Mark Norris's New Venture, Crispin's, Aims to Attract Families

By Lesley McCave Thu., Jul. 2 2009 at 12:00 AM

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As we mentioned yesterday, Norris, currently at San Clemente's White Horses, plans to open Crispin's, An American Eatery and Bar, in July/August, when the sale of the White Horses is completed. The new place will be located at the site of the old Baker's Square on Camino de los Mares (in the Stater Brothers Center), also in San Clemente.

There'll be a games area with linked gaming for kids aged six and up, plus an area for playing Rock Band, etc--(performances will be shown around the restaurant on TVs!) Outside, there will be a grassy area with swings and slides, which will also be monitored by CCTV.
As for the grub (breakfast, lunch and dinner), expect "simple, family-oriented fare with an emphasis on good-value comfort or traditional family food... to the same standard you have come to expect of us".

We'll bring you more news as soon as we have it, so watch this space.

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I remember Bakers Square was dirty and depressing this place is clean and bright. We ate there in November and we were disappointed - too busy for comfort. However we went back last week and things seem to have settled down. The service was pleasant and not in your face, the food fabulous - great pot roast, crispy fish and chips and I had a perfectly cooked NY steak. The prices are unbelievable - so cheap. My older children enjoyed the games area and the host (who I assume to be the owner)was friendly and welcoming. We will definitely be going again and again if this is the standard.
I will start out by saying I know the owners personally. But I won't let that get in the way of my review. The first time I ate there, I ordered baby back ribs with french fries and vegies. The ribs were Claim Jumper portion and quality, the fries were excellent and the vegetables perfectly grilled. I had lunch the next day and the BLTA bread was not toasted, the bacon was great, lettuce, tomatoes and avocado very fresh, but they served it in dish little plastic basket that would constantly fall over yet they plates were all stacked and ready for the dinner shift which was at least 4 hours away. I can say that since then and my suggestions to Marc (I'm not taking credit for them mind you), they have remedied all those little issues that would keep me from loving it. The food there is very good. They have gone through some staff (some were downright lazy) and been left with great people to help you.
Still terrible. Can't believe the good reviews
There will always be a mix of posts, most are honest experiences and then there are the obvious post from people who appear to make a living at submitting positive posts for all types of businesses. Back scratching? In any event, I was anxious to experience Crispins but sadly found it to be a bad experience. Not only poor service and very loud cafeteria like experience, the food was very buffet/cafeteria quality.
Im sorry to say when you do not pay you bills for products/consumables then bad karma will appear,looks like this is the case of crispins,maybe if marc pays his past bills at whitehorses the hex would come off crispins-just one of many of marcs past suppliers he stiffed speculating.pay your past bills marc and good luck will appear.
My parents ate there last weekend and they were served uncooked porkchops, and returned the food. The manager would not comp the food and then said my dad ate half of the meat so he wouldn't comp it. Horrible customer service. That is actually the first time my dad has returned food. It was not edible and a health code violation. He actually stopped eating it when he realized the meat was raw in the middle! The focacia bread was horrible, and they never refilled their water. The rest of the food was salty and bad as well. My brother and his wife had gone there for breakfast and their children's drink cups had blood all over them and on the straws. When they pointed it out to the waitress she said it was "just ketchup". When challenged to "taste it" she then realized it was in fact blood! Unbelievable. I will not be trying it and agree. Out of business in under 6 months.
No one is jealous. My wife and I used to go to the place when it was Bakers it had good food but was dated. while the interior has definitely improved Crispins flat out stinks!! We waited forever to be seated while the other half of the place was empty. My eggs were cool by the time they arrived and we had to ask twice for a hi chair for the little one. The plate was too small for my breakfast and they piled on the toast on top of my eggs instead of bringing a separate plage and the breakfast was below average. they will close in under 6 months as word will spread unless they make some dramatic improvements. I was suprised to hear they have restaurant experience as it almost looked like someone with ZERO exp in the restaurant space opened this place up
