Following up on yesterday's installment, I want to finish up my comments on possible eateries so I can swing back into focus on what retail establishments I think would support my vision for City Center. Recapping, there are some 17 available spaces to acquire food (though not all are currently being used as such, they all were at some point in City Center's history.), of those 17, 13 fit the designation of "food court"-centric while the final four maintain the semblance of a more complete "restaurant."
My basic criteria for designating a restaurant is relatively simple:
Criterion 1: Food served is meant to be "for here" rather than "to go."
Criterion 2: Hours of operation can (and do) vary from the designated mall hours.
With these two things in mind, I designate the four restaurants to be Spinnaker's, The Boulevard, Max&Erma's and Fame Deli.
*Another criteria I could've used is the ability to serve alcohol, but it would've edged Fame Deli out of the running.*
All four of these restaurants offered a different venue of dining: the sports bar, the cafeteria, fine dining and casual dining and for the most part, were spread out thru the mall creating the perfect sense of symmetry.
As with the food court, I don't have suggestions ready to fill every space, but I do have two that would offer something interesting and lucrative to the mix:
Buffalo Wild Wings (BW3's): taking over the empty Max&Erma's space, this company completely embodies the "sports bar" spirit that M&E only hinted at, not to mention, their "25 Cent Tuesdays" still seem to draw a crowd despite the raise in cost from 10 Cent wings in recent years.
Darden: replacing Spinnaker's, this suggestion is certainly an oddball considering that the restaurant in mind doesn't exist...at least not yet. I'm piggybacking on an idea slipped a year or so ago by hair dresser by day/interior designer by night friend of the family. She suggested that a Red Lobster be brought in (Spinnaker's was a seafood place, right?) to fill the niche. But when I passed this idea along (often as the gospel I thought it was), the reception was often lukewarm, despite the lack of a Red Lobster any where near the Downtown area. So, I did a little research and found that Red Lobster is owned by Darden Restaurants Inc., the world's largest casual dining company. In addition to RL, Olive Garden, Longhorn and Smokey Bones are all under the family tree -- so, with Darden, an amalgam of the four, you get a limited selection from each of the establishments (for full dining experience, see local chains), creating a menu that rivals the best in buffet dining.
As always, I'm curious what you have to offer and welcome any and all suggestions.
Til next time...
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Heart of the City (Center) pt 4
Welcome back, everyone! After learning that there are a few interested readers out there, I'm suffering a strange bit of writers block and can't really find a way to articulate (as poetically as before, at least) my proposed subject matter today :(. So, in an effort to "Keep Moving Forward," (I've been watching the hilarious/touching Meet the Robinsons a lot recently), I'm going to try and get this all out any how :)!
I'm dedicating this installment to the development of the "food court" of City Center. Now, unlike other malls, CC was not built with a designated area for the expressed purpose of purchasing and consuming foods. Instead, the entirety of the 1st floor acts as such -- although, I guess one could argue that there are essentially two distinct food courts (The Fountain Area & and The Pit Area) or something to that effect, but to me, the plurality of the subject matter kind of negates the existence as a whole. At any rate, I digress, to say that fundamentally "food courting" is an essential of modern malls and the selection within is almost (if not absolutely) as important as the selection of retail establishments. To that effect (and I apologize for not knowing the ratio to retail stores), but City Center has the capacity for some 13 food court eateries (there is a distinct difference between the food court and restaurants, the latter of which, City Center has 4, for a total of 17 food centric establishments!).
Generally, I'm all for self promotion and the success of the small (private) business venture, but alas, its in the realm of food that I've got to admit a sense of snobbery. One of the downfalls in City Center's standing is the emergence and growth of "home-made" eateries (I find this true of the other retail stores as well, but that's another matter for another time.). They come off more generic, than innovative or enginuitive -- cruxing their menus on the taste bud exciting blend of Angus beef and fruit juice (I'm not kidding, this place exists). And for the most part, the food is good...though I was a bit leery of trying it out at first, despite the amazing smells. There needs to be a sense of franchising with these establishments. Brand building and management. Its not impossible for a local eatery to earn a place, but they certainly have to earn it, having gained a decent following that when said establishment opens, people take note, rather than happening on it in place of their one time favorite cinnamon roll maker. There's an outright strength with name recognition and the ability to pull worthwhile eateries can go an incredibly long way!!!
I've asked around for some of the places people would like to see at City Center and there have been some great suggestions given:
KFC/Pizza Hut Combo (where The Big Easy used to be) -- this is one of the best 3 for 1 inventions to date, not only are you filling the niche for "soul food" (I know I'm being generous with that one, but it still suffices for that after church meal!), but Pizza Hut is always a crowd pleaser, with their personal pan pizzas appearing even in hospital cafeterias. The third component, which few people recognize as the glue behind the venture, brings a certain investment power that when used in conjunction with the standings of the anchor stores (Target and Virgin Megastore), heightens the possiblity of celebrity showcasing and support; Pepsi.
