What Would You Like To See Replace Justin’s Steakhouse?
Roland Zimmer, the owner of the building that housed the now-closed Justin’s Steakhouse in downtown Spartanburg, recently posted on the GoUpstate forums asking for ideas about the kind of restaurant people would like to see take over the space.
What could be cooler than asking for that kind of feedback? And who better to ask than the people who live and work in downtown? Props to Zimmer for thinking outside of the box here.
Of course, I’d argue that the GoUpstate forums aren’t always the best place for constructive conversations. Frankly, there are a lot of trolls on that forum in my experience, and a lot of conversations — even about something as decidedly local as annexation or zoning — inevitably end up being about how much Obama sucks or doesn’t. I’d hate to see that happen to this discussion, which could actually impact the shape of downtown in some significant ways.
So, in an attempt to give another outlet for the discussion, I’m cross-posting Zimmer’s question here in hopes we can keep the discussion going, even if it fails on the other forum.
Also, you can contact Zimmer directly, as he posted his phone number on the forum itself: (864) 809-3535.
I have submitted my opinion over their as well. I believe an Outback Steakhouse would flourish. If not that then some other middle of the road dinner joint would do well. Just my two cents.
Why all of the goupstate hate? Of course their are going to be trolls almost everywhere but almost everyone, at some point in time, almost everyone brings up some form of interesting point. I have shared, and learned a lot. There is no need in bashing an entire group of people based of a few. Which given your liberal tenancies would make me assume you have defended groups the same way. Of course that is a hypothesis, not an allegation or claim of fact.
Maybe I’m being a bit harsh. I’ve seen too many good conversations utterly destroyed by unchecked trolling on that forum to recommend it without caveats. But you make a good point; perhaps I should tone it down in the post.
Yeah the problem is they have 1 moderator that handles it. He works a few hours a day so really not much filtering going on. I have talked with him about adding a local moderator and he said that it would have to approved by someone higher up. I do agree that the experience can be put down a lot by a few of the crack pots that are over there.
I can tell you for sure there. Their are several highly intelligent people from both sides of the fields that can make for some great conversations.
We welcome any constructive criticism about the forums at GoUpstate.com. As everyone who accepts anonymous comments understands, there’s a fine line between allowing people to express their opinions and stomping on their views. We welcome good, strong, thoughtful threads, and we don’t hesitate to remove anything that violates our terms. There are many interesting threads going on over there right now. We have a huge audience that few can match in this area.
Also, I noticed after posting my original comment here that it says “Your comment is awaiting moderation.” We could set the forums at GoUpstate to advance moderation, too, and catch every single offensive comment before it ever appears, but we believe people want to be able to see their comments immediately so they can respond to others in real time. It’s a chance we’re willing to take, despite the drawbacks.
It’s only set to do that with the first comment from a given user. Since most SPAMming is “drive by,” this catches the vast majority of such comments. It’s the industry standard set-up, and the default setting for WordPress.
Thanks for dropping by, Tom. I haven’t spent much time on GoUpstate in a few months, but I took a few minutes to look around just a moment ago. I gather you’ve stepped up the moderation since the last time I read it regularly.
A lot of the openly racist, homophobic and just plain pointless threads appear to have been flushed, and it looks like a lot of the more obnoxious trolls have been either run off or banned. Good work.
Was there not a mod on there until recently or something? I know Topix had such a problem with their mods that a lot of newspapers dropped their service completely. The Asheville Citizen-Times did that just a few months ago, for instance.
Yes, Steve, we have improved enforcement on the forums. We’re employing better tools now to fight the offensive posts and we are not hesitating to remove those who blatantly violate our rules. We are finding and removing these posts faster now, and in many cases are able to prevent them from being posted live in the first place.
Also, we are getting good response and support from our long-time members, who are helping us weed out the posts that violate our terms. I think when they believe the forums are flooded with offensive comments they feel they can do nothing about them. But when they see just one or two occasionally, report them using the little triangle icon, and see the results of their actions, they feel empowered to become forum helpers. They have stepped up, and we appreciate their efforts, although we don’t always have the time to e-mail them our thanks.
At a time when a U.S. senator can be applauded for telling a president to his face that he is a liar, and when consitiuents can insult members of Congress face-to-face in public forums, it may seem to many that it’s now allowable to insult anyone at will, using any words they please. We still don’t think that’s acceptable. Disagree, yes; insult, no.
