Chattanooga now has The Cheesecake Factory, can Huntsville support one? (Madison: crime, live)

[cooldiver]

Originally Posted by Hsv256

Now, what Huntsville really needs is a legitimate space tourist center. The S&RC's best days were in the 80s.

Do you realize that the S&RC has more paid admissions than the aquarium in Chattanooga?


The Botanical Garden and Earlyworks are also in the Alabama top 10.


U.S. Space & Rocket Center was Alabama

[bmrisko]

Originally Posted by cooldiver

Do you realize that the S&RC has more paid admissions than the aquarium in Chattanooga?


The Botanical Garden and Earlyworks are also in the Alabama top 10.


U.S. Space & Rocket Center was Alabama

to be fair, Alabama in general isn't exactly bursting with tourist attractions.

[Southlander]

I wouldn't have thought Huntsville could sustain a Brazilian-style steakhouse, but apparently it does. Cheesecake Factory has a much more varied menu, so no reason the area couldn't also support it.

[AU HSV]

Originally Posted by cooldiver

Do you realize that the S&RC has more paid admissions than the aquarium in Chattanooga?


The Botanical Garden and Earlyworks are also in the Alabama top 10.


U.S. Space & Rocket Center was Alabama

Surprise surprise, people constantly underestimate or downplay what is happening in the Huntsville area.

Madison County (Huntsville) had more than 85,000 more tourists visit from 2016 for 3.1 million guests. Those visitors spent $1.3 billion in the county - a 9.8 percent gain from 2016.(Alabama State Tourism Bureau)

Hamilton County (Chattanooga) hit $1.1 billion in direct visitor spending — a 4.6 percent increase over 2016 — putting it behind only Davidson County with $6.5 billion, Shelby County with $3.5 billion and Sevier County with $2 billion. Knox County also had about $1.1 billion in tourism spending. (source Chattanooga Visitors Bureau.)

[Preston3124]

Originally Posted by StealthRabbit

demographics of these communities is FAR different, especially visitor / eating out stats.

I would expect a TCF could survive in Huntsville (As one does in Palm Desert, 48k pop.)

I have never been (looked at the menu ONCE... took a pass... steep prices and limited offerings). And a huge waiting LINE.

Krispy Kreme, never tried it...

Ive been to the one in Birmingham a few times and I agree with everyone that doesn't get the attraction. Very average food, but I can't agree with your "limited offerings" comment. If I'm remembering correctly the menu was like reading a novel.

[AU HSV]

Cheesecake has a very very extensive training program
So in general they keep their restaurants at a high level
to stay on top of their huge menu

[BamaDave]

I want to say that some of the bookstore coffee shops sell Cheesecake Factory desserts... the one at Bridge Street? Or maybe I'm thinking of something here in the Birmingham area (I commute to Decatur and Huntsville for work, so I get confused).

I've been to the Birmingham Cheesecake Factory one time. I agree with the others. The food is just meh, whatever typical chain stuff, served in enormous portions (who needs that before a 20,000 calorie slice of cheesecake). The cheesecakes are interesting to choose from, but I'm honestly not a huge cheesecake fan.

Yeah, I would have assumed the Cheesecake Factory located in Chattanooga before Huntsville because of the tourist industry and chains placing themselves in high traffic areas where people are looking for brands they recognize. I don't really get the "let's eat at a place we recognize" mentality anymore when it's so easy to search for local restaurants with great reviews no matter where you travel.

[Maya Blue]

Originally Posted by BamaDave

I want to say that some of the bookstore coffee shops sell Cheesecake Factory desserts... the one at Bridge Street? Or maybe I'm thinking of something here in the Birmingham area (I commute to Decatur and Huntsville for work, so I get confused).

I've been to the Birmingham Cheesecake Factory one time. I agree with the others. The food is just meh, whatever typical chain stuff, served in enormous portions (who needs that before a 20,000 calorie slice of cheesecake). The cheesecakes are interesting to choose from, but I'm honestly not a huge cheesecake fan.

Yeah, I would have assumed the Cheesecake Factory located in Chattanooga before Huntsville because of the tourist industry and chains placing themselves in high traffic areas where people are looking for brands they recognize. I don't really get the "let's eat at a place we recognize" mentality anymore when it's so easy to search for local restaurants with great reviews no matter where you travel.

Barnes & noble does. But if you look at the product it is definitely different than what you get at Cheesecake factory. I'm not sure of the quality though as I've never bought one at B&N. But it looks inferior from the looks to the size of it.

[huja]

Would take a local meat-n-three place over CKF every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

[Southlander]

Been to Cheesecake Factory in Birmingham...not impressed, have not gone back. However, they do have huge crowds and usually long lines waiting for tables.
Went to one in Orlando....REALLY good, would happily and eagerly go back.