Coco's is closing soon.....

I think we need to start a Keep SoWal Weird movement.

We are almost to the point where we have no casual restaurants. I think there is only one local coffee shop at this point. All the charm is being sucked out of SoWal.

I will really miss Coco's. They were the only place to get Dos Equis draft around here.

I think we need to start a Keep SoWal Weird movement.

We are almost to the point where we have no casual restaurants. I think there is only one local coffee shop at this point. All the charm is being sucked out of SoWal.

I will really miss Coco's. They were the only place to get Dos Equis draft around here.

Good idea, Punzy. I hate that the home owned businesses are struggling so--and I don't even live there.

I always support local eating establishments over chains. What is COCO's? There used to be a mexican place around here with that name with Wednesday Margurita specials.can't really remember the food.

Give Don Pedro's a try, I think their food is nice and fresh, the rellenos are actually light tasting.

It's right down the street, in the other shopping center on 98.

I think we need to start a Keep SoWal Weird movement.

We are almost to the point where we have no casual restaurants. I think there is only one local coffee shop at this point. All the charm is being sucked out of SoWal.

I will really miss Coco's. They were the only place to get Dos Equis draft around here.

So this is Paja here, using Walt's screen name....

you got me thinking, I think it would be really cool for all the 30A restaurants to start a keep it local campaign.
We could all chip in to make T- shirt that read;

Keep it Local

on the front (or some other catchy slogan) and then put all of our logos on the back. We could all sell them in our restaurants to spread the word that supporting locally owned businesses is essential to keep our great eateries open, and provide variety.

I have also been thinking for along time that it would be cool to start a 30A restaurant association to organize events that benefit all of us, stuff like having a showcase of 30A and maybe we can all offer a tasting menu on the same week, or stuff like that.

if other owners or managers or anyone for that is interested in the tshirt idea or the association idea lets start talking

Paja Sanchez
Caf? Tango

Love it!!!!

Let us know how we could get involved!

So this is Paja here, using Walt's screen name....

you got me thinking, I think it would be really cool for all the 30A restaurants to start a keep it local campaign.
We could all chip in to make T- shirt that read;

Keep it Local

on the front (or some other catchy slogan) and then put all of our logos on the back. We could all sell them in our restaurants to spread the word that supporting locally owned businesses is essential to keep our great eateries open, and provide variety.

I have also been thinking for along time that it would be cool to start a 30A restaurant association to organize events that benefit all of us, stuff like having a showcase of 30A and maybe we can all offer a tasting menu on the same week, or stuff like that.

if other owners or managers or anyone for that is interested in the tshirt idea or the association idea lets start talking

Paja Sanchez
Caf? Tango

So sad to hear this. I love Coco's and we have been going there almost weekly...

In terms of the restaurant association or the campaign... if it is something I can help sit on a marketing strategy meeting or help do some simple design work, let me know. I do think it is a wonderful idea.

Give it a name and make the commitment. It can work. Perhaps some sort of collaboration with the heads in bed tax dollars (TDC) should be a good start.

Another restaurant that needs our support is Amoré. The last few times we've been there it has been virtually empty. I love their thin-crust pizza and their salad.

One of the things we love the most about SoWal is the absence of chain restaurants. We can get that back in GA.

Great Idea!! I am willing and able to help. A taste of 30-A??

So this is Paja here, using Walt's screen name....

you got me thinking, I think it would be really cool for all the 30A restaurants to start a keep it local campaign.
We could all chip in to make T- shirt that read;

Keep it Local

on the front (or some other catchy slogan) and then put all of our logos on the back. We could all sell them in our restaurants to spread the word that supporting locally owned businesses is essential to keep our great eateries open, and provide variety.

I have also been thinking for along time that it would be cool to start a 30A restaurant association to organize events that benefit all of us, stuff like having a showcase of 30A and maybe we can all offer a tasting menu on the same week, or stuff like that.

if other owners or managers or anyone for that is interested in the tshirt idea or the association idea lets start talking

Paja Sanchez
Caf? Tango

and this is bad for 30A.

So if you like to frequent locally owned restaurants, now is the time. Apparently it wasn't the greatest summer and now we are into the off season. I hate to see the day where all we are left with is Applebee's, PF Changs, and Cheeseburger in Hell.
__________________

NOT MY CHOICE when I am on vacation...or any other time! Why do people have generic taste buds???????????:angry:

Don't get me wrong...I like these places...OCCASIONALLY...but not a steady diet....

