in and out dinner we didn't try any of the grilled items or specialties but I will tell you that two people had burgers (delicious) and one had a Reuben sandwich (good). We had onion rings to start which were good and a garden salad which was fresh and great.
For casual chain dining it's A++ the staff makes the difference.
The only thing I'd change: Beer.
I ordered a Hammerhead Ale which is a darker beer, you can taste the toasted malt and hops, it is a good beer. When Hops first arrived in Charlotte, and most markets in fact, craft beer was a very very very small business. Hops could have capitalized on this but they didn't, because their beer menu hasn't changed in 10+ years. Sure they have seasonal selections but they have a huge advantage of brewing beer IN HOUSE and do not capitalize on it.
No IPA, why? Pair your beers with your menu items. The pricing is actually well below the industry average so there is room to make money. I feel this is an untapped resource they could truly capitalize on.