Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 4:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

YUM!!

Posted by bdprotheroe (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 5:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is a good start towards economic "rebirth" in Emporia, but not ideal.

One thing I have noticed with each trip back to Emporia is the lack of "mom and pop" businesses, and yet an increase in chain restaurants, especially fast food. There are a few exceptions; Amanda's (which I am still eager to visit), Coburn's, Wheat State and those delicious taquerias seem to be the few that remain of locally-owned businesses. Hooray for them!

No pun intended towards these eateries, but I would rejoice to see more locally-owned "fine dining" establishments in Emporia. Applebee's, Perkins and the lot simply do not inspire the word "originality" in my mind. Emporia certainly has the market appeal, and eventually market support, for fine dining; not to be confused with "bar and grill." As an example of the "fine dining" I refer to, there was a nice steak restaurant on 4th Avenue between Comm'l and Merchant Streets at one time, Lujan's, but unfortunately it was consumed by fire.

When Emporians travel to larger cities, chain restaurants are rarely the desired taste they are looking for. So, why should Emporia be a mecca for "cookie cutter food" that you can find glowing in neon on the side of highways across the country?

If Emporians are willing to drive to the Grand Central Hotel in Cottonwood Falls, you know they would be proud of a similar taste-bud endeavor in town.

I would be proud to open such a restaurant in Emporia, but believe me... you don't want to experience my cooking. Gag! :) Where are Emporia's top chefs and entrepreneurs?

Brian Protheroe
San Francisco, CA

Posted by admireed (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Can you name the restaurants that have closed down in Emporia in the last few years.

Wings
Cracker Barrel
Wheat State Grill
Bakery at 4th & Commercial
Three Fools on East 6th
Wendy's on West 6th
Godfathers Pizza

Please add to list

And we need more food options? Please!

Posted by bdprotheroe (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here are a few ideas for new restaurants, and they are only ideas; steak house, and international cuisine... Thai, Spanish (not Mexican, I mean tapas), Italian (not another Olive Garden), Indian, Brazilian, and even traditional American.

EXAMPLE: Each time I visit my friend in Joplin, we always go to 609. It's in an old, yet remodeled, storefront in downtown Joplin. The food has terrific flavor; yum! It's a great place to take a date or gather with an intimate group of friends. Candlelights, artwork. What stands out is the waitstaff that is ready to tell you what is new upon the menu, what fine wines go best with your meal... and the price cannot be beat!

It's just so nice to go to a restaurant where a waiter takes your order at the table, instead of saying "I want the No. 5" and then you having to take a basket of fried food to your table. Ambiance.

Posted by bdprotheroe (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Granted, if you have a family and limited income, you probably will not select a fine dining establishment each time you go out for dinner. I do understand that. But, in these scenarios, it is nice to have options for (hypothetically) an anniversary dinner. The kids are with a babysitter, and instead of paying for the expensive cost of gas to travel to and from Topeka-KC-Wichita, you can have a delicious meal in an ideal setting right at home.

What I am promoting is more options. Emporia needs more dining options than a restaurant that serves kids meals in a clown-shaped box and a menu that is the same as those from Seattle to Miami.

Posted by b3bill (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 6:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I like Maid-Rite and I hope they come to Emporia. I like Mom/Pop places and wish them all the best of success. I like the other chain restaurants already in Emporia.

An abundance of eating establishments has a positive effect in making a location appear more economically viable. Each establishment has had confidence in the local economy to sustain them, or they would not spend the money and effort opening and remaining there. Maid-Rite's considering Emporia could help encourage some other businesses to consider Emporia as well.

Eating establishments are a good drawing-card for people traveling by to stop and eat, and they might also purchase other goods/services at other businesses. Their spending helps the local economy.

Maid-Rite would mean some more jobs in Emporia and more economic base. Maid-Rite in Emporia would likely not have "high wage" jobs that would serve to raise a family on, but it is still a business that would provide some jobs and help contribute to the tax base. Emporia needs all the economic help it can get.

Posted by Bjnemp (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 6:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Amen, Brian! For the 13 years I have lived in Emporia I have advocated for an upscale fine dining establishment. Countless times I have driven the family to Cottonwood Falls, Topeka, or Kansas City to enjoy a fine meal. However, I am a realist and see no way the blue collar mentality, and resultant income, of Emporia could (would) support such an eatery. The main criteria for judging "fine dining" in Emporia seems to be who serves the biggest pile of chow for the least amount of dough.

I hate it, but I see no way a nice restaurant with quality fare, table cloths, real silverware, China plates, linen napkins, and well-trained serve staff could possibly survive in a town with one of the lowest per capita incomes in the state. I would love someone to prove me wrong, though.