Someone on this board called this scenario long ago, when the restaurants at Grand Blvd were announced. The simple truth is that franchises make money, giving customers something familiar. If given the choice of eating at Carabas or local restaurant X, which you know nothing about, I'd guess that 8 out of 10 go for the familiar, Carabas, even if they have not eaten at Carabas and only seen the commercials. It is sad that we have lost the desire to explore. Even at a restaurant which we frequent regularly, most of us tend to order the same one or two items, which we know to be good, resisting any temptation to wander off the beaten path. Here's to wandering! As for TDC, I'd guess that they are not legally able to give the locally owned businesses prefered treatment when marketing.Regarding the Taste of 30A, I think it is a great idea, but was long ago unimpressed with the event having so many non-SoWal resturants, and so few 30A restaurants. They brought in guest chefs and restaurants from other states, rather than featuring the local chefs. Perhaps if the former leaders of the event were fired, the event would be better.

Sounds like a great idea Punzy!!! I think that there are enough wonderful establishments on 30-A that could have a wonderful event. I would come for sure. Now to get someone to donate a place, invite all the mom and pop establishments and yee ha a party with newcomers trying their great food. Sure wish the trolly was still running. We could have a progressive dinner....

CoCo's

Was in with Kalie a week ago and I had a feeling.....there was just that look on everyone's face. Hate it for them.

But, like the owner said, he knows of others who are not far behind them. I think most of the restaurants on 30A, or right off of it, all know someone who is struggling to the point of being near throwing in the towel.

When I passed "The Melting Pot" (a somewhat large looking Fondue Restaurant) to the immediate west of Silver Sands it hit me so hard that we are no longer any different then Orlando.....where vacationers have their choice of a dozen or more Chain Restaurants to dine at. Let's face it the pie has been cut too many times for our 30A Corridor. It is now what I call "Golf Cart Convenient" for locals as well as those on vacation to dine. It will not stop with The Melting Pot...or Grand Blvd. Many more are to follow.

I have wanted to get together with restaurant owners for about 6 months now to discuss this, but with Doug's health delima have not been able to get it together. I think Paja is right we need to do something. And that something is all hang together. It will take some major action....T-Shirts are cool. I don't think locals can keep all of us open and running through out the year....too many of us now. But word of mouth to tourists has always been what works for us.

It is a long time until Spring and that's what everyone is holding out for....kinda scary as who knows what Spring and Summer 2008 will bring. We still have 4 months to go until then.....and let's not forget retail shops, art galleries, etc., etc.

I have a picture in my mind of restaurants at Grand Blvd., Silver Sands, Destin Commons....not quite sure about Bay Town, that they will be packed for Spring and Summer. This will put every restaurant and retail shop from one end of 30A to the other at jeopardy. Dare I think what fall and winter will be like after a summer of the above. As SoWallers we can help each other and I am so thankful for each one of you who have helped get us through so far.

Consistency is the only thing that will keep businesses going. This one week is great and the next slow as molasses just will not hold a business together. By putting this on the SoWal Board we are beginning something. Let's do it together even if it is one step at a time.

SoWallers YOU are a force that can get the word out..... and we all thank you for your support!

Kat, Doug, Jamie, Chris, Kelly, CR, Natalia, Sharon, Chef John, Sous Chef Robert and our new Kitchen Helper John!

P.S. I don't think any of us should feel guilty if we occasionally go over to Grand Blvd., etc. to dine with our family. Kalie made fantastic grades and we ate at Sushi Rocks per her request. They were wonderful and she was happy! Let's face it some of these restaurants off 30A ARE good!

I have wanted to get together with restaurant owners for about 6 months now to discuss this, but with Doug's health delima have not been able to get it together. I think Paja is right we need to do something. And that something is all hang together. It will take some major action....T-Shirts are cool. I don't think locals can keep all of us open and running through out the year....too many of us now. But word of mouth to tourists has always been what works for us.

I think it boils down to the fact that locals just don't have the discretionary income anymore for extras as so many local's livelihoods are tied to the real estate market, directly and indirectly.

I've always said, this run up in the real estate market will create a domino effect, and I think that is exactly what we are seeing right now, for restaurants and those businesses (mine included!) that provide products and services that can be lumped into the "life's little extras" category, not necessities.

