needs some improvement. this place is attractive (albeit in an unimaginative typical brewpub way), has a fun giftshop, and a large menu. yet the food never is as good as one anticipates. the quality of the ingredients is good, and the servings are huge (i guess that many consider that a plus), but the flavors just miss the mark somehow. nothing is ever really bad--but little that i've had is what i'd call delicious, or something that i'd go back for. this place was awonderfuloutpost in the former wasteland that was downtown hyattsville. in that venue without any other decent restaurants nearby, people tended to overrate this place. but now since other places are moving in the burgeoning new hyattsville, franklin's needs to step up its game. maybe a new chef is in order. one thing that franklin does well is to serve and manage crowds and large tables of customers--service is speedy and efficient, with the wait staff well-trained and helpful.