What's up with all the Chain Stores on 30A?

now you're onto something... like your thinking tis!

Yes, good stuff, Amavida. Here's a thought and I mean it seriously. Would 30A allow food carts?

Foods that could be appealing with a food stand on wheels would be drinks, hot dogs, pretzels, bagels, pita sandwiches, wrap sandwiches, how about mideastern wrap sandwiches (hummus, grilled chicken, whatever

What's up with all the Chain Stores on 30A?

Starbucks is dominating 30A! Do we need more? We now have a Subway; soon a Tropical Smoothie. Who knows what others have already committed!

Have the property developers lost their creativity? Do our local newspapers really need to glorify these national fanchises over the independent local establishments that have been in our community for a long time?

Maybe it is time that a a message is voiced. Chime-in if you have any thoughts!

... Likewise it would be sad to loose Brunos Pizza to Dominoes; or Angelinas to Carrabbas. This leaves us with the challenge of how we want to shape our community and what do we want to be?

Tootsie: I could not agree with you more about Publix since they provide a necessarry service to the community and furthermore it is a Florida based company that supports our states needs. There is however countless examples of communites like ours that stood by and watched as national chains came in and displaced local businesses. Furthermore when a dollar is spent at a national chain it provides limited support in the community since many of the services (accountants, payrolls, banking, etc) that support these national chains are near their headquarters (many miles from 30A). In addition, these chains do not purchase products from their local communites since and in most cases are not community contributors. I for one would rather purchase goods from my neighbors, the same people that sit on our school boards, the same people that help build and support our community. Like you said, it woudl be very sad to loose Sundog Books to Borders. Likewise it would be sad to loose Brunos Pizza to Dominoes; or Angelinas to Carrabbas. This leaves us with the challenge of how we want to shape our community and what do we want to be?

How about a place that makes something that's pretty easy to deliver, not too expensive (e.g, for families) and work with Paradise taxi to provide home delivery food. Could just offer take-out and delivery and not manage a restaurant, which would lower costs? The goal would be quality food and service, a clean and maybe quirky place, word of mouth advertising, repeat business, and making enough of a profit of course. I think it would be hard for someone who needs to support a family to start this as his/her only job, though. It would take a while for it to take off.

I think Bobby is right about the larger chains being the only ones who can afford to open around 30A and expect to stay in business with rents being in the $27 + per sf, triple net, price range. I think the only way we could possibly see some local eats is that if someone built and leased small units in a common building, like a food court at the mall. Dining area could be shared by all, but mostly do take out walk up window. Limit the sq ftage to around 500sf and people may actually be able to make a small food place successful and long-lasting.
QUOTE]

What about the little buildings at The Villages of South Walton (AKA the seacrest fountains)? They are little -- and I've often thought that would be a good way for locals to have shops -- or small food places (like margaritas -- will someone take me up on it already!!) Cake Me Away finds a way to stay in business and she is never even opened! I wonder if others couldn't make it work as well.

I think Bobby is right about the larger chains being the only ones who can afford to open around 30A and expect to stay in business with rents being in the $27 + per sf, triple net, price range. I think the only way we could possibly see some local eats is that if someone built and leased small units in a common building, like a food court at the mall. Dining area could be shared by all, but mostly do take out walk up window. Limit the sq ftage to around 500sf and people may actually be able to make a small food place successful and long-lasting.
QUOTE]

What about the little buildings at The Villages of South Walton (AKA the seacrest fountains)? They are little -- and I've often thought that would be a good way for locals to have shops -- or small food places (like margaritas -- will someone take me up on it already!!) Cake Me Away finds a way to stay in business and she is never even opened! I wonder if others couldn't make it work as well.

I am not sure that they are large enough to have a little kitchen equipment and food storage. The Margarita stand idea sounds refreshing and I am sure it would be successful, but the expense of the liquor license would probably blow, or is the correct term, "suck?"

My dream would be to have an open air sand floor bar (kinda like Foxy's in the BVI's) with parrots, cats and a dog laying around right on Grayton Beach. Man that would be the life!:clap_1:

I haven't seen Dogmandu lately -- He wasn't anywhere to be seen on our last trip or two. I hope he's still around.

I, too, think the cart idea is a great one! I keep trying to get someone to open a margarita cart! Personally I think that's what the area really needs. But I guess feeding the family affordable isn't a bad idea either.

Scooter,
I hung out with Foxy in Jost is he still around?

Foxy is still around - probably getting ready for his huge NYE blast. If you want to hook up with him he is usually around the bar in the afternoons singing and joking around. More likely to see his son in the evenings.
I love the BVI's.

My dream would be to have an open air sand floor bar (kinda like Foxy's in the BVI's) with parrots, cats and a dog laying around right on Grayton Beach. Man that would be the life!:clap_1:

I had the opportunity to free/sail the BVI's, that's when I met Foxy.
You talk about a beautiful place..........how about the "Baths" in Gorda?;-)

That's what this place has always been missing. It would have taken somebody like yourself who owned the property way back when they could have gotten it done and enough money to never have to sell it.