ladysingstheblues (anonymous) says...

Frozen custard is soooo yummy. Have to stop at Sheridans every time I'm in Topeka. Noticed the Freddy's on Wanamaker, will have to check it out next time!!

June 16, 2010 at 8:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Let's hope this business will be a keeper in that building. There are way too many vacant ones in town now. And I sure would like to see that Wendy's rebuilt. Used to go at least once a week, but since they tore it down i've only been at the other one twice. a good dbl cheese and fries with a frosty sounds good doesn't it?

June 16, 2010 at 8:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

cheryl (anonymous) says...

I miss the Wendy's too. I noticed they - after 2.5 years - took down down the Wendy's sign. Is that a sign they're not going to rebuild?

Looking forward to another option - Freddy's.

June 16, 2010 at 9:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

imarun_r2 (anonymous) says...

This would be AWESOME! However I think if it were closer to walmart it would go over even better!

June 16, 2010 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

blulitespecial (anonymous) says...

I'm glad it's not close to wallyworld- so I don't have to go near the place.Bluestem and Sutherland's are the only places out there I go to.

June 16, 2010 at 11:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

hartford (anonymous) says...

Bluestem isn't actually close to wallyworld.........

Freddy's is awesome!! I will have to agree though....I think it would do a lot better being closer to the the interstate and the turnpike. Having said that....as long as they advertise well on Hyway 50, I-35 and on the turnpike.......they'll do fine.

June 16, 2010 at 12:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

eucharistandcannabis (anonymous) says...

Cheeseburgers, hot dogs, processed cheese, french fries, onion rings, soda, ice cream. An endless array of fried and fattening food that can be found block by block in Emporia. Another fast food restaurant to help the city's every growing waist line.

Moo.

June 16, 2010 at 1:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

blulitespecial (anonymous) says...

Hartford,true - but that's about the only places I go on the "West" side.They'd have more traffic flow by the major highways,but then that's why I really don't go North of I-35 during business hours,or near the schools.I wish the best to the businesses out there,though.I can come in from the North onto Prairie and bypass the traffic snarl and huge parking lots.

June 16, 2010 at 2:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

A bag of onion rings every now and then can't be all that bad, hmmmmm?

I'm glad to see a new tenant in that Popeye's building. I never understood why Popeye's closed to begin with because I thought their chicken was great. I guess others did not.

Welcome Freddy's.

Sure would be nice to know the latest news on the Wendy's lot.

June 16, 2010 at 2:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jewely33 (anonymous) says...

Whoo Hoo!!!

June 16, 2010 at 7:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Bread made with pot is really good. The more you eat, the hungrier you get ! Make sure you toast the pot before you mix it in the bread dough. And give thanks.

June 16, 2010 at 8:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jamesbordonaro (James Bordonaro) says...

While I agree that it's good to have another eatery, especially one that fills a vacant space, I'd tend to agree with eucharist that another ice cream and burger joint isn't a great leap forward for Emporia. Plus, were getting another Braum's. I'd much rather see an Olive Garden. So how about some more variety. In that regard, I'll put in a plug for Cravings (across from Braum's). We've got plenty of Chinese restaurants in town but they also offer Malaysian, Thai and other Asian specialties.

June 16, 2010 at 9:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Pinkpintopony (anonymous) says...

Boo Olive Garden! How about a Johnny Carinos? Neither will happen. This town is too small for a franchise like that to come to town. I totally agree about Cravings though. I was skeptical, thinking we didn't need another Asian food place....then I ate the Pad Thai. Yum! Cravings also makes the best crab rangoon I have ever eaten. I really hope they stick around!

June 16, 2010 at 10:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

OutsiderJ (anonymous) says...

Freddy's ain't so bad, but be warned. It is high end fast food and expensive. Not hard to spend $9-$13 for a burger and fries.

June 17, 2010 at 8:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

giggles (anonymous) says...

Anyone know what is going in next to Montana Mike's? I noticed that the lot was sold. Maybe that will become some italian eatery! (Too much wishful thinking I know.) I think a simple little italian place with a little patio to dine al fresco would be very charming...

June 17, 2010 at 11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

ToxicPink (anonymous) says...

Emporia seems to hate Italian. =<

June 17, 2010 at 12:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

HenryVIII (anonymous) says...