Throw in the increase in gas costs (and increased gas costs will have to be passed on to the customer as businesses will have to increase their prices) and insurance costs, and the fact that the holidays are right around the corner and ... poof, no one can afford to eat out much if at all. For the mom and pop restaurants, trying to offer a consistent product becomes really difficult in this climate as corners have to be cut most times (less staff, less turnover in product etc. etc.) and then the customer experience suffers, discouraging repeat visits. It's a vicious cycle and I think, now with all the national brands in the area, we are going to continue to see independent restuarants close - very depressing.

Never underestimate the power of brand, folks. Just where we are at now - there is no turning back.

Regarding the Taste of 30A, I think it is a great idea, but was long ago unimpressed with the event having so many non-SoWal resturants, and so few 30A restaurants. They brought in guest chefs and restaurants from other states, rather than featuring the local chefs. Perhaps if the former leaders of the event were fired, the event would be better.

The Taste of 30A the first year or two was really great.

From what I understand, the reason it was changed to what it is now (are they even still doing it??) was because some of the participating chefs/restaurants weren't pleased with the exposure they were getting for participating - or something like that - and after the first year or two, stopped participating. It has been awhile so I don't quite remember what it was exactly. But basically, the whole spirit of the event eroded so they changed directions. That was during the high times, though - when you could get away with having an ego. Maybe it would work now with the reality of the area being what it is.

I think it boils down to the fact that locals just don't have the discretionary income anymore for extras as so many local's livelihoods are tied to the real estate market, directly and indirectly.

You may not be able to dine extravagantly, but you can still eat at & support many great local restaurants without breaking the bank. The $8 Amore lunch special of 1/2 a pizza and a salad feeds me for 2 meals - $4 for a healthy lunch isn't hard to scrounge up, it's practically the same as a gallon of gas. Many of the restaurants have tapas, bar menus, and specials, so you can support your favorite eateries without draining your bank account.

Telling visitors about great places so they don't go to chain restaurants because they don't know about the alternatives and dining out yourself (even if it's a happy hour special) is the best way to keep the restaurants going.

You may not be able to dine extravagantly, but you can still eat at & support many great local restaurants without breaking the bank. The $8 Amore lunch special of 1/2 a pizza and a salad feeds me for 2 meals - $4 for a healthy lunch isn't hard to scrounge up, it's practically the same as a gallon of gas. Many of the restaurants have tapas, bar menus, and specials, so you can support your favorite eateries without draining your bank account.

Telling visitors about great places so they don't go to chain restaurants because they don't know about the alternatives and dining out yourself (even if it's a happy hour special) is the best way to keep the restaurants going.

Very very true, SB. There are always ways to still be able to dine in your favorite restaurants. In the restaurant business, though, the concept of "every little bit helps" can only sustain a place for so long. If the majority of a restaurant's patrons are ordering tapas or a sushi roll or two during the buy one-get one free happy hour, and not dinner from the a la carte menu, they aren't going to be able to make it very long.

That was just a suggestion of how to help them along - as you said, in the long run, they need you and many visitors dropping $ which is why you need to spread the word about how wonderful they are!

So, I hope that I have not come off as Doomsday, that was not my intention. All I am saying is that we all need to remember this is a tourist town, and yes the economy is bad, and yes the pie is cut into many pieces, but the restaurants of 30A (and Sowal) are a gem that many towns don't have, there are wonderfully locally owned businesses up and down 30A, and minus a Starbucks or two and one subway and there are no cookie cutter corporations, and I think that is worth organizing a campaign around. Now what that means I don't know, but I am willing to participate in finding out.

(As Rapunzal brought up) I lived in Austin when the Keep Austin weird campaign was conceptualized and I think a campaign about 30A would be good for the area. "Keep it on 30A, or Keep it local or something, or of course including all of Sowal. (Keep South Walton local)

There are tons of great things we can do that do not include accepting local businesses closing. I am not against chains or corporations, but 30A offers so much more and we need to get people thinking about that.

The taste of 30A was a great idea, progressive dinners would be fun, or everyone offering a theme for a month like game meats for the month of November. It is beautiful out there.

Telling visitors about great places so they don't go to chain restaurants because they don't know about the alternatives and dining out yourself (even if it's a happy hour special) is the best way to keep the restaurants going.

