Okay, it sounds like some people need to say some things about franchises and chains coming into SoWal. What are your thoughts? Personally, I welcome Publix, and maybe a FedEx/Kinkos, which we dont currently have, but I cannot think of any others which I would like to have in SoWal. One major problem that I see is that most small business owners which would be the competition for the chains, do not have enough cash to get started, much less compete.
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Darlene is my middle name, not my nickname
They are completely unnecessary.
DITTO!
Beach Fanatic
There are already places in SoWal that lend themselves to selling office supplies, such as the little strip mall that has the internet place, the place where you can mail stuff from and make copies, etc. I use both those places (wish I could remember their names) and they're quite convenient and low key). They could add services right there without needing something bigger on or off 30A.
Beach Fanatic
While I do not reside in SoWal, I love the fact that it is untouched by all the chains. You can go 15 miles either way and get your fill of generic places. It is good to be different and unique.
beats on hood
While I do not reside in SoWal, I love the fact that it is untouched by all the chains. You can go 15 miles either way and get your fill of generic places. It is good to be different and unique.
Beach Fanatic
Thanks..I still feel like a "lurker" on this board. Trying to warm up.
Beach Fanatic
Grayton Corners has 1/4#hot dogs, and you can get a dog, chips and big drink for around $3.50.
The problem with the delivery service is that with the price of gasoline and labor, it would be difficult to keep money in the pocket.
Thanks. Fantastic for Grayton Corners! I'm sure we'll be going there quite a bit with the kids.
Does anyone know of any other under $5.00 meals for kids/adults in SoWal?
Beach Fanatic
I don't care much for chains. Don't care much for Starbuck's.
I hate McDonald's.
I try to support mom-and-pop type places.
Of course, I married a guy who is a chain's best customer. :roll:
Some people like that kind of predictability and convenience.
Thing is, I am old enough to remember that I once survived just fine without it.
I hate McDonald's.
I try to support mom-and-pop type places.
Of course, I married a guy who is a chain's best customer. :roll:
Some people like that kind of predictability and convenience.
Thing is, I am old enough to remember that I once survived just fine without it.
picky
I don't care what the price of gas is, I absolutely do NOT mind driving to PCB to get to the chains I patronize--Target, Lowes, and Home Depot--etc. If we have those kinds of stores within a half hour drive, why do they need to be any closer?
As far as chain restaurants, one of the big lures of 30-A has always been the lack of them! Why on earth would I drive 13+ hours to the beach to eat at a restaurant that I can eat at, at home? (Not that I do.) I know the restaurant business is a very tough one and that many good independents don't make it, but it's not for the lack of my business! I hope that the chain mentality does not strike 30-A and take it over, squeezing out the mom and pops. It's up to us who live and vacation on 30-A to continue giving business to the unique restaurants that are here, if we want to see them thrive.
As far as chain restaurants, one of the big lures of 30-A has always been the lack of them! Why on earth would I drive 13+ hours to the beach to eat at a restaurant that I can eat at, at home? (Not that I do.) I know the restaurant business is a very tough one and that many good independents don't make it, but it's not for the lack of my business! I hope that the chain mentality does not strike 30-A and take it over, squeezing out the mom and pops. It's up to us who live and vacation on 30-A to continue giving business to the unique restaurants that are here, if we want to see them thrive.
Beach Lover
I appreciate the decision that Robert Davis made to exclude chain stores and restaurants from Seaside.
Beach Fanatic
I don't care what the price of gas is, I absolutely do NOT mind driving to PCB to get to the chains I patronize--Target, Lowes, and Home Depot--etc. If we have those kinds of stores within a half hour drive, why do they need to be any closer?
As far as chain restaurants, one of the big lures of 30-A has always been the lack of them! Why on earth would I drive 13+ hours to the beach to eat at a restaurant that I can eat at, at home? (Not that I do.) I know the restaurant business is a very tough one and that many good independents don't make it, but it's not for the lack of my business! I hope that the chain mentality does not strike 30-A and take it over, squeezing out the mom and pops. It's up to us who live and vacation on 30-A to continue giving business to the unique restaurants that are here, if we want to see them thrive.