Props for taking that challenge on. Taking another look around this morning, it really does seem like a friendlier place than it did in early summer of this year, which is when I basically gave up on it. Keep up the good work.
I’d like to see a chain with name recognition and a solid operating system that sells beer and mid-priced food where young professional and college students will flock. We need a few more staples on the various corners of downtown before we start experimenting with the likes of Justin’s.
I think something like a Barleys Tap Room would be great.
http://www.barleystaproom.com/
Right across the street basically is a Delaney’s which is almost exactly as you describe. Then their is a Wild Wings right up above it which is almost the same way. I am not entirely sure that another one is what we need.
Any other ideas? I find the process interesting…
Barley’s is kind of more like “What if Wild Wings sold pizza,” and it has the advantage of being a strictly regional chain. That said, I’m not sure there’s that much of a market for Barley’s here — although I personally would love to have one — because there are already three decent places to get a pizza in downtown: Sonny’s, Mellow Mushroom and Venue Pie.
Good call Tammy Barleys would be a good choice! This could be the Triple Threat ……… “good” food – beer – live “original” music maybe in downtown spartanburg!
Barley’s would be awesome in that spot.
Frankly I miss the days of the old RJ Rockers. I’m really glad they are coming back on the downtown scene but from what I understand, they will not have a full-scale brew pub like they used to have there before Delaney’s.
I also think some kind of trendy Mexican or Tex Mex type place would work well in Justin’s. I always think it’s funny that of the handful of restaurants we do have around Morgan Square, three are Asian (which I love). I think a Mexican place slightly nicer than your typical Broncos would do well–maybe attract the margaritas crowd after work and all.
I’d definitely like to have a good Tex-Mex or Mexican place downtown. Even a chain would be OK with me.
Really, as long as the food is good and the prices reasonable for what you get, I’d be OK with pretty much anything going into the spot. For practical reasons, I’d also like it to be a bar, and I’m also with John Scoggin in thinking that the spot being used as a part-time music venue would be awesome.
What I’d REALLY like to see, however, is Gerhard’s move into the spot. That place is packed every time I go there, and the food is outstanding. They seem to be the only thing thriving in that entire complex, and I can only imagine they’d do even better business downtown.
Steve–
Def agree on the Gerhard’s idea. I feel like asking people what they “want” at that spot is different from asking them what “would work” there. There has to be a market.
Hate to say it, but any failure of a restaurant is a strike against the market. A chain won’t even touch the place if the site is a consistent “loser”.
True, but there are also several new things going in — Croc’s, Cornbread to Caviar, Main Street Pub — which offset that concern to a degree. Still, if I was a big chain restaurant, I’d shy away just because of the parking issue.
But that’s not as big of a deal for people who are wanting an “experience” (booze, music, specialty food) rather than just a meal. Those folks are going to be there for hours, generally speaking. Wild Wings is a good example of this kind of place. So, I’d think a Gerhard’s or a Barley’s is fairly plausible.
It’s been a while since I’ve eaten at an Outback or a Chili’s, but I seem to recall them being more a volume-based kind of experience. I’m not saying it wouldn’t work — I’m not restaurant guy — it just seems like a smaller place with more of a bar and night-out experience might be better suited to the space.
I very much agree that some type of Mexican restaurant that is perhaps a notch above the Mexican places around town would be a great addition to downtown. (Not that I have anything against Corona’s, Monterrey’s or Bronco’s.) It seems to be the major missing piece in the downtown dining spectrum. We have wings and pub food, three varieties of Asian (including sushi), a deli (well, two actually), pizza at Sonny’s, Italian if you go slightly afield, and white tablecloth dining.
Aside from that, Tammy’s suggestion of a chain with name recognition is a good one. Though I do support local business, I have no personal objection to chain restaurants, or even better, regional chains (which would include Wild Wings and Groucho’s, I think.)
Justin’s is the third restaurant in the past 9-10 years that has tried to make a go of it in that space – remember Ellis an American Bistro and the Hub City Grill?
Yep, that Hub City Grill guy shut down all his restaurants and skipped town, right? His other restaurant Out West on Reidville Rd. has been sitting vacant for a little while now but they recently announced that it will soon be….The Clock. Wow. Just what we need. Well, I shouldn’t complain–I used to go to the Clock out on 290 a lot years ago, and I guess something there other than a vacant building is a good thing. I just wish they’d bring Gooney Birds or a place like that back.
