Downtown Johnson City re-development? New plans? (Kingsport: moving, budget, relocate to)

[dreamofmonterey]

Originally Posted by SarahSal

Thanks for the review! I am SO disappointed to hear this as our building is right down the street and we'd hoped when Sunny's closed that something equally good would replace it! Dancing girls in the window?? As you said, not too "classy". What a bummer... Sounds like they didn't do their homework on developing a business that fills a need. There are plenty (too many) of these types of businesses downtown already!

The types of folks who ARE flocking downtown (to Freiberg's) are diverse and range in age from 30 somethings to those in their 70's and older. With interest and pleasure we've watched lots of them waiting outside to be seated!

We're now waiting with great anticipation for the 'Blue Moon Theatre' to open. It's located on E Main where Phaorohs(sp) and the old Highlander Dinner Theatre used to be.. I'll post something when I get more up-to-date info..

lol- what is wrong with club owners downtown----they have no clue what peple like- lol- the worst place I saw was at Elizabethton- McGinns - a dirty bar, with karaoke music, then Gatsby's filthy flooring, boring food- (I was there in 2005) and at the bar, a homeless person. . I never went there again either...

I like Freibergs, there are obviously customers with money wanting something upscale, the club owners need to do some market research drawing the over thirty crowd means more money people...

McGinns has a brain dead waitress behind the bar, lol- I guess its all about paying low wages....not sure how any business can survive with that mentality.

[SarahSal]

Originally Posted by dreamofmonterey

lol- what is wrong with club owners downtown----they have no clue what peple like- lol- the worst place I saw was at Elizabethton- McGinns - a dirty bar, with karaoke music, then Gatsby's filthy flooring, boring food- (I was there in 2005) and at the bar, a homeless person. . I never went there again either...

I like Freibergs, there are obviously customers with money wanting something upscale, the club owners need to do some market research drawing the over thirty crowd means more money people...

McGinns has a brain dead waitress behind the bar, lol- I guess its all about paying low wages....not sure how any business can survive with that mentality.

There is *such* a huge need for a more upscale restaurant music venue in downtown JC - a place where the over thirty/forty crowd can gather for an evening of good food and music. We hear that all the time; in fact one of this forum's posters whom I 'met' right here visited us yesterday with friends and said exactly the same thing. At one time we had seriously discussed opening this type of venue in our building and began design and renovation work to do just that. Then the reality that we're builders - not restauranteurs - sunk in (the 'do what you know' business theory) and we made the decision not to attempt this. We're now working towards finding an experienced restauranteur who's interested in operating this type of venue. With Freiberg's across the street doing exceptionally well, we're excited about that prospect!
It's amazing that Kingsport is accomplishing their city's restoration so successfully while JC is lagging way behind (loved those u-tube videos). Kingsport's progress may have been greatly helped by their pervasive community spirit, which JC once had about 8-10 years ago during a time when there *was* great progress. That spirit and wide city support are the keys to change..

[dreamofmonterey]

Originally Posted by SarahSal

There is *such* a huge need for a more upscale restaurant music venue in downtown JC - a place where the over thirty/forty crowd can gather for an evening of good food and music. We hear that all the time; in fact one of this forum's posters whom I 'met' right here visited us yesterday with friends and said exactly the same thing. At one time we had seriously discussed opening this type of venue in our building and began design and renovation work to do just that. Then the reality that we're builders - not restauranteurs - sunk in (the 'do what you know' business theory) and we made the decision not to attempt this. We're now working towards finding an experienced restauranteur who's interested in operating this type of venue. With Freiberg's across the street doing exceptionally well, we're excited about that prospect!
It's amazing that Kingsport is accomplishing their city's restoration so successfully while JC is lagging way behind (loved those u-tube videos). Kingsport's progress may have been greatly helped by their pervasive community spirit, which JC once had about 8-10 years ago during a time when there *was* great progress. That spirit and wide city support are the keys to change..

