What new business does Jackson need? (Brandon, Madison: real estate, apartments, rent)

[Freethink]

In your opinion, what type of new business would fare well in the Jackson area? What is it lacking?

Thank you!

[auntbee]

Sorry, but I wouldn't open any kind of business in Jackson. There is just too much crime. Many businesses are moving out of Jackson. Brandon or Madison would be good, but I'm not sure what businesses they need.

[Freethink]

Thanks for the reply. What about in Fondren? Still too much crime?

[willdufauve]

I think Jackson would be good for art gallery, frame shop, artisan furniture, quality hand-made crafts, gourmet coffee and tea shop, natural foods grocery/coop/restaurant, ethnic foods, gourmet pizza and sandwiches, artisan jewelry, small label clothing, high end hand tools, art/photo/cooking classes, bonsai supplies, book store....

If businesses are moving out, commercial real estate will be easier to get=opportunity. If you want to bounce some ideas around, pm me.

[Freethink]

Good feedback - just the type of information I am looking for to start a business in or around Jackson. Real estate prices are an utmost concern, I prefer to buy the building for my business - if possible - rather than rent. Your point is well taken in that matter.

What do you think of these ideas:
1. Because my family's business is raising natural, high end Angus Beef, I am considering a "natural foods" restaurant.

2. Going into real estate investment. Buy and rent homes in the Jackson area, serve as landlord.

3. Auction company with storefront having online and real time auctions. Where I currently live a company is doing just that and is the hottest business in town.
This is the only idea in which I have no experience. But I think there is potential in the right area.

From my research, the Fondren district seems like a good area for a new business. Do you agree?

Thanks for the input!

[auntbee]

I believe Fondren has less crime than some areas of Jackson, but still too much for me. I saw on the news where a business owner was shot there recently.

[SashaBlue]

Fondren does have a lot of crime. Shoppers also have to cross some of the high, high crime areas to even get to Fondren. Not only was a shop owner shot recently, but an arsonist set a school building on fire (Woodland Hills). I would be very careful in considering Fondren. Try Flowood or Madison. I think Flowood would have better purchase/rent prices.

[merigold307]

Ah, but Fondren is about to explode with new business as the Mattice (spelling?) project goes up across from McDade's, with about 90 residential apartments in it. Fondren is just bursting with possibilities for niche businesses. Rainbow Co-op with its natural foods, High Noon Cafe, Rooster's, Basil's and many, many more exciting restaurants and businesses going in all the time. Sorry, I forgot to mention Que Sera, Walker's, and Aladdin Cafe, plus Cups and Jerusalem Cafe. Where else can you find so many great dining possibilities in a tiny 6 block area??

What's desperately needed, from my point of view, is to re-open the Capri Theater for art movies that don't draw enough patrons elsewhere. Or an art movie theatre in a new building.

I drive in from Madison to attend church in the Fondren area, so I'm definitely partial to Fondren.

[merigold307]

One more quick reply to Sasha's note. Within a 1/2 mile of Fondren there are 3 major hospitals: VA, Univ. of MS Med Center, and St. Dominic's. Many, many people work in those 3 huge complexes. From I-55 to the Fondren area is probably a little less than 1 mile. Just north of Fondren business area are homes whose owners have a great deal of spendable income. High Noon Cafe has natural and organic foods, but is definitely not competition for Angus beef. High Noon is mostly (or totally?) vegetarian. So bring on the beef!

[Freethink]

Good stuff.
Re-opening a theatre is equally appealing to me. Can you tell me more about its history?
I am researching Mobile, Alabama as well, just fyi, but if anyone here knows about that city I would appreciate input.

News of Fondren exploding with growth, that is good to hear! I have looked myself, but what do you consider to be good prices for starter homes and/or commercial property in Fondren?