From what I understand, the owner made the mistake of having one bank account for all three of his restaurants. His manager at one of the restaurants had access to the account, cleared it out one day and disappeared into the sunset.
This is pretty much hearsay, but I’ve heard it from two different people that worked with the guy that bailed.
Well, the newspaper reported at the time that the ownership group for the three restaurants – Hub City Grill and the other two restaurants – one of which was an Italian place where the Mellow Mushroom is that was called something Pranza – included two out-of-town guys who had made a practice of moving into a town, bringing in a local partner and his money, operating for a while, and gradually siphoning money out, leaving the third owner high and dry, not to mention all of the employees that were owed money and creditors as well. I remember the manager-co-owner of the Italian place being interviewed on the news, and he looked like he was about to cry.
Here’s the old article:
http://www.goupstate.com/article/20070121/NEWS/701210369
Not really germane to the conversation, but I guess I did bring it up…
I could definitely see an upscale Mexican restaurant. I love the food offered typically. It just seems most I go to all of the waiters just seem to be pissed off to be working. If there was a Mexican restaurant with a better atmosphere and good food then I would probably show up.
I would still love an Outback though, and I have never seen one do well so I think it would work out well for the franchise and the owner of the building.
I love Outback too…the thing is that there is already one in Spartanburg. Since there is also only one location in Greenville, I guess I don’t see them opening a second location in Spartanburg so close to the other one.
I wouldn’t call it close, its a 20 minute drive from one to the other. West side vs east side.
As a matter of fact the I go to the Gaffney one because I like the people their better. If their was an Outback on the east side I’d go to it just because of convenience.
Haha who are you PJ
Twenty minute drive from Morgan Square to the Outback on Reidville Road? Not to be critical, but it’s really only about 3.5 to 4 miles. If we were talking about true east side – that is, Hillcrest – to Reidville Road, I would agree, but I think John’s point is probably well taken, that if they only have one in Greenville, with an extra 120,000 people, they probably wouldn’t open a second one in Spartanburg.
Maybe more like 15 but its close. Ill check it out next im heading that way =)
Don’t worry about being critical, that’s how people learn and improve.
I really don’t know what their franchise strategy is to be honest. Greenville has 120,000 extra people and twice the restaurants so I imagine your chances would be better here.
I am just saying, purely in the interest of this man looking to rent his building, IF he could land outback, it would be very stable.
Ha, different takes I guess.
I’ve never been too big on the whole Eastside vs. Westside “and never the two shall meet” thing.
I live on the westside in the unincorporated part of Spartanburg that is in District 5. I’m always downtown for one reason or another. Not a far drive, to me it’s all one big city.
It seems there are a fair number of people on the eastside who don’t want to ever leave that bubble. Must be a killer to have to go all the way to the Westside to buy a pair of jeans at the mall lol.
I’ve only gone to that mall 5 times in the past 5 years and that was to see Santa. They do have a good Santa.
who am I? are you serious.
I was that guy that grew up beside you since I was 10.
I don’t know anyone named PJ. Perhaps you have the wrong person?
my mistake.
One of my close friends goes by nodnarb online so I was kinda surprised to see him posting here. carry on!
The service I’ve received from Broncos’ on Union St and on Blackstock Rd have both had really good service IMO. I drink a ton of water, and these are the only restaurants where my glass doesn’t even get near empty. In fact, I’ve always commented to everyone I go with on how the food is always brought out promptly and the people are very attentive and personable. I always see the people working there seeming very happy to be there.
Don’t know which Mexican restaurants you’ve been going to.
As for another Outback? Hmm… pass.
I agree the actual service is general top notch at Mexican restaurants, they just generally don’t seem to happy about it and make me feel kind of awkward haha.
There was one exception, the Mexican restaurant in Pacolet was THE greatest Mexican restaurant I have ever been to. Such a shame that jerk burned it down.
wow this nodnarb guy is a jerk. Just kidding…
personally I would like to see something local versus a chain restaurant.
Chili’s !!!!!!
