Great Idea!! I am willing and able to help. A taste of 30-A??
Coco's is closing soon.....
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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....
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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 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.
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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.
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!