Its true. IMO some clubs are myopic, they dont have any marketing experience. For every person/married couple who lives in JC and has discretionary income, they are NOT going to Ruby Tuesday or Fatz Cafe.

Frankly, the best nights out I have are, lol, after taking a flight to Alexandria, NYC or driving to Asheville. JC is losing, alot of my neighbors spend their money at Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach-they have $ to spend and JC offers little.

Just out of curiosity-whats the story with that Massengill shoppe? I never see it open, is it still in business?

[SarahSal]

Yes, it is such a shame that there isn't a really upscale place to go in JC for an evening out..Picasso's may come close but their location is kind of hidden away in the center of a perceived industrial area..

Re: Massengill's - the last time I walked by they *were* open. Apparently, they have devoted customers who've been shopping there for years.. It's a high-end clothing store and they just keep plugging away as one of downtown JC's mainstays.. If Massengill's ever closes, it will be the end of an era..

[jabogitlu]

Had lunch at Freiberg's today, so we walked down toward where Pharaoh's used to be. looks like work is progressing on the Blue Moon Theatre. How neat. Also saw some signs of construction/revamp on various other buildings in the few blocks around the Downtown Square so... here's hoping!

[SarahSal]

Hey Jab, Must have missed you by minutes as I got to JC around 1:30... Next time you happen to be there give me a call and I'll show you around our building.. And BTW, my best friend said she'll be working in the coffees, cheese, etc. section of Earthfare.. I'm sure you'll connect!
SS

[pineywoods]

Originally Posted by SarahSal

There is *such* a huge need for a more upscale restaurant music venue in downtown JC - a place where the over thirty/forty crowd can gather for an evening of good food and music. We hear that all the time; in fact one of this forum's posters whom I 'met' right here visited us yesterday with friends and said exactly the same thing. ... We're now working towards finding an experienced restauranteur who's interested in operating this type of venue. With Freiberg's across the street doing exceptionally well, we're excited about that prospect!

That forum poster who met SS at her building in JC was me~! And I can tell everyone here that SS is an awesome woman who has worked very hard with her hubby to bring new, positive change to JC.

Hey, SS! We so enjoyed meeting you face to face!

Folks, if anyone has any experience in operating a club or restaurant, you should SEE what SS's building is like! Gorgeous inside and out, and ready for occupancy. The bottom space is ideal for music and food/drinks. It is already partially set up for a bandstand/stage. I have high hopes for someone to create an upscale venue for us 30 to 90 year olds! NO MORE JUNK BARS!!! The upper floors are ready and waiting for business use.

We spent four days in Charleston for a short vacation prior to coming back to Tennessee, and were amazed at the many people walking around the city at night. Wouldn't it be nice to have somewhere to go on a Saturday night in downtown JC? We went to the Stir Fry Cafe for dinner while we were in JC this week, and it does have a nice atmosphere at least. Would be nice to have more options like that.

SS, you have my respect and admiration for all you've accomplished, you and your husband. Our big contribution to the community will to get our farm equipped for boarding and riding lessons for all ages and one day create a therapeutic riding program for autistic and MR/DD kids. If everyone does their own thing and makes it good for the community, everyone benefits in the long run. Change can be good.

[SarahSal]

Hi pineywoods, Thanks for all your kind words! *We* enjoyed meeting you too and look forward to your move to this area! (can't wait for our husbands to have time to talk about their vintage sportscars)..

Also, thanks for your review of Picasso's.. I've already talked with a friend about having dinner there. I love their outdoor dining area and now that it's getting cooler it offers an enjoyable venue to have dinner or a drink.
Come back soon!

[pineywoods]

We will be back this fall several times I'm sure. The house is just a hole in the ground right now, but once things start rolling with it, we'll need to be down there.
And yes...you will love Picassos. We'll call next time we're down and have a real live date! (For you younguns, yes, us oldies still go on dates...earrings, perfume, and sneakin in a kiss now and then.)

[jabogitlu]

I'm not lookin at ya'. I've not been on a date in forever. *SIGH*

Hey, I do want to see your building, really! LOL! I don't have your number, though!