What about a cajun cafe? There is a restaurant that I managed when I was in College in Tallahassee, FL. It is a Creole Cafe that has a full bar with AWESOME FOOD and live music on the weekends! In Tallahassee it is in the downtown district which catered to the professional business crowd during the day and then the college students and younger professionals around dinner/happy hour. They had a yearly crawfish festival which was a blast, with live bands from New Orleans, Jazz and Sax Players, this may even be a way to get some of the music students into playing some great music downtown. I think this restaurant would be a huge hit in Downtown Spartanburg, there are no good cajun restaurants in the Upstate that i know of. Wouldn’t you guys love to have a Muffelatta? Or how about a Crawfish Po’Boy? Even better, would you like to have Cafe Du Monde coffee and a fresh Beignet for Sunday Brunch Downtown?
http://www.poboys.com
Check out their website, they sure would have my vote!!
Cajun is a great idea!
The short answer to your questions is “yes”.
You managed a restaurant while in college? That’s pretty cool. You must have an inside track with these guys to sell Spartanburg as an expansion or franchise opportunity.
Yes I did, and it sure was a challenge! But, I made it! Inside track, not sure about that, but I do know the guys who own the restaurants that are in Tallahassee. There is one in Central FL as well, there was one started in Athens, GA a couple years back but it didn’t make it, poor management and TERRIBLE locatrion!
I think it would really be a great addition to Downtown Spartanburg. The place in Tally was packed out, ALL THE TIME! The food is fantastic and the price is right for sure!!
An inexpensive Canjun/Creole place sounds great!
As much as I love one-of-a-kind restaurants, downtown still needs to draw more people, and people here are still suckers for name recognition. I wonder if people would recognize Copeland’s:
http://www.copelandsofneworleans.com/
It is an AWESOME inexpensive cajun restaurant! The food is ridiculous! The recipies these guys have come up with will knock your socks off! From scratch Shrimp Etouffee, Seafood Gumbo, red Beans and Rice, Jambalaya, Jalapeno Cornbread!! It is killer!!
I could get into a decent Cajun place. It’s generally the kind of food I only want to have a few times a year, but if it had live music and a decent set of appetizers, that wouldn’t matter as much.
This is an awesome idea. Love some cajun. Love some crawdads and frog legs. Blackened catfish? nom nom nom.
How about this, we have an American style bar, a Sushi bar, and an Irish bar why not try a Belgian bar with fries, muscles, and live music kind of a european NUWay. Lot’s of good friends, good beer, and good food.
As long as you’ve got booze and music, the specific food on the menu should be somewhat negotiable. I don’t know much about Belgian food, though. Can you give some more examples?
I dig what your saying: “Moules and Frites”.
That would definitely be unique for this area.
Kinda like this place from “Throwdown w. Bobby Flay”
http://www.granvillemoores.com/ (in DC)
I’d prefer to see something local or regional rather than chain. Like I said on the other forum – leave Chili’s and Outback out by the interstate where they belong.
I would LOVE to see some of the successful Asheville restaurants try a southern expansion. My favorite being Tupelo Honey, but Mayfels or Salsa would suit me nicely.
I think the best shot at success is a lunch niche that isn’t available in walking distance of the downtown corporate crowd that also had a shot at folks driving in for dinner.
Mexican has been trotted out – wouldn’t a Mexico Lindo move or expansion sound good downtown. They definitely are the highest end Mexican kitchen in the county. (Maybe Anita’s in Simpsonville is ready to expand eastward?)
The spot seems prime for corporate lunchers – right next to Extended, halfway between Advance and QS1. The night time crowd needs to get comfortable with the parking decks. It’s just across the street a half block. Folks drive in for Delaney’s and Miako’s, right?
With a co-op hopefully less than a year away – could downtown support a Vegetarian or Organic place? I don’t think so – YET – but maybe, just maybe before long.
I LOVE Tupelo Honey in Asheville, and it’s an exceptional place, even in that market. It’s one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to in terms of quality, and the prices are actually quite reasonable for what you get. It’s got great options for vegetarians and vegans as well, and they really focus on the local food aspect in their menu.
Speaking of places from Asheville that might work in that space, allow me to suggest a few models: The Laughing Seed (mid-price vegetarian), Rosetta’s Kitchen (greasy spoon vegetarian), Papas & Beer (mid-price outstanding Tex-Mex), Early Girl (mid-price breakfast and lunch), Mela (mid-price Indian, not dissimilar from Five Spices), Table (very high-end gourmet), Mamacita’s (mid-price specialty burritos and nachos) and Jack of the Wood (mid-priced Irish pub grub). All of these are independently owned and managed, not chains. And many are “experience” restaurants where the expectation is that you’ll be socializing there and hanging out.