Posted by bdprotheroe (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 6:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Agreed "b3bill." Every economy needs a variety of businesses. I hope no one misinterprets my words. And, that said, I do hope Maid-Rite creates a home in Emporia. Heck, I can see myself grabbing a quick bite to eat at Maid-Rite before I scurry to KCI to catch my flight home.

In retrospect, I look back to my childhood in Emporia (late 70s thru early 90s). There were much fewer chain restaurants, and many more homegrown options for dining. Mr. B's, Leonida's at the Ramada Inn (okay, perhaps NOT the most tasty), and others. I just don't want Emporia to be a sell out for chains when the city's population obviously has plenty of entrepreneurs to establish restaurants with local flavor. Good talent, especially cooking, should not be wasted.

Posted by bdprotheroe (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 7:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Bjnemp" - Good points, indeed. Let me point this out...

Emporia has the university (a much undervalued source of external revenue). So, in addition to anniversaries, birthdays and miscellaneous events with a close group of friends, think about all the parents who travel to Emporia to visit "Junior" and want a nice setting for dinner. Furthermore, think about that special moment "Junior" wants to introduce his fiance to Ward & June Cleaver. Where do they go? Sure, Applebee's is nice. But, considering the high percentage ot Johnson County tax dollars that boost the Lyon County economy, they would prefer a menu that is not familiar to what they see along all interstate highway exits on I-35, I-70 and I-435.

Perhaps it's a bigger picture, that to which I am referring. Having lived in Emporia up until the point I graduated from ESU, I understand the importance of being able to "play ball" with the big cities. For many, that means offering up a plate of food they see advertised on commericials from the big three cities; KC, Topeka and Wichita. But, after a while, consistency loses its appeal. I read The Emporia Gazette everyday, and comments (editorials and blogs) always state how the city's economy has lost its local flavor, in my opinion. Applebee's, Olive Garden, Fuddruckers, TGI Fridays, etc.; these chains do not promote local flavor. So, with the increasing verbal rants about how Emporia has lost itself, I would think more citizens would be inspired to create something homegrown, and that includes restaurants.

Last point, I promise. Having lived in cities across the US (Kansas City, St. Louis and San Francisco), I can honestly say that most locals do not (or rarely) frequent these chains, instead we opt for what is original. That should be good news for Emporians. Create your own flavor. Tell McDonald's, Hardee's, Perkins and the like that you don't need another "cookie cutter" meal.

Posted by jaredfromsubway (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 7:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Remember, always eat fresh.

Posted by Kansan (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 10:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

El Publito
El Palenque
the Somalian cafe
Hardee's (West side)
Burger King (East side)
4th Avenue
Popeye's
the Mexican bakery at 50 hwy & Graphic Arts
Domino's

After spending $70,000 on the Buxton study and sending 4 people to Las Vegas for the ICSC in Las Vegas, this is what they come back with?

Posted by hottopics (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 11:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No doubt someone had a good time and a free trip.

Posted by Peyton (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 11:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And remember the CEO of Maid-Rite said...

"Maid-Rite found and identified Emporia as a target community on its own. It wasn’t one of the retailers matched up with the city through the Buxton retail development study, Burt said.

So it isn't even if the money spent on Buxton has found us anything yet!!

I love the idea of this new and fun restaurant! But restaurant variety is not the first thing we need to attract people to our community and help them stay here! We need viable "Career" options for people, not just minimum wage jobs. Help us find those, then we can talk what types of restaurants Emporia needs!

Posted by jmb232 (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 7:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have eaten that the Maid-Rite in Lexington, MO and it is teriffic! It will be a welcome addition to Emporia.

Posted by create (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 8:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Right on, Peyton. This eatery is not going to offer higher wage jobs. The only exception is if they use local construction to build, but all too often, these places are set up by outside construction companies who have the "snap together" materials.

I used to take out-of-town guests to Appleby's, but those places are everywhere. The last time I had guests, I went to the Taqueria on East 6th and we ate at home. My guests were blown away and wished they had a Taqueria in their town. Just a little hole in the wall, but Taqueria food is outstanding and the real thing. Sure, it's not the fine dining to which some are referring, but the quality of their food is out of sight.

Posted by Bjnemp (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Create: I mentioned it would be nice to have a "fine dining" option in Emporia but you are right: it's the quality and flavor of the food that is most important. If we can get that in small and unique local eateries, better yet. Ambiance is nice, but the food is what really counts.

Posted by orlando (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 11:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe we need to encourage Aldo (the teen-age chef competition winner) to return to Emporia after his schooling and open a restaurant.

Posted by emporian (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 11:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Different food is always nice. I'd like to see a nice italian place come to town also. I'd also like a diner like you see on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives (its on the Food Network and really is a must see).