ToxicPink,
That may be, but don't worry. We're "building an inclusive community", remember? So we're working on correcting such exclusive mindsets like that.
Hopefully soon we can "include" Italian to our town's palate.
'enry

June 17, 2010 at 2:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

eucharistandcannabis (anonymous) says...

From the Emporia Chamber of Commerce, this is the list of the dining options in Emporia:
http://www.emporiakschamber.org/Custo...

This list is inundated with fast food restaurants, “cookie-cutter” franchises, and grease-joints. Numerous times I’ve read these blogs with contributors begging for an Olive Garden? Seriously? It’s the same thawed out, unimaginative food the franchise dishes out at each of its thousands of locations nationwide.

It would be such a welcome change if others in the community would follow the lead of Amanda’s, in my opinion the only delicious, locally-owned, fresh and healthy eating establishment in the city. We visit Emporia once or twice a year, and each time we select to go out of town for dinner rather than staying in Emporia. Where? Grand Central Hotel in Cottonwood Falls and locations beyond, because there are not any establishments in Emporia worth paying for a meal (other than Amanda’s).

To challenge the local chefs and entrepreneurs, the Chamber of Commerce should add to this list a category for "Fine Dining." And no, Coburn's, Bruff's, Chicken House, Coach's, Bad 'ol Bern's and China Buffet do not qualify.

June 17, 2010 at 3:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

HenryVIII (anonymous) says...

euchar...,
Amanda's is some darn good food. No doubt about that. The problem is that they aren't big enough to cater to a larger market. If they bought a new building that had 25-50 parking spots, do you think they could operate at capacity and still remain profitable serving the same quality food? The food business isn't exactly scalable like that.

Franchises like Olive Garden have the resources to afford an efficient supply chain that allows the business to serve more food to more people for more profit. Sure, the food may not be as fresh as Amanda's and the help may not be as good-looking, but Olive Garden is decent, affordable, and would be a nice addition to our town's line-up.

Sadly, if more little shops like Amanda's open up, they'll really only benefit the locals and not attract any outside revenue to our fine city.

Remember when the Beer 30 place tried to be a "fine dining" joint? Yeah, that didn't work so well...
'enry

June 17, 2010 at 3:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

eucharistandcannabis (anonymous) says...

On the contrary, if more establishments like Amanda's open, there will be more traffic into Emporia. Customers will learn to appreciate their tastebuds, and not be drawn to the neon lights of a McDonald's, Long John Silver's or Applebee's.

Also, Amanda does not need a larger space; it's perfectly cozy the way it is.

June 17, 2010 at 3:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

HenryVIII (anonymous) says...

euchar...,
Your stance seems a little selfish in what would be best for individuals and not the whole city. You want picky eaters to have more choices and think everyone should stay away from fast food and franchises for the sake of their taste buds.
I think we should get a few more, well-known places in town to pull people off the turnpike. You put up a billboard for Amanda's on the turnpike and you might get 1 car a week stopping to eat. You put up a sign for Olive Garden and you'll get a lot more traffic because more people know what Olive Garden is. Companies will look at E-town's Olive Garden and realize that if we can support an Olive Garden, we can support their business too. More people will move to Emporia because we have such nice businesses and so the chain reaction continues and Emporia prospers. Do you really think that would happen with a bunch of mom and pop stores? I know I wouldn't pull off the turnpike to eat at "Sally-Sue's Succulent Sandwich Shop" in Emporia when I can just drive a bit further and hit-up the places I know and love in Topeka. (like Red Lobster and Olive Garden) Your problem is you think these places aren't good enough for your sophisticated tastes.

Amanda's is cozy, but if it were to get too busy, I'd have to go elsewhere because my time doesn't come cheap and I don't want to wait 10 minutes to order and 30 minutes for my food. This never happens now, of course, but I sure hope we don't get too many customers off the turnpike because they'd ruin it for us locals! LOL!
'enry

June 17, 2010 at 3:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

hogan77 (anonymous) says...

euchar...,

YES, fast food is bad for our health. YES, Emporia has a ton of places already set up and selling their greasy food. HOWEVER...

It is up to people in general to make decisions on how to eat properly and take care of themselves. I cannot fathom that a few extra health food options would help the growing waist lines that much. If anything, it would end up being a miserable attempt to open up a new eating establishment. People in Emporia, or Kansans in general, have suited their taste buds to greasy, fattening, and calorie loaded food.

