"I have been a dedicated fan of Snuffer’s since the mid-1980s, when Pat Snuffer himself was in charge. The burgers, the ambiance, and those legendary cheddar fries were the essence of the restaurant. Regrettably, everything began to shift after the 2013 bankruptcy when Firebird Restaurant Group, the owner of El Fenix, took over. This move was not just a change in ownership; Firebird aggressively pursued Pat Snuffer, compelling him to close his other businesses and effectively erasing his footprint from the Dallas dining scene.
The menu, once brimming with unique offerings like spinach quesadillas and the beloved burger of the month, has been severely diminished. In 2021, they introduced odd items like meatloaf with a sweet ketchup glaze and mac and cheese, which felt forced and out of sync with the restaurant’s tradition. By August 2024, the menu had been reduced by 70%, while prices have skyrocketed. Cheddar fries are now available in just two sizes, costing as much as $17 with toppings. Fried mushrooms are offered in a single size and feature a breading that doesn’t resemble the original flavor. The once-cherished burgers are now served on stale, thick buns that lack the signature poppy seed taste. The crispy chicken, now tough and overly breaded, further underscores the decline.
The Greenville, Texas location is in disarray, with dust and cobwebs accumulating on the blinds and windowsills, and the bar area visibly neglected. It’s disheartening to witness a place that once exuded so much charm and nostalgia being allowed to fall apart. Firebird Restaurant Group has taken what was once a beloved local institution and transformed it into a mere shadow of its former self. Snuffer's deserves so much better."