Mermaid you have described my feelings exactly. Part of the charm of 30-A is the fact that almost none of the chains have crept onto 30-A. I love Starbucks coffee and Subway sandwiches and many other chains but I don't want them on 30-A. We do appreciate the grocery store (Publix) so close although we didn't mind going to Winn Dixie in West PCB before it opened at WaterColor Crossing. IMO, keep them in Destin, PCB, and out on 98 and we will be just fine.
Beach Fanatic
I love Starbucks coffee and Subway sandwiches and many other chains but I don't want them on 30-A.Too late. They're already here.
Meow
Too late. They're already here.
I was so upset to see the Starbucks go in at Uptown Grayton. I scorn it each time I pass it and hope no one goes there!!!! I was wondering if they got in because they don't "front" 30-A or because they sell in store at WC Market? Is there an end to this....or is this the beginning of the end?
SoWal ExpertAuthor
I was so upset to see the Starbucks go in at Uptown Grayton. I scorn it each time I pass it and hope no one goes there!!!! I was wondering if they got in because they don't "front" 30-A or because they sell in store at WC Market? Is there an end to this....or is this the beginning of the end?
To my knowledge, Starbucks and St Joe are not an item. I believe the Starbucks in this area are owned by Sandestin Resort.
Beach Fanatic
One way to at least try to minimize chains is to avoid them if they're in the area and instead give even better support to the small business owners in the area so they can stay in business. Of course, the managers of the chains are often local people trying to make a living as well, but the chains just don't seem to fit on 30A.
Meow
One way to at least try to minimize chains is to avoid them if they're in the area and instead give even better support to the small business owners in the area so they can stay in business. Of course, the managers of the chains are often local people trying to make a living as well, but the chains just don't seem to fit on 30A.
Done and done....
Beach Fanatic
I agree that 30-A is not the place for chains - but 98 could use a few. I was glad to see Publix come in. Their prices on many things are higher than what I like to spend for groceries, but much better than driving to Destin or DeFuniak to Wal-Mart. I am especially fond of the pharmacy at the Publix at Sandestin.
Also, from where I work on 331, it would be nice - albeit fattening - to be able to grab lunch without (a) using the whole hour getting there and back, and/or (b) spending a hour's pay on a burger and fries.
So where's the Subway?
Also, from where I work on 331, it would be nice - albeit fattening - to be able to grab lunch without (a) using the whole hour getting there and back, and/or (b) spending a hour's pay on a burger and fries.
So where's the Subway?
Beach Fanatic
They are completely unnecessary.
Ironic, isn't it, that a place named "The Preserve" is the first to introduce a fast food restaurant to 30-A?
Beach Fanatic
Is the issue chains/franchises on 30-A, or chains/franchises in South Walton?
SoWal ExpertAuthor
Ironic, isn't it, that a place named "The Preserve" is the first to introduce a fast food restaurant to 30-A?
Kind of makes one wonder what is being preserved, much like the Reserve. The only thing they reserved is contracts on lots.
Beach Fanatic
I think SoWal needs a sprawling WalMart on the property adjacent to the Grayton Market. Wouldn't that look nice?
SoWal ExpertAuthor
Is the issue chains/franchises on 30-A, or chains/franchises in South Walton?I would really like folks to address chains and franchises in all of SoWal from Publix in Sandestin to the Bay County line. Mostly, people seem much more concerned with only 30-A. I guess if Walmart proposed a site on 98 north of Blue Mtn Beach, people may have different thoughts on chains on 98. When the chains and franchises begin building on Hwy 98 in SoWal, 30-A is only one step away.
SoWal ExpertAuthor
I think SoWal needs a sprawling WalMart on the property adjacent to the Grayton Market. Wouldn't that look nice?I think they would have to run over Celeste Cobina with their bulldozers first.
Beach Fanatic
I think they would have to run over Celeste Cobina with their bulldozers first.
And me as well. I hate WalMart.
Beach Fanatic
I appreciate the decision that Robert Davis made to exclude chain stores and restaurants from Seaside.Seaside has a chain...RollyPolly Sandwiches, how'd they get in there?
Meow
Seaside has a chain...RollyPolly Sandwiches, how'd they get in there?
Good point!!!
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