Posted by admireed (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 1:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What we would like and what we could get are different. A Maid-Rite whould have to gross (ballpark) $2,000,000 a year times 3 of them $6,000,000. If they did those numbers it would drive 50% or more of other eateries here out of business. No way Jose.

Posted by MelissaGarrison (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It would be nice to have a few new places to eat in Emporia, instead of the same thing over and over again. In high school we all had to plan our evenings around where to eat for prom, since all the "nice" places were so far away. Applebee's may be as nice as it gets around here, but it seems like even they have gone downhill in the last few years as far as service goes. I'm all for this new place!

It would be awesome if Emporia had a Chipotle, too!

P.S. Wings and Wheat State Grill (Grille?) are both still open on Commercial Street... From what I was told, the Grill is under new management.

Posted by admireed (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 5:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Melis..thanks for the corrections. had thought Wing and Wheat G were closed

Posted by scole (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 6:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am the new manager of Wheat State Grille. My wife and I are running it on a daily basis. We have just begun this endeavor and welcome input from anyone in the community that has advice or suggestions. We will be buying the Grille in July and changing it's name. We hope to see you down there. It is very hard to have a nice establishment in town without everyones support. Smaller Mom and Pop type places like ours find it very hard to compete with the much larger budgets and capabilities of our corporate competition. However we offer a eunique experience and the chance ,to talk to an owner if you have a problem not a coporate website or a manager that will "pass on your concern". If you are not happy, we cannot succeed. Thank's in advance for the chance to serve you better. Stephen and Tamara Cole

Posted by admireed (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 9:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hope you can get along with the bldg owner and make a success of the place. Focus on what you can do best and ignore suggestions that you have to be everything to everybody. Charge enough to make a profit and do 99% of the work yourselves.

Posted by truelovecharlie (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 10:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I read this article yesterday. Surprise, surprise I read the same article in the Great Bend Tribune. The company is using this as a means of free advertising to find franchisees. I just thought I would pass this along.

Posted by ksfarmer (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 11:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What is the cost of the franchise? According to the website, as little as $200,000!

Posted by create (anonymous) on May 29, 2008 at 6:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I like Orlando's idea about encouraging Aldo the teen chef to open up here. Maybe he'd like to specialize in Italian -- we really need an Italian place. A real one, not a pretend one with package or bottled sauces. Yuck! The last one at that place on 4th Ave. was a nightmare. The food was horrible, the prices were too high, and the portions were ridiculously small as the owners tried to make a killing instead of making good food.

I wish Emporia allowed Bistros. When I lived in New Orleans years ago, Bistros were everywhere -- little restaurants in people's homes. The chef lived upstairs and cooked a classically prepared meal every evening and served it to a limited number of guests in the downstairs area which was turned into a dining room. People had their pick of many different bistros around the city. Often you had to have reservations. Always excellent food. Always a perfect wait staff. Always white linen. Always silver. Always fine wine.

Now about Aldo. What we need is a bit of venture capital here, get my drift?

Posted by Absolute (anonymous) on May 29, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Scole, my family has tried to eat at the Grille, but every time the service was very slow. I had such high hopes because it is such a great atmosphere and I think it could be an extremely successful local place. I think it is a place that could really attract college students too.

Posted by LisaN (anonymous) on May 29, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Stephen & Tamara- I have always thought the biggest problem with eating at chain restaurants is the lack of "adventure". Sure, you will need to have the classics to sustain you, but try having something different every week or two. Make your special something really special, not a 2 pound burger with 3 gallons of cholestrol on the side. Fresh food, unusual veggies. Unique tastes. Use what is fresh and in season instead of what you can get in the largest quantity at Sam's Club. When we lived in Illinois, my favorite restaurant had fresh warm bread and real butter with every meal. They made their pies from scratch daily with real homemade whipped cream. Yes, it is a Mom and Pop restaurant, and every local went there because it was great! Honestly, the waitstaff were not all that wonderful, but no one cared because the food was spectacular!

Posted by create (anonymous) on May 30, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Scole: Yes, fresh food and not all FRIED!!! Please lay off the fryer. Try specializing in something that no one else has. Make it so good that everyone will have to have it at least once a week. Bake your own bread from scratch -- I mean a really good French or Italian bread with substance, and a crisp crust, not white mush. Find a good recipe. Try something Italian that isn't pizza, or non-descript pasta smothered in too much sauce. Make sure the meat is real and fresh, not crumbled mystery meat. And try to charge a fair price. Oh yeah, make sure your portions are as generous as you can afford. Have you ever eaten at Casa Ramos down by South Reebles? Now those are portions!

Ever watch Diners and Dives on the food channel? Some really, really good ideas there. Good luck to you. I will come in and try you out.