By the way... your "fine dining" food is just as bad as the greasy food offered by McDonald's, Burger King, Sonic, etc. Perhaps in your eyes it doesn't seem as bad because it is offered on a plate, and you sit in a comfy chair to eat it? It is also interesting that you suggest Amanda's is the "healthiest" place to eat in Emporia. You have seriously got to be joking. Just because they offer a vegetarian sandwich does NOT mean they are healthy. Take a look at the rest of the menu. The rest of their sandwiches are just as calorie loaded as many other items you will find in other food establishments. And the BAKED GOODS... wow, there isn't a single calorie in those, now is there?

A healthy eating establishment would offer more than just one sandwich choice, they would certainly cater to people who were raised by eating meat and potatoes.

Food doesn't have to be boring, but yet, cooks in Emporia have yet to figure out how to cook healthy food and do it in a fashion where the general public would eat it, love it and return in the future.

June 17, 2010 at 5:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

I don't know about that last statement, hogan. Cravings sure has done a great job of offering fresh and healthy cooking from scratch. I hope they are able to carry on because I love their food for the variety and for the healthful choices.

June 18, 2010 at 7:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

neighbor (anonymous) says...

"Fine Dining" IMO just means boring-bland food in small portions that you eat while sitting in a quiet room filled people who prefer to think they are "important citizens". It costs $15-$50 a plate to not sit amongst lower social status people.

Olive Garden will not come to Emporia, not enough people here willing to pack the place everyday like in Topeka. As mentioned above,it's just an over priced microwaved imitation of real food.

Have not been into Amandas, but have tasted their food. I'm not into waiting for a seat or for a parking stall to get lunch, don't have the time. I don't go to Jay's for the same reason, no parking and too busy inside. Both have great food and will survive because of the unique service, they're just not for me. Applebees, Montana Mikes, Coachs, Bruff etc have some decent food selections, but all are pricey and too noisy for me for what they offer. I'm not into buffet meals(is acceptable for pizza only), the wife won't do asian food, authentic mexican food is great. I'm very tired of the fast food choices, many of which we won't ever be back to. I'm burnt out on the various deli sandwich options too having tried most of their different sandwich choices on their menus. I like Bbq just not every week(Bad Ole Bern's and Bobby D's are both good)

Good luck to Freddy's, I'm sure we'll try it at least once. What's going up next door to the West of this building?

June 18, 2010 at 10:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

A mobile phone place I heard.

June 18, 2010 at 10:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

neighbor (anonymous) says...

Well at least it's not another loan shark business.

June 18, 2010 at 11:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

ToxicPink (anonymous) says...

I'm sorry you have such a confused idea of what fine dining is. You'll never know what you're missing I suppose in food that can be amazing.

June 18, 2010 at 1:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

Amen on the loan shark business, neighbor. My daughter who is a marketing executive with a retail company says that when judging new locations for major retail outlets, the number of payday loan establishments do make a negative impact.

June 18, 2010 at 5:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

b3bill (anonymous) says...

If Fanistel's leaves Emporia, I bet that will slow down or stop any eating establishment considering coming here, no matter what kind of food they serve. Losing 80 more jobs is the last thing Emporia needs. Freddy's definitely won't add that many new jobs as Fanestil's now provides, and definitely not at the same pay/benefit levels.

I guess the Gazette is staying positive. They have the news about Freddy's (which is great, I hope they open as planned), but I haven't seen anything on here about Fanestil's negotiations with the city falling apart, and Fanestil's potentially leaving Emporia. I guess the Gazette is letting KVOE do the coverage of the bad news?

June 18, 2010 at 9:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

justaflushaway (anonymous) says...

Neighbor, if you like BBQ, and you go to bad o Bern's, you better hurry , the state dept of revenue has a warrant for unpaid taxes for 58,000.00. and for employee taxes for 8,000.00 he is as bad a madylins was, stealing from all tax payers JMO

June 18, 2010 at 10:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

neighbor (anonymous) says...

Confused Toxic? I think not. The price of the food does not make it taste good.

June 19, 2010 at 12:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

neighbor (anonymous) says...

Didn't want to spoil a positive content thread, so going to post this here.

One shouldn't loudly blow his nose and dig feverishly for nasal obstructions in a "first class place" restaurant amongst others that are trying to enjoy their over easy eggs.