There’s also Doc Chey’s, which I wouldn’t mind having around, but it’s the exact same niche as Monsoon.
Man you’re making me want to take a road trip!
Not that you need further convincing, but Asheville is also where Barley’s started.
I should also note that Asheville as a food destination is a relatively new thing. Prior to about 2001, the downtown dining options weren’t all that different from what’s available in downtown Spartanburg. Most of that change happened when the city started getting a reputation as a “cool” city, and the main reason that happened was because of the arts scene and the wealth of independent downtown businesses.
There’s no reason Spartanburg can’t have a fantastic, largely independent, local restaurant community on par with Asheville’s, if not better.
Tupelo Honey is “our” place. There have been many a last minute Saturday brunch road trip over the gorge!
One of my husband’s favorite restaurants is Texas Road House. It is a medium priced steak place with a bar, and a casual atmosphere. Their beef tips is one of my favorites. All we really have in Spartanburg that I know of is Steak Royalle and Outback. I really can’t count places like Ryans because they focus more on their food bars then on steaks.
Something like a Texas Roadhouse would be nice in that space. It wouldn’t have to be a chain. I to think local or regional owned would be best for the downtown area.
Many cities have mid priced barbecue places with live music that do very well. I’ve been to a number that are located in old or historic buildings. The Rendezvous in Memphis and Dinosaur BBQ in Rochester NY stand out in my mind.
IF we could just talk Bull Hawgs into moving into town from Pauline!
I lived in the Spartanburg, (Boiling Springs) for about 10 years and really liked the area. The one thing that most southerners have not had, is a decent Hot Dog. By that I mean, charcoal broiled, on real charcoal. Quality hot dogs are not available as far as I know at least, in the south. If anyone has had the pleasure of imbibing in a Salen’s hot dog from Ted’s in the Buffalo, NY area, you know what I mean. Along with a beer, (or two) and perhaps another Buffalo favorite, Roast Beef on Kummelweck. I gaurantee this would be successful. If not downtown, then out of town. I’d even drive the 150 miles from Pinehurst, NC to have one…….ha! Hello to all my friends in Sparkle City.
What about a tapas place?
Like the ones in Greer and Greenville?
http://www.thecazbah.com/
There is supposed to be a tapas restaurant going into the new RJ Rockers complex. So cross that off your list!
I think The Cazbah would be great as well! If not The Cazbah something like it, there is a place in Orlando, Fl that is similar, they have a more expanded menu!! If there is one thing I could say about The Cazbah it would be that their menu could have a couple more options!
The place in FL is Ceviche. Check them out: http://www.ceviche.com
One thing to keep in mind for all of us, there is a lot of expansion going on in Downtown as we speak!
The Hub City Co-op is coming to 151 S Daniel Morgan Ave. in the Spring 2010. This is a member owned and operated market that focuses on local harvest, local Commerce, and community connectivity!! There is currently an ownership drive talking place! The majority of revenues will be put back into the community, not just the Downtown Spartanburg community, all the surrounding areas will be included!
Hub City Co-Op: http://www.hubcitycoop.org
On the website there is the ownership form that can be mailed in, also they are working on setting up credit card processing!
Check it out, this is HUGE for our community!
I LOVE the idea of a nice Mexican place, something along the lines of Mexico Lindo. It’s one of the few types of (mainstream) food not within walking distance of Morgan Square. Also, there’s a restaurant in Asheville called Ed Boudreaux’s that I think would do well here. Inexpensive but great food, cajun sandwiches and barbeque, served in a New Orleans-inspired atmosphere. Think Mardi Gras meets upscale sports bar.
http://www.edbbq.com/
I CRINGE at the idea of yet another “casual fine dining” restaurant in Spartanburg, especially invading downtown! If you ask me, places like Outback, Applebees, etc. are just a step up from fast food.
I will always prefer to see a local business over a large chain, and I would REALLY love to see a place with a LOT of personality. Maybe something with kitsch, anything to stand out from the crowd! And no, that does not include hanging road signs and alligator heads on the walls while serving up canned vegetables and chewy steaks.
