Originally posted by jeneisen
As far as Alices, did you know that they are the same owners as the ones who owned Perkins? They didn't want to spend the 10K it took to remodel so they went away from the chain. I think the only reason they stay open is because the owners also own Sugar Shack, and Pressed for Time. I think they are supporting the business. If I were to bet money, the loss on that place is saving them money in taxes.
The people that own the Sugar Shack and Pressed4Time DO NOT own and have never owned any part of Perkins/Alices. The people who owned Perkins/Alices own the Rhumb Line, now the warf and the other partner is dead.
The only real part you got half way right is that they would not spend money to remodel the restaurant.... BUT the number to do this was closer to $200,000. for both the Leonardtown and California restaurant.
Next,,,,, as I stated before in earlier posts, Bob Evans purchased the Friendlys and they will be open for business in October.
Friendlys which was owned by FrendCo, who is part of DavCo(Wendys) has all of their restaurants for sale. They made the mistake of taking the fastr food mentality and tried to execute a full service restaurant. They also over expanded to fast and found themselves short on management. Location next to another restaurant, be it Outback or Ruby Tuesdays is a win win situation for both restaurants. They are two different restaurants, serving two different market segments. Why do you think that food courts are so successful?
As far as Red Lobster or the Olive Garden are concerned, forget it. The demos will not carry their requirements. Both have looked at the area and both have decided for now that St Marys is not on their list of places to go. This was from regional directors for both companies. It might change in the future, but not now.
The other problem about the service at some of our restaurants is and probably will be for some time, the lack of employees and proper management. Managers for these new restaurants, such as Damons, are from out of state. Also other key people are brought in to operate the restaurant. With the summer almost over, wait and see what happens at some of these restaurants when the kids go back to school. More poor service.
To end this rant, let me also say that anyone who would open or keep open a failing business to "save taxes" is a fool and doesn't belong in business.
but honestly I dont think they would make it here...people would be all over it at first..but then...they would like slow down..and well yea..