Openings/Closings outside Downtown

[dogbo]

I highly doubt any of you would be complaining if a Cheesecake Factory or the like came downtown.

I think more than one of us on this forum has a track record of posts that would suggest otherwise.

[Young DSM Social Club]

I'd love a Cheesecake Factory downtown. Actually, I really wish they'd put some sort of big chain restaurant at MLK and Ingersoll. May be the only person on here that feels that way, but as somebody who lives in that area we could use a nice chain nearby. I don't mean like a Burger King --- something nicer.

My earlier post had a typo .. I meant that the suburbs had far more chains. I think I wrote the opposite.

[SFO2DSM]

YoungDSM - Like a Panera maybe?

[Mulder.DSM]

YoungDSM - Like a Panera maybe?

I'm sorry, but Panera and Cheesecake Factory are no where in the same ballpark. Panera is at most a little more upscale fast food. Cheesecake Factory is a sit-down full restaurant.

[SFO2DSM]

I agree Mulder, but due to parking constrains, I don't see a major player/ big name in the range of Cheesecake Factory opening at the corner of MLK and Ingersoll. Do you?

[conquistador2]

It wouldn't be right on the corner, but there is a big vacant lot (former car dealership) between the small IA Health Clinic & Mediacom. I dunno, though... my observation is that the traffic count goes WAY down in that area after rush hour is over. Would there be enough vehicle traffic for a chain to want to move there?

[SFO2DSM]

I dunno, though... my observation is that the traffic count goes WAY down in that area after rush hour is over. Would there be enough vehicle traffic for a chain to want to move there?

conquistador2, That lot is for sale - seeing how I live right in the neighborhood, I guess you could say I have a biased opinion. Although the traffic does decrease outside of rush hour, it is far from dead. The traffic could definitely sustain a chain. Don't forget you have Gateway Market right there, and they do pretty well until closing time at 9. Flanagan's does pretty good business too, right until close on weekends.

[JMsioux]

Cheesecake Factory or another restaurant of that type is a bit of a destination place and will generate some of its own traffic.

[genevieve]

I hope if the economy improves Ingersoll will get both types of restaurants. There is plenty of space on the edges of Sherman Hill and Western Gateway.

I would be ecstatic if a burrito place opened on Ingersoll.

[Young DSM Social Club]

The complete lack of certain dining options in Ingersoll continues to baffle me. Here we have a diverse, mixed part of town, but also with a lot of higher incomes (South of Grand, Sherman Hill), lots of young people with income to spend. In addition, you can capture some of the downtown crowd. Of course, there are lots of choices already, but always surprised by the lack of certain chains (Panera, a Chipotle, an ice cream store!). If I had some money to invest, I think there are 5-10 projects that would be "duh" money makers.

[econboy]

The complete lack of certain dining options in Ingersoll continues to baffle me. Here we have a diverse, mixed part of town, but also with a lot of higher incomes (South of Grand, Sherman Hill), lots of young people with income to spend. In addition, you can capture some of the downtown crowd. Of course, there are lots of choices already, but always surprised by the lack of certain chains (Panera, a Chipotle, an ice cream store!). If I had some money to invest, I think there are 5-10 projects that would be "duh" money makers.

While I completely agree with you, that then begs the question of 'what is the real issue'?

There must be something keeping these places from locating there that isn't immediately seen. If all other things being equal the demographics are so great it must mean there is some other glaring overlooked fact not being considered.

[SFO2DSM]

The complete lack of certain dining options in Ingersoll continues to baffle me. Here we have a diverse, mixed part of town, but also with a lot of higher incomes (South of Grand, Sherman Hill), lots of young people with income to spend. In addition, you can capture some of the downtown crowd. Of course, there are lots of choices already, but always surprised by the lack of certain chains (Panera, a Chipotle, an ice cream store!). If I had some money to invest, I think there are 5-10 projects that would be "duh" money makers.

While I completely agree with you, that then begs the question of 'what is the real issue'?

There must be something keeping these places from locating there that isn't immediately seen. If all other things being equal the demographics are so great it must mean there is some other glaring overlooked fact not being considered.

I think one issue was the lease rate owners of the Ingersoll Square retail building were trying to get. My understanding is that those asking rates have come down significantly and we should be seeing some progress this summer.

[Young DSM Social Club]

Maybe it has something to do with how the demo info is put together. You go farther north across the Interstate, you are going to have a huge drop in income.

Same concern goes with Easter Lake area. I would think we'd see tons of development around there, but aside from SE 14th stuff (much of which seems catered more to the lower income areas of SE 14th), there isn't anything. I think some business person would do well to build a nice strip side to the EAST of Easter Lake south of the bypass since you'd be catering to the Easter Lake crowd ...

[dogbo]

For these big companies, it is all about demographics. They each have their proven formula that has worked over and over again and thus they generally follow it when considering new locations. I've looked pretty seriously in the past at franchise opportunties and one step is mapping your city to meet demographic requirements to see if the numbers work (and where) for their particular entity.

[DMRyan]

Looks like the Burger King at 2nd University that closed down last summer is slated for an extensive remodel and reopen---also as a Burger King.

[conquistador2]

Regarding Ingersoll, would the upcoming change from four lanes to two lanes be attractive to a chain restaurant, or would it be a detriment? (Not trying to drum up more controversy -- I'm just curious!)

[Ingersoll1978]

Looks like the Burger King at 2nd University that closed down last summer is slated for an extensive remodel and reopen---also as a Burger King.