Starbucks or Cup O'Joe -- currently, there is a huge vaccum for this market in City Center, especially considering the proximity of office workers to the Downtown area. While I'm sure chains of these establishments exist in the area, the constant lines would suggest that you can never have enough of them and it doesn't seem like coffee (and its related items) follow a sense of trend, but rely more on the sense of need.
Chipotle -- I'm not an eater of most ethnic foods (I'm extremely picky), but I know a fan favorite when I see one. And there is not a Chipotle in the immediate Downtown area; you either have to travel to the cusp of German Village or into the Arena District, both of which are not pleasant when you've got to pay for parking or only have 30 mins to attain and consume what you can in the midst of a January winter.
Firdous -- again, I'm not that into ethnic foods, but whenever I go to the North Market this place has a line. Note, not necessarily a name you know, but there are people (my wife being one) who would rejoice and revisit the opening of this place in City Center, adding the flare of Greek food to the mix.
Chick-Fil-A was also a suggested choice (because you can never have too much chicken) as well as keeping a few of the "mainstays": Steak Escape, Subway & Mark Pai's Express.
*Let me take a moment and explain how much like a traitor I feel for suggesting a rivaling pizza place when Sabarros has served me so well over the years. I love you and wouldn't trade our times together for anything in this world...but, something's gotta give!*
For anyone reading, what are some places you'd like to see? Be as specific as you can (is there a store front you'd like to see them replace, an ethnic cuisine you'd like to have available?). I know a good burger place hasn't been mentioned (something that hasn't faired too well at City Center, Wendy's excluded, if you count it).
I've gone a little long here, so I'll leave my suggestions for the restaurants (remember there is a difference) for next post.
'Til then...
*For nostalgia sake, some of our lost favorites: The Original Cookie Co., Johnny Rockets, Au Bon Pain, Haagen Dazs, Cheryl Cookies, Cinnabon, The Big Easy, Spinnaker's, Max&Erma's, Fame Deli and The Boulevard...missed, but not forgotten...*
I'm dedicating this installment to the development of the "food court" of City Center. Now, unlike other malls, CC was not built with a designated area for the expressed purpose of purchasing and consuming foods. Instead, the entirety of the 1st floor acts as such -- although, I guess one could argue that there are essentially two distinct food courts (The Fountain Area & and The Pit Area) or something to that effect, but to me, the plurality of the subject matter kind of negates the existence as a whole. At any rate, I digress, to say that fundamentally "food courting" is an essential of modern malls and the selection within is almost (if not absolutely) as important as the selection of retail establishments. To that effect (and I apologize for not knowing the ratio to retail stores), but City Center has the capacity for some 13 food court eateries (there is a distinct difference between the food court and restaurants, the latter of which, City Center has 4, for a total of 17 food centric establishments!).
Generally, I'm all for self promotion and the success of the small (private) business venture, but alas, its in the realm of food that I've got to admit a sense of snobbery. One of the downfalls in City Center's standing is the emergence and growth of "home-made" eateries (I find this true of the other retail stores as well, but that's another matter for another time.). They come off more generic, than innovative or enginuitive -- cruxing their menus on the taste bud exciting blend of Angus beef and fruit juice (I'm not kidding, this place exists). And for the most part, the food is good...though I was a bit leery of trying it out at first, despite the amazing smells. There needs to be a sense of franchising with these establishments. Brand building and management. Its not impossible for a local eatery to earn a place, but they certainly have to earn it, having gained a decent following that when said establishment opens, people take note, rather than happening on it in place of their one time favorite cinnamon roll maker. There's an outright strength with name recognition and the ability to pull worthwhile eateries can go an incredibly long way!!!
I've asked around for some of the places people would like to see at City Center and there have been some great suggestions given:
KFC/Pizza Hut Combo (where The Big Easy used to be) -- this is one of the best 3 for 1 inventions to date, not only are you filling the niche for "soul food" (I know I'm being generous with that one, but it still suffices for that after church meal!), but Pizza Hut is always a crowd pleaser, with their personal pan pizzas appearing even in hospital cafeterias. The third component, which few people recognize as the glue behind the venture, brings a certain investment power that when used in conjunction with the standings of the anchor stores (Target and Virgin Megastore), heightens the possiblity of celebrity showcasing and support; Pepsi.
Starbucks or Cup O'Joe -- currently, there is a huge vaccum for this market in City Center, especially considering the proximity of office workers to the Downtown area. While I'm sure chains of these establishments exist in the area, the constant lines would suggest that you can never have enough of them and it doesn't seem like coffee (and its related items) follow a sense of trend, but rely more on the sense of need.
