text: I love the Ballantyne Hawthorne's and this store is on my way home from work, I thought I would give it a try.  \n\nThis location, situated in a strip center at the corner of Quail Hollow and Carmel is easy enough to find, and get into and out of no matter which direction you'll go when leaving.  Parking was ample.  Arriving around 5:30 on a Friday evening, there were only a couple of other tables sat.  The staff, dressed all in black, was standing around in groups.  Both young men standing at the host stand had their backs to the door and I had to make myself known.  The restaurant is loud, just from the hum of business.  I then saw a gentleman with balloons strung around his waist making balloon creations.  You know what else carries balloons?  Clowns.  I hate clowns.  And while trying to enjoy my dinner, balloon squeaks and eventual pops was really not what I was looking forward to as a way to end my work week.  Tables that were sat after me got wait service before I did.  I was regretting my decision to not just head to the Ballantyne location.  Because of the lack of crumb snatchers in the restaurant, the balloon dude then made some for the stagnant wait staff. But the food would be great, right?  Yeah!\n\nThe food:\nMozzarella sticks ($6.95):  6 small sticks served with marinara.  Thick coating on the sticks that tasted a little bland, but you don't want to overpower the cheese.  Marinara was tasty.  Not worth $7, but fine.\n9\" white pizza ($9):  I love white pizza and it is usually really good or really bad - this was good.  It hit the table smoking hot, cut into 4 pieces on a small pizza pan with a pizza serving spatula.  The crust was thin and crispy.  \nDiet Coke to drink (yay Coke products) and it was kept full by my quiet waiter.  \n\nI was too full for dessert, but it looked like there were some good choices.  I watch Hawthorne's Facebook page and they do a lot of work with the community and with kids eating free on Tuesdays and a balloon guy, they are definitely family friendly.  LOTS of people came in and out with takeout orders, so it stayed steady for business.  \n\nThe food was a 4, the overall experience was a 3 though - I'll continue to support Hawthorne's and their great pizza at the Ballantyne location.