BINGO!​

scooterbug....it's really always been about word of mouth. Back in 1995 when we first opened D&K's Little New Orleans Cafe where Tango has been now...longer then we were, everyone laughed at us and thought we were crazy...that we wouldn't make it in the "Boon Docks" :funn: I'm sure Cafe Tango can get a big laugh at that too....as their clientel is incredible! We were called the "Match Box Cafe"....but the talk around town, the consistent word of mouth kept us not only busy but a reservation list up to 3-5 weeks out. It helped to have only 9 tables.;-)

Well, we've done it again with the "New and Renovated D&K's" and we've been pounded pretty hard by some....but we're still going and I look to the future with bright hopes. When we have no room left on those busy nights we send to other restaurants....sometimes calling ahead for them. AND, others do that for us too! Thank you so much, you know who you are!!!!

I only wish we could have been more open sooner. Yes, the real estate market set off the domino effect. Owners knew it was coming but just dealing on a day to day basis keeping a restaurant open you sometimes lose sight of the big picture. Well, we now find ourselves in the big picture with a huge frame around us.

Bless each and everyone of you out there....let's keep the line of communication open. We at D&K are really trying to work on Specials, as I know many of you are....so let's stick together and help when we can! I do know that all my Christmas shopping will be done in our area. I can't say that for a teenage daughter....although she's been doing pretty well.

It's the month of THANKSGIVING so anyone who needs help please feel free to let someone know!!!!!

I have wanted to get together with restaurant owners for about 6 months now to discuss this, but with Doug's health delima have not been able to get it together. I think Paja is right we need to do something. And that something is all hang together. It will take some major action....T-Shirts are cool. I don't think locals can keep all of us open and running through out the year....too many of us now. But word of mouth to tourists has always been what works for us.

How about creating a nice booklet of the restaurants in the 30A area, with a map? It should include all the restaurants, not just those that pay to advertise. We have a notebook in our rental house where we put information about the area and plastic sleeves that hold menus we collect from the restaurants we go to. I also have a list in the front of the notebook of our personal favorites, all along 30A. It is hard to keep up with the opening and closing of restaurants although I'm constantly trying to remove or add menus when I can. (I need a new one for D&K, the one I had has disappeared!) If there was a nice booklet with consistent information, that summarized the type of food, a food price range, and setting or environment, and is easily kept up to date, all the the rental companies would be eager to place them in their houses. Perhaps one page per restaurant with photos, samples of the menu, etc. I know there are menu books available already, but I think they are in the whole Destin/Sowal area, and aren't very informative.

The renters that I talk with aren't generally very interested in going to Sandestin for dinner. They'd rather know about and frequent the restaurants that are closer to the house (our rental house is in Seagrove). They are usually pretty tired after a day at the beach and don't want to go far. At our house, we usually have families with small children, so casual places that the adults can get good food, but that don't mind kids and will put together kid food, are the most asked about. In my experience, they aren't very interested in chain restaurants that they can go to at home. The great restaurants in the area are part of what makes it special and keeps bringing people back here. If they close up, then we're just another beach destination and those tourist dollars go elsewhere.

That was just a suggestion of how to help them along - as you said, in the long run, they need you and many visitors dropping $ which is why you need to spread the word about how wonderful they are!

YES - keep on spreading the word is the best route for sure, especially to the snowbirds now and tourists in the on season and until locals can find their footing again in the wake of the new economy here. Maybe restaurants should consider banding together to do some marketing? Marketing costs can be huge - but if you all pool your money together, and band together, you may be able to stretch your marketing/advertising dollar!

I'm not trying to be doomsday - I'm just frustrated that people lost their minds with the whole real estate run up which has really changed the dynamic of the area.

Why anyone would go to a chain in Destin or PC down there is beyond me, I really tryed back in Sept. when my friends came down to direct them to D& K's and others. In the end they went to a chain close to their condo.How boring is that??

Why anyone would go to a chain in Destin or PC down there is beyond me, I really tryed back in Sept. when my friends came down to direct them to D& K's and others. In the end they went to a chain close to their condo.How boring is that??

As I said earlier, never underestimate the power of a brand. A popular brand has the power - it is a truly unbelievable thing.

In that thread, if someone can figure out how to "brand" the restaurants of 30A as a group - think outside the box here 30A restauranteurs - you could generate interest away from the big brands that have recently moved in.