I have not one thing against Mr Norris I have no reason to. I am just writing about my experance at this resturant. Their are good and bad resturants all over. I chose to spend my money at resturants that care about the food they serve. The Dinning experance that I had at Crispins was proof enough for me that they do not care. and I chose not to ever go back, Too bad, as I was hopeing for it to be good. Good it is not. Funny how if you do not like what is being served here at this resturant then you must have something against the owner, Not the case here bad food,bad service,very very bad resturant.. That is it plain and simple no bashing needed. The food speaks for itself.I saidit before and I'll say it again this placed will be closed within 6 months.
I agree with the last post; it is SO obvious someone is jealous or threatened here. Hence the controversy over anonymous posts on blogs. (Silly really when in essence on a food level they really are in a league of their own around here.) I am sure it would be tres` interesting to see who Mr. Anonymous is. Anyone remember the slogan "character counts in San Clemente!?" Or how about "haters made me famous." Thank god for these two, for raising the bar for food in OC. I thought there would be lots of first rate joints when I moved here. Sadly, White Horses was one of the only restaurants anywhere around we truly enjoyed. I can't wait to try Crispins.
I have read with interest the comments above and would like to address particularly those few negative reviews. It is certainly obvious to me that there is some dirty work afoot by one or more mischief-makers here.Perhaps you may even know those despicable reviewees hiding behind their 'anonymous'tags. I know for a fact that the vast majority of customers who have sampled Crispins good, wholsome home-cooked comfort food at such reasonable prices have been full of praise and return time and time again. There have never been any management problems and, prior to opening, many, many prospective employees stood in line waiting for interview, keen to share in the excitement and anticipated success of the new venture. Mark and Aileen are catering to the needs and wants of the good people of San Clemente in the present financial climate. This is evidenced by the fact that Crispins is always busy, often with lines of patrons happy to queue to be seated. There are several other eateries with owners wishing they could say the same! As with any new business there will inevitably have been some ' teething problems 'which I'm sure will have been quickly addressed. Lastly, I would like to wish Mark and Aileen continued success with their new venture and may Crispins go from strength to strength!
Stopped by yesterday for lunch and walked right out!! The "main" dining was packed, the room was LOUD and the other dining room wasn't opening until 4pm. Ridiculous. Even the hostess agreed that it was loud. A cafeteria has more ambiance than this room with cackling conversation. They should add carpet to absorb the sound, and they should spend some money on the entry landscaping. We won't be back, and I'd be surprised if they were open a year. Such a disappointment for the new eatery in town.
My wife and I had dinner here last night on 11-13-2009, and I must say, it was one of they worst dinning experance's I have ever been through, Waited over an hour for our dinner to arrive and everything was cold!!! How can this be! I complained and it just fell on deaf ears, I said something to the owner upon leaving and he could have cared less he was to busy rubbing elbows with his buddies sitting in the bar. The food really was bad and the service was not any better, I would stay away from the place save you money and eat at home, a frozen TV dinner would be better then the slop they serve here. Horrable that is all I can sayfor this other then within 6 months the doors will close.. KITCHEN NIGHTMARES!!!!!!
There are no management issues. The food has been very well received. The service is at, or even above, the level of a restaurant that is less than two weeks old. While the dinner we had took longer than I was expecting, I went there with a person I wanted to talk to, so I barely noticed. The prices on alcohol and wines are excellent and I can't wait to go back this upcoming weekend.
Here here to payin the old bills. Close one door before you open another. Heard the new restaurant isn't goin so well. Management and employee issues. Hope that hasn't affected the food. Good luck, hope it all works out.
mark and aileen should pay their outstanding bills before opening a new restaurant.
I'd say your best bet is to call him at the White Horses�(949) 429 1800. Hope that helps!
How can i reach Mark Norris to talk about joining the Chamber of Commerce? Chamber Ambassador
Very excited to hear of your restaraunt, concept-right on. I do question introducing the computer game machines and sports bar TV screens. You can go for pizza if thats your interest. Good luck
Yes, it could well be�hopefully they'll bear everyone's reduced budgets in mind!
I have experienced the pleasure of dining with Mark and Aileen at White Horses on a few occasions when the budget was willing. Unfortunately the budget has not often been willing lately. It sound like it will be easier for me to enjoy their hospitality at Crispin's.