Finally, we’re rid of all the talk (but not the leftovers!)
associated with Thanksgiving. So we can
get on with other things of foodie importance.
Like a little tour of a newly opened area, which of course features the famous
two phrases of our County’s thoughtful plan of “Controlled expansion” First:
Usually followed shortly by:
The former is yet another in a never ending series, but the latter
is supposed to provide a step up in Grocery providers. I’ve never been in one, but I have heard some
conflicting reports on this particular brand, none of which are glowing. I was surprised to learn it is under the
umbrella of the Kroger empire. I would
have this harbinger of long ago was defunct.
But, no, apparently they still exist, and apparently quite well, and I
find out they also own: Cala Foods, City Markets, Copps, Dillons, FoodsCo, Fred Meyer
Stores, Fry's, King Soopers, Mariano's Fresh Market, Metro Market, Pick 'n
Save, Quality Food Centers (a.k.a. QFC), Ralphs, Food 4 Less, and Smith's Food
and Drug. Personally, I have never heard of any of those. I don’t believe they are in the league of
Whole Foods, for instance. I had kind of
an email debate with a friend whether this area would support a Whole Foods,
she thought yes, I think no. Gosh, we
got Aldi, Walmart, innumerable “dollar stores”, all of which are routinely
mobbed. Anyway, we’ll see what
happens. I think this Kroger clone is
close to being available.
The location of this new grouping, anchored by said Teeter,
is at the corner of Southbound 235 and Route 4. What used to be some woodlands and a trailer park and fringe businesses has been replaced
by a new “shopping center”. This is
good controlled expansion because it brings much needed services and products
to our area. Many things are in short
supply around here. For instance, we
sorely need another outlet for
Oh, wait, there are approximately 2,793 existing sources for
that. Well, okay, here’s another scarce
restaurant type we need:
Hold on, there are more of those around here than you can
shake a Taco at (interesting thought).
And now you don’t have to drive miles and miles for that
special bottle of hootch, so coming soon!
Hmm, I think there are at least 5 of those within two miles
of the digs..
And I’m sure that the ladies are rejoicing that there is yet
another place to fix those pesky
Intriguing name..... teach those talons to do maybe somersaults.
So once again, our county opens its land to just more hack
chains.
Mod Pizza: (HQ
Bellevue Washington) with hundreds of stores on both coasts; Café Rio Mexican Grill: (HQ
in Salt Lake City, Utah, that hotbed of Mexican culture) at least three in the mid-Atlantic (not counting this
one); Harris Teeter (HQ in Matthews, NC)
dozens in the mid-Atlantic; Nail Trix and Spa (HQ indeterminate) around 20 in the
Alexandria/DC/Baltimore corridor.
There are still some dark storefronts… perhaps maybe a noodle store? Sub shop? We need more of those… As yet,
there doesn’t seem to be a fast food, er, excuse me, “quick service” place
plopped in the middle of things.
Anyway, just another set of stores that dilute the customer
dollar, making it yet even harder for independents to make a buck. With multiple installations, you can absorb
losses at one of them and spread them out, but if you only got one, you’re
done.
Other this and that’s:
Most of this may be old news, but I’ve had a full plate
lately…
San Souci:
Coffee Quarter gone, replaced by:
Home Goods:
"Home-decor
chain stocking a variety of furnishings, bedding, kitchenware, holiday
goods & more. Introduced in 1992, HomeGoods operates in the U.S. and Puerto
Rico. This chain has both a standalone and superstore format, which
couples HomeGoods with a T.J. Maxx or Marshalls"
Leonardtown:
No news on the “corners” on the square. One rumor is that a “Mexican” restaurant will
go in the Loic space, and keep hearing of nebulous plans for Cow and Fish to move
in someplace. Other end of block no
interest (at least that I have heard).
Lexington Park:
Rumors there is a new suitor for “the Roost”.
Apparently there is a coffee shop in the peculiar shaped
building just down Shangri-La Drive. The
people that started St. Inie’s coffee down in St. Inigoes have moved into the “upstairs”.
Couldn’t help but notice that the
surname of one of the owners is “Grube” which is a name associated with
Woodlawn and Slack Wines.
We keep seeing a continuing invasion of chains, who, judging by parking
lots, seem to be a hit. How about
somebody opening a real central American
restaurant rather than yet another damn burrito palace, or a real Italian/Mediterranean place and if
you mention never ending breadsticks, I’ll slap you around.
Anyway a few things off my chest:
But never, never forget to
DFD
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