I LOVE the idea of a Cajun restaurant!! A Mexican restaurant could be cool if it’s done right. Every Mexican place I’ve been to in the South is just like Monterrey’s and Broncos: same food, same atmosphere, same music, same sombrerros and falsa blankets on the walls, same everything. It would be cool to see a Mexican place decorated with traditional Mexican tiling and folk art, food served on colorful fiestaware, and maybe have a live mariachi band or a Linda Rondstat impersonator playing lol.
What about a churrascaria? You know, a Brazillian steakhouse? There is an AMAZING churrascaria in Minneapolis called Fogo de Chao that is just ridiculous it’s so good. They have the absolute best, most original salad bar I’ve ever seen, the most delicious, mouth-watering, fire-roasted meat of any kind you can think of, and it’s all served up by hot Brazillian guys in gouchos (just a personal bonus for me lol). If we had a place like that in Spartanburg, I would be there every day!
I’d also kill to see an Ethiopian restaurant somewhere around here, but I just don’t see it working in Spartanburg any time soon. =(
Or what about a Greek place? A REAL Greek place? Not a Greek/Italian/American/Southern-American restaurant. I would not want to see french fries on that menu lol.
For years I’ve been rolling around the idea of one day opening a fusion-style bakery. Something with a comfortable but trendy, almost coffee house atmosphere. Most things I bake are based on traditional Southern recipes with all kinds of new influences mixed in, especially Thai and Cambodian. Roland Zimmer is welcome to steal my ideas if he wants lol. I’ll even sell him some of my recipes nice and cheap.
Sorry, I’m a total foodie. Y’all have gotten me started on the wrong topic lol.
There is a fabulous new Brazillian Steakhouse in Downtown Greenville called Rio Grille! As the matter of fact, I will be going there Friday night with the guys from my wedding party, getting married on the 25th! The food is awesome! Good idea!
Congratulations! And I will definitely have to go check out Rio Grille. But this is just like Steve was talking about in this week’s Big Idea; one more reason money is leaving Spartanburg and heading out to Greenville and other surrounding areas.
All of my drooling over the prospect of another meal at Tupelo Honey probably doesn’t help much, either.
I’ve never even heard of it before this blog, but you guys have me convinced that I NEED to go there lol.
I can’t recommend it enough. While you’re there, maybe find a manager and ask them if they’ve ever considered expanding. There’s this up-and-coming city just an hour away and …
Will do! Maybe if we all go and bug them enough, they’ll feel like they *have* to come open up in Spartanburg!
RE Greek:
Isn’t it funny with such a sizable Greek community, where several long standing food providers are run by Greek folk, that there is no JUST GREEK restaurant? Why no Zorba’s or something? (OK, that’s cheesy – from Big Fate Greek Wedding.)
It might be a little cheesy, but I would totally eat there!!!
Yes, yes, YES!
A nice, simple, REAL restaurant that serves REAL food, not just a ‘theme’ and packaging.
Eggs and biscuits, Burgers, Pizza, Rice-and-veggies, Beer, soup, wine–you know–*actual* FOOD.
People still like to eat REAL food, right? And there are still lots of farms in the area growing and producing actual food, right?
Spartanburg is such a fickle town, and a restaurant having good food and good service don’t necessarily mean it’s going to last.
I really think this particular location needs a change of pace. What about The Old Spaghetti Factory or Spaghetti Warehouse? I think the building would be perfect for one of these types of restaurants with its old world charm and giant ceilings.
Both these restaurants have a fairly simple menu, reasonable prices, and are family-friendly.
That is disheartening to hear. I ate at Justin’s as a birthday gift last year. It was very intimate and the food was great as well as service and wine. The only complaint I had was for such five star dining, the main dining area was very small. Guests were sitted pretty close together. I enjoyed everything though, never asked what the bill came to, I know it was quite pricey by my date’s reaction to it…but Justin’s will be missed.
That does spark a good question…I think I would like to see something of Justin’s quality but less expensive. Besides, you can’t miss Justin’s downtown so something will have to be really nice to take its place!
For the benefit of downtown that location really needs to be a book end. Bakeries, coffee shops, and book stores aren’t going to cut it. As much as I hate to say it, it needs to be a well known name established in multiple cities (especially downtowns), reasonably priced, and attracts a variety of ages/types. Then comes the infill of Italian, Mexican, vegetarian, bakeries, coffee shops, etc…
I don’t think recent restaurant entrepreneurs have had a grasp on what Spartanburg (The Majority) is all about. Options are great, but I think we’ll have to wait for those to fill the nooks and crannies.