June 19, 2010 at 12:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

b3bill (anonymous) says...

I agree. Any place not sending in their sales taxes, withholding taxes, etc, when they are due is most definitely stealing from tax payers, including other businesses who remain current with their taxes. I refuse to patronize any business I know of that is delinquent with these taxes.

As of July 1, we'll all get to pay an additional 1% KS sales tax to help solve the state budget problems. So, almost everything you buy essentially will have gone up another 1% in this poor economy, as your wallet sees it. It has yet to be seen if this will really solve the budget issues as intended and no further taxes be increased. Delinquent tax businesses will have a nice percentage increase in the tax money stream coming in that they aren't sending to the state when due. They're probably looking forward to July 1.

Let's hope Freddy's doesn't get here then decide to not handle the sales tax, etc payments responsibly. I would hope any business wanting to come to Emporia has been thoroughly investigated to verify they have always remained current with their taxes.

June 19, 2010 at 12:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

fuggetabodit (anonymous) says...

Wow! I need to listen to KVOE more often. I had no idea until now about the Fanestil talks with the city, and the breakdown of the process. I can definitely understand why Fanestil wants to relocate. The flooding on 99 south of Emporia has been a problem for decades; and, Emporia can ill afford to lose such a great regional company.

However...it generally seems that the Emporia city leaders do not care at all about keeping or recruiting businesses. Nor does the Gazette apparently care about reporting such a story with potentially harmful economic impact. I really worry about Emporia's future -- glad that Freddy's is coming to our town, but honestly? I don't hold out much hope for it lasting. Why? Because it's a new business -- and unfortunately, our great leaders don't necessarily want that. Rather, many of them wish everything to stay exactly the same as it was 40 or more years ago.

June 19, 2010 at 8:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

b3bill (anonymous) says...

The info about Fanestil's is still on the KVOE's site as of now 9:20 a.m. on 6/19. I believe it was first posted there on Tues or Wed this week.

June 19, 2010 at 9:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

hey give the Gazette a break.
Maybe a reporter is on vacation or something. Here is the Fanestil article from kvoe's site.

By Chuck Samples/KVOE News

Fanestil Meats may indeed move out of the Cottonwood River flood plain. It may also move out of Emporia altogether in the process.

Negotiations have broken down between the business and the city of Emporia, according to Fanestil co-owner Dan Smoots. He tells KVOE News he'd like to relocate to Industrial Park No. 4 across Road "F" from PrairieLand Partners John Deere because of the growth potential, especially with agritourism. The city, though, wants to put Fanestil near Menu Foods in Industrial Park No. 3. Smoots says nearby odors at that location could affect the taste of its meat items.

There's another reason why negotiations have stalled. Emporia has certain employment baselines as part of its tax abatement policy, and Smoots can't guarantee Fanestil can reach them -- at least not initially. When Fanestil ultimately moves, Smoots anticipates reducing employees from the current number of 80 before expanding.

Smoots says he'd like Fanestil to stay "regional," but he's also considering all available options for the business.

Regional Development Association President Kent Heermann says city leaders were waiting for word from Smoots on the city's latest offer but would not comment further. RDA Chairman Jeff Longbine said they made an offer within the bounds of their authority to offer to Fanestil, but had not heard an acceptance or rejection

Fanestil had to shut down Tuesday afternoon and all day Wednesday because of flooding. They will work Thursday. Earlier this year, Fanestil got a $1.6 million grant to move out of its current location by August 2011 if it turned its current home into green space and abided by certain tax abatement policies.

Lyon County had recently applied to FEMA for a six-month extension to meet the grant requirements. The recent developments put that grant in question. Smoots says Fanestil may have to return the grant money.

News Director Jeff O’Dell contributed to this report.

June 19, 2010 at 9:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sail (anonymous) says...

Good eats, a subject I am very good at.mmn Commercial street for breakfast, J's' for lunch , and Bruffs for dinner.

June 19, 2010 at 10:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sail (anonymous) says...

ohhh,we also have the best BBQ too BOBBY 'd', love the ribbs and service. And for fine toddies , well therr is the Town Royal .

June 19, 2010 at 10:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sail (anonymous) says...

I hope the city and Smoots will work this out, both have to much loose. Jobs and market share.

June 19, 2010 at 10:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )