New stores coming to Duluth, anyone know of any? (Hermantown: movie theater, high schools)

[bbtrips]

Absolutely - Blackwoods looks fantastic! Everyone I know that comes to town thinks it looks very majestic and is one classy place. It was very forward thinking to build in that location. Yeah, not sure what they meant by "it would have food similar in style to Blackwoods". Not sure too many local places could afford the 750-850k for the property, plus the building. Thinking it must be some kind of chain, but what? What could it possibly be? Could it be Ruby Tuesday, Applebee's, Red Robin, another Texas Roadhouse, Chile's? This would definitely lead to a revitilization in that corridor, which I guess is undoubtedly going on anyway.

[nateduluthnative]

Heck, no more 50's mom & pop motels on London Rd? I remember when there were 4 others near the 26th Ave end. Speaking of London Rd., will anything ever be done with the old Dairy Queen on the corner of 17th Ave.?

[duluthian2008]

I know that Dairy Queen Grill and Chill is trying to find a location suitable on London Road to build another location... but it would have to be pretty big.... bigger than the old DQ site.

Ruby Tuesdays is more upscale now, maybe they bought the site.

[chublake]

I can barely remember the Chalet site, but I think I can picture it somewhat. Now the Reef site would be a catch!!!. I remember the Bellows - loved that place as well as the Jolly Fisher - those were great. With the economic climate, why would a major chain spend that much money on Duluth? My guess - Grandma's is ditching or expanding from Canal Park. Perhaps it's the new Olive Garden that you have all talked about, they tend to love lofty views (by the way I had their new soup today and it was great). Some of you like Ruby Tuesday and I don't get it. Red Robin - give me a break. We have one here and yawn unless you demand endless steak fries. Yes, it's nice to have options, but if they can't make it.... they disappear and sour the market. That's not good. You need winners.

[duluthian2008]

The reason a major chain would spend money in Duluth is because our retail scene is not being affected as nearly as much as the rest of the country. The Duluth area often is somewhat immune to these situations. Our mall is getting tenants.... not losing them. The city doesnt have stores closing right or left... instead stores are becoming interested in Duluth because stores are doing extremely well here. Grandmas cant afford to open any new restaurants, they might even be closing the mall location. Olive Garden would be nice, but I am not sure if the site is big enough. That would be great though! Ruby Tuesday and Red Robin in Minnesota seem to very good, people tend to like them. We all have our different opinions but most people want both of them in Duluth because people like their food and their atmosphere. Chains in Duluth tend not to close, its been a while since a major restaurant chain has closed here...

[duluthian2008]

By the way, I was doing more research on the Hermantown Center general merchandise retailer, and it must be a Walmart Supercenter. Now remember when I said 154,000 square feet for a Walmart Supercenter was small and that must just be a general size for Re-Cors Walmart Supercenters? Well it still is. But when I was researching the new Walmart Supercenter prototype I found out that each store is 153,000 square feet. AND THESE WALMART LOCATIONS ARE THE LOCATIONS WITH THE BRAND NEW PROTOTYPE. So then I got to thinking and seeing the designs of the new prototype and I was like well I doubt that the Hermantown Center site plan is the new prototype because they wouldnt be using that already. So when I found a detailed site plan of a new Walmart Supercenter prototype not even open yet I was greatly surprised to find that they are the exact same site plan. And when I say same, I mean identical site plans. People really should be excited for this Walmart Supercenter. Its going to be extremely nice.... waiting paid off everyone!

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by bbtrips

Absolutely - Blackwoods looks fantastic! Everyone I know that comes to town thinks it looks very majestic and is one classy place. It was very forward thinking to build in that location. Yeah, not sure what they meant by "it would have food similar in style to Blackwoods". Not sure too many local places could afford the 750-850k for the property, plus the building. Thinking it must be some kind of chain, but what? What could it possibly be? Could it be Ruby Tuesday, Applebee's, Red Robin, another Texas Roadhouse, Chile's? This would definitely lead to a revitilization in that corridor, which I guess is undoubtedly going on anyway.

Is Blackwoods in Duluth the place with the trains running along the ceiling?

[aluminumpork]

Originally Posted by rcsteiner

Is Blackwoods in Duluth the place with the trains running along the ceiling?

It sure is.

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by aluminumpork

It sure is.

That's what I thought. I've really enjoyed eating there when we visit my in-laws. That and Gordy's Hi Hat are two of the culinary highlights for me.

[chublake]

Duluth2008 question for you...... You say Duluth is immune to closings of major stores in Duluth and stores are moving in.... Shopping at the Gap should be great for you then. By the way, did Build a Bear ever open up there? Miller Hill Mall is totally yesterday. You get away from Duluth, as we did after living there for 25 years, and you can clearly see what they should be doing and aren't. You can see my previous postings for what I think. Also, remember when there was a plan to put a shopping center downtown over the freeway? Think bigger than Younkers, Penneys and Sears. Yawn. The property between Duluth and Cloquet is going to explode to capture the traffic from MSP to Duluth, the North Shore and the Range. Mark my words on that one. Plus, who wants to struggle with Central Entrance to go to the Miller Hill Mall? Now.... People get excited about restaurants they don't have, which I can totally understand. We have those restaurants that you crave and I can only say - be careful for what you wish for. If they flop, then the City has the stigma and others doing market research says -"no that market is not profitable". That's what you have in Red Robin (burgers) and Ruby Tuesday? Chili's is a staple and great - that would be a winner. Outback is located in a stupid place and should move. You guys talk about the Residence Inn and traditionally Outback is located by Residence Inn's in numerous locations. Maybe they will move into that area you talk about. Geez, maybe I should move back up there and run for Mayor - this is crazy..... So much potential, but nobody wants to stick their neck out to tell the truth. You guys need to run for office and change the City !!!!