Chipotle -- I'm not an eater of most ethnic foods (I'm extremely picky), but I know a fan favorite when I see one. And there is not a Chipotle in the immediate Downtown area; you either have to travel to the cusp of German Village or into the Arena District, both of which are not pleasant when you've got to pay for parking or only have 30 mins to attain and consume what you can in the midst of a January winter.
Firdous -- again, I'm not that into ethnic foods, but whenever I go to the North Market this place has a line. Note, not necessarily a name you know, but there are people (my wife being one) who would rejoice and revisit the opening of this place in City Center, adding the flare of Greek food to the mix.
Chick-Fil-A was also a suggested choice (because you can never have too much chicken) as well as keeping a few of the "mainstays": Steak Escape, Subway & Mark Pai's Express.
*Let me take a moment and explain how much like a traitor I feel for suggesting a rivaling pizza place when Sabarros has served me so well over the years. I love you and wouldn't trade our times together for anything in this world...but, something's gotta give!*
For anyone reading, what are some places you'd like to see? Be as specific as you can (is there a store front you'd like to see them replace, an ethnic cuisine you'd like to have available?). I know a good burger place hasn't been mentioned (something that hasn't faired too well at City Center, Wendy's excluded, if you count it).
I've gone a little long here, so I'll leave my suggestions for the restaurants (remember there is a difference) for next post.
'Til then...
*For nostalgia sake, some of our lost favorites: The Original Cookie Co., Johnny Rockets, Au Bon Pain, Haagen Dazs, Cheryl Cookies, Cinnabon, The Big Easy, Spinnaker's, Max&Erma's, Fame Deli and The Boulevard...missed, but not forgotten...*
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Heart of the City (Center) pt 3
Sorry for the long adieu, but unfortunately life can get in the way of even a burgeoning writer like myself. Any who, I’m going to deviate a bit from my promise of eateries, both new and returning and focus on something that just kinda hit me (recently, in fact!) as having far more weight and importance to it. As I’ve said before, I remember the hay day of City Center – and one of the things I remember and long for most is the spectacle that was City Center. It seemed like you could see anything while you here, a veritable Times Square housed indoors, specifically at the mock-auditorium of “The Pit.” You could always count on something going on, whether it was a tremendous Christmas (while the correct phrasing should be “holiday”, it was undoubtedly a Christmas-centric theme) display to various performers (even I sang on that stage one holiday season many, many moons ago) doing whatever their craft for the enjoyment of the patrons.
To me, this was the heart of City Center (ironic that I title these posting such and just now realize the source, I know!). Where members of the “city” got to showcase their talents, wares or whatever to the rest of us. It didn’t matter how “good” you were, though almost everyone was excellent in their performance (I have to wonder if there was a screening process…?) – you just put yourself out there and had a blast doing it. With that, imagine if you will, a weekend matinee of upcoming shows (the elementary school version of the Nutcracker , or a song or two from Wicked or The Lion King), poetry readings (doesn’t the Brownstone have frequent open mic nights?), heck even “Gimme the Mic, Columbus” could have a small concert there (giving ABC a glimmer of hope of a presence Downtown, in lieu of the NBC studio being built on the corner of Broad and High). Can you imagine an OSU pep rally before they face “That Team Up North?” I know I can!
I could certainly lament for hours on the "could be" venues (church choirs, Children’s Theatre Presents, Emeril Live!!) but I think I’ve planted the right seed here. Soon (and I mean it this time), I’ll come back for my actual installment concerning the great eateries of past and future and hopefully be able to catch lightning in a bottle some of the things I throw out.
Thanks for reading!
V.
To me, this was the heart of City Center (ironic that I title these posting such and just now realize the source, I know!). Where members of the “city” got to showcase their talents, wares or whatever to the rest of us. It didn’t matter how “good” you were, though almost everyone was excellent in their performance (I have to wonder if there was a screening process…?) – you just put yourself out there and had a blast doing it. With that, imagine if you will, a weekend matinee of upcoming shows (the elementary school version of the Nutcracker , or a song or two from Wicked or The Lion King), poetry readings (doesn’t the Brownstone have frequent open mic nights?), heck even “Gimme the Mic, Columbus” could have a small concert there (giving ABC a glimmer of hope of a presence Downtown, in lieu of the NBC studio being built on the corner of Broad and High). Can you imagine an OSU pep rally before they face “That Team Up North?” I know I can!
I could certainly lament for hours on the "could be" venues (church choirs, Children’s Theatre Presents, Emeril Live!!) but I think I’ve planted the right seed here. Soon (and I mean it this time), I’ll come back for my actual installment concerning the great eateries of past and future and hopefully be able to catch lightning in a bottle some of the things I throw out.
Thanks for reading!
V.
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