That's good to hear. You could actually still smoke in the old location up until it closed. It was one of the worst BK's I've ever seen, from cleanliness to customer service.

[Aulus]

That's good to hear. You could actually still smoke in the old location up until it closed. It was one of the worst BK's I've ever seen, from cleanliness to customer service.

Plus, the drive up lane was positively claustrophobic, especially after dark.

[dogbo]

A short blog on Des Moines Register's site indicates that Phat Chefs has closed. http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/ ... as-closed/

I never did make there, but always heard good things.

This is too bad. IMO it is another blow to our suburban metro retaining some identity by having unique, locally owned businesses. Assuming this closure is true, it adds to the recent trend of locally owned businesses that have failed out west ( Gateway Mkt, Campbell's, to name a couple other recent developments) . Not long ago on the same street, another local formerly highly regarded restaurant, Mosiax, closed too.

As I touched on a couple weeks ago on the thread about Gateway Mkt closing -- is this an indication that we're going to continue to see a lack of appreciation by consumers in the suburbs in supporting businesses that are "ours" (in favor of formulated corporate chains)?

Bosnian restaurant, Sarjai (sp?) currently in DM on Douglas Ave is moving to the old Phat Chef's place. Good get I hope they can do well here. I've only had their gyros and can tell you you'll quickly dismiss places like Ted's or Olympic Flame as having the best gyros in town. This place has it hands down IMO.

[dogbo]

A short blog on Des Moines Register's site indicates that Phat Chefs has closed. http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/ ... as-closed/

I never did make there, but always heard good things.

This is too bad. IMO it is another blow to our suburban metro retaining some identity by having unique, locally owned businesses. Assuming this closure is true, it adds to the recent trend of locally owned businesses that have failed out west ( Gateway Mkt, Campbell's, to name a couple other recent developments) . Not long ago on the same street, another local formerly highly regarded restaurant, Mosiax, closed too.

As I touched on a couple weeks ago on the thread about Gateway Mkt closing -- is this an indication that we're going to continue to see a lack of appreciation by consumers in the suburbs in supporting businesses that are "ours" (in favor of formulated corporate chains)?

Bosnian restaurant, Sarjai (sp?) currently in DM on Douglas Ave is moving to the old Phat Chef's place. Good get I hope they can do well here. I've only had their gyros and can tell you you'll quickly dismiss places like Ted's or Olympic Flame as having the best gyros in town. This place has it hands down IMO.

Here you go: http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/ ... es-moines/

Had to go to back to desmoinesreport.com to grab the link.

[DMRyan]

It's on the very fringe of what could be considered downtown and not downtown, but the old restaurant building at 1306 SE 1st Street is planning to be reopened by the Full Court Press guys. The name of the place is called "Mullet's"(!) They're planning a big elevated deck behind their building (business in the front, party in the back) to have their customers look over the river and the skyline.

Finally, a group that can actually pull off a business plan for this building that's seen tenants come and go with the seasons. I'm guessing it will be wildly popular before and after I-Cubs games and for those that use the Meredith Trail right next door.

[dogbo]

I saw something on this. Yeah, should be successful (I think it is supposed to be a "two elevated decks") with these guys behind it. That said, at some level you wonder a bit if they'll be cannibalizing their other two places near the ballpark - High Life and El Bait shop given their popularity pre/post game I-Cub and with bicyclers. That said, both places seem to be so packed at times, this can probably only add to their pocketbooks in the end.

I can really see this becoming a big destination for people who are biking as it sits right on the Meredith Trail. I've often ridden by and looked at that place and wondered why in the world the owners never try to capitalize on their location. For example, I don’t think any of the many reincarnation of that place has ever prominently had bike racks available…if any at all.

[Young DSM Social Club]

Very good news! This spot is just ripe for something bigger than it has been with the fantastic views and location by downtown and bike trails. Finally, somebody who actually has shown they have the ability to create one-of-a-kind destinations.

[wmjindsm]

Driving down Grand today I noticed that the Quiznos near 28th and Grand (DSM) has closed. The sign just says closed on the door, I was hoping they would have said they were moving to Ingersol Square or something. I liked that location.

[Lost Planet]

Driving down Grand today I noticed that the Quiznos near 28th and Grand (DSM) has closed. The sign just says closed on the door, I was hoping they would have said they were moving to Ingersol Square or something. I liked that location.

I'm not surprised. That parking lot always looked deserted every time I drove past. Hard to compete with a good local sandwich shop in Manhattan Deli and Subway, which is in a much more visible location at 31st & Ingersoll.

[mistertwister]

Saw that too. It had a fairly decent lunch crowd but was absolutely dead on evenings and weekends. That's what probably killed it. Grand Avenue just isn't a commercial corridor until 63rd street.

[southdm]

I saw the Mullets sign is up on the building across from the ballpark. I heard a rumor they are shooting for a June opening.

[wmjindsm]

Anybody know what is going into the old Hollwood Video building at the corner of MLK and Douglas/Euclid. It is being painted inside and out. Somebody has been working on the inside for a little while now. It's a good building with lots of spce at a busy corner.

[DMRyan]

It's slated to be an Asian grocery store.

[tyrgyzistan]

I saw a business card for Babylon Grill Iraqi Restaurant at 2831 Douglas Ave., is that the location of a different Gyro Place? The double-drive through that was recently remodeled for indoor seating?