So think Wild Wings….without the wings….Barley’s without the pizza….what’s left?
Now that I think of it Mellow Mushroom needs to move there.
As close to Converse College as Mellow Mushroom is, I doubt it’s going anywhere. Those ladies live at that place.
I disagree. I think it is a common misconception that you have to bring in a “Big Chain” to hold down a town center, but it requires an approach that has more ‘community’ and ‘vision’ than just the investors immediate ‘profits’.
Look at downtown Asheville. To a large degree, it was the unique restaurants and shops that made downtown Asheville a draw.There are a few regional chains that have been there a long time, but for the most part, it was small places like “Salsa’s” that made the downtown. and that was becuase of local investors like Julian Price, who had enough vision to nurture the small and quirky and colorful enough for it to create a following.
From what I’ve seen, this is what downtown Spartanburg is missing, for the most part; local building owners who ‘get it’ enough to invest in projects that will pay off for everyone in the long run. Wild Wings and Starbucks might offer ore of an immediate payoff for a property owner, but they do little to make downtown Spartanburg anything ‘different’ than anywhere else in the area.
Rents seem unrealistically high for a small business owner to even make it in downtown spartanburg. Why is that? There are buildings *sitting empty*. Wouldnt it be better to have them filled, and have people *gasp* Using Downtown than to have a bunch of empty buildings not generating ANY profit?
Spartanburg needs more people with the vision to create projects that actually give Spartanburg a ’soul’, and a good Real restruant or two would be a great start. Obviously the old plan of ‘thinking big’ hasnt worked well for spartanburg yet, so what do you have to lose? Think Local. it works.
I like you. =)
why, thank you.
I spent the day in Atlanta yesterday. After my business was finished, I drove around midtown a bit wasting time waiting for a friend to get off work. I saw some of my old haunts still alive and well, Einstein’s and Joe’s on Juniper. I saw a new quirky Thai place on 10th. Or hearts were broken to drive to Agne $ Muriel’s on Monroe to find it an empty shell. I can only hope they have relocated and not closed for good.
But, dinner was at a name I knew in a new-to-me location: The Flying Biscuit at the lovely corner of 10th and Piedmont. If I can’t have Tupelo Honey here, The Biscuit would be my next fantasy favorite. Last night I had a BLT Salad – with a twist: the “T” was friend green tomatoes. It was topped with a cashew and jalapeno relish with a think sweet vinaigrette on the side. YUM! There is nothing like TH or FB except maybe, maybe The Broken Tea Pot in Woodruff. But I don’t think you could get them downtown for anything.
A day in Atlanta is wonderful and a weekend can be a lot of fun, but the traffic and the chaos reminded me why I moved here. I may not have all the options I had there, but I have more time in my day and less road rage.
Not sure if this idea has been posted yet, but what about a collaborative effort of two businesses- coffee/tea bar upstairs that turns into a lounge/bar at night and then downstairs have a restaurant of sorts.
I think that’s a GREAT idea. It kills two birds with one stone and offers something for everybody!
My lord, this is a lot of comments.
How about a simple, “Real” food restaurant, with an emphasis on relatively local food?
A place more unique than another national or even regional chain, like barleys or mellow mushroom or outback. How about something that actually feels like it belongs to downtown spartanburg?
Is it really that hard to think outside the “chain” box? Can we set our sights a bit higher than the so-called ‘middle-of-the-road’ over-priced mediocrity of another wild wings?
How about something along the lines of the down-to-earth, homey feel of Asheville’s “Rosettas”, but without the ‘vegetarian’ limitations?
You know, a Diner that serves Real food.
My God, THANK YOU!
Personally, I know of at least two different couples who would love to see this kind of restaurant downtown, but have failed to find a reasonable rate for rent or lease from any building owners.
For some reason, they find it more prudent?, profitable? to leave buildings sitting empty for some theoretical payoff in the future (that, in my opinion, will never come) than to make some income and build the character of the downtown in the meantime.
So, does anyone know any of the building owners downtown who actually care about the comunity? I’d love to get in contact with one who cares about the town, and doesnt have his or her head deep in the sand (to put it nicely).
Cici’s or Mama Shacks Pizza? Lee’s Famous Chicken? Chinese Buffet?
Or a gourmet hot dog place?
I kid.
HA!