I like the idea of a TGI Friday's the best. I love the Jack Daniels sauce! ... Ooops, did I just say that on UrbanOhio.com???

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate downtown is quite expensive. I'd imagine it would be hard to maintain cheap prices for an "applebees".

 

To be honest, what probably hurts this potential the most is the liquor license issue.  These restaurants can make it work financially, but they need their alcohol sales to probably make it work.  That is where these restaurants rake it in.

 

:drunk:

What downtown needs is half price wine nights!!!!....a la Indigo.

I think jean ro has half price wine on sundays.

 

as for the liquor liscense, the easiest way to fix that is to create community entertainment districts, you get x liquor liscenses for y continious acres of district.  The Banks will be at least one and possibly two entertainment districts.  as for downtown, you put the whole of fountain square, tower place mall, the convention center and any building that wants to be in the district tied together by running the district down the middle of the city streets.  it will look like Tom delay made it, but it gets the job done.  The only reason to throw in the convention center is for the acreage the building sits on.

I just drove by the old McAlpin building...the part on the corner of 4th and race.  They just started doing work in that section!  Does anyone know whats going in there?

I just drove by the old McAlpin building...the part on the corner of 4th and race.  They just started doing work in that section!  Does anyone know whats going in there?

 

I think building that is on the corner is seperate from the McAlpin building.

if somebody is doing work in there thats great news.  that seems like it would be a great space.

I read an article about it somewhere.

 

Same developers as McAlpin but yes, a different property if memory serves.

It is separate from the McAlpin - don't know what's going on there though.

TGI Fridays?

^Wouldn't that kick ars!

The main condo project for the McAlpin Building is completed and people are living there currently.  There is a smaller building adjacent to the larger McAlpin Building that is not part of the same condo project...I believe that is what sheady was refering to.

 

The reason I mentioned TGI Fridays is because they were rumored to be in discussions with Tower Place Mall for a location along 4th Street.  However, the owners of Tower Place have backed off due to other more pertinent options for their space (some have rumored a grocery store for that spot).  I just wonder if TGI Fridays was really interested in that location...then right across the street would seem to work equally as well...given the space requirements be there.

 

I don't know...just throwing it out there.

TGIF..oh gawd.. I hope not! a 24 hr IHOP would be much nicer. Even though they are overpriced and not very good.  There used to be a Big Boy in that location.

Are there any IHOP's in Cincinnati?

I don't like TGIF myself, but the fact that popular chain restaurants are interested in downtown is probably a good sign that it has truly "turned the corner".  Maybe the presence of some of these more familiar restaurants will help attract people that aren't stopping to eat downtown otherwise.  Variety, and all that...

Are there any IHOP's in Cincinnati?

 

There's one near the "Center Cincinnati" Meijer.  There's also one next to Wal-Mart in Florence, and another is opening at the new development in Newport later this year.  I'm sure there are more, but those are the only three that I'm personally aware of.

The main condo project for the McAlpin Building is completed and people are living there currently.  There is a smaller building adjacent to the larger McAlpin Building that is not part of the same condo project...I believe that is what sheady was refering to.

 

 

UncleRando is correct in which building I was referring to.  I attached an OLD picture of that block (from a previous thread)...even though the McAlpin looks different the building I am referring to (on the right of the picture) looks the same.

^Yikes!                    Skywalk! :weird:

 

 

I don't like TGIF myself, but the fact that popular chain restaurants are interested in downtown is probably a good sign that it has truly "turned the corner".  Maybe the presence of some of these more familiar restaurants will help attract people that aren't stopping to eat downtown otherwise.  Variety, and all that...

 

That be the goal! :wink:

Are there any IHOP's in Cincinnati?

 

There is also one opening up at the corner of MLK and Vine Street in Corryville as part of the new development about to break ground.

Also ones in Kenwood, Tri-County, Eastgate, Forest Park, etc.  Lots of IHOPS.

That's funny I never see them! :lol:

That's funny I never see them! :lol:

 

Aside from a few rare exceptions...if you stay out of suburban hell you'll never know they exist.  I'm not so sure that's a bad thing either.

I personally stay away from all that sugar and cholesterol, but I get the bug every once in a while. :-D

When I first moved here, I remember going to the TGIF on the barge across the river.  Then I guess that barge sunk, so I woudn't be surprised to see TGIF reopening a store in or around downtown.  I think it would be great to have a "chain" restaurant downtown to attract those people who aren't very comfortable in trying local downtown places.  Once those people get used to dining downtown, then they may be more likely to try other places downtown.

Here is a picture of the building earlier tonight. I coudn't find any information online about the construction. There is still a sign saying "available" on the facade, but it's not listed on the agency's website. Hush, hush? Anyway, this would be great news for Fourth Street, as this is a really neat building. Next on the list: knocking down that ugly ramp in front of Tower Place Garage?

By the way, the only name I know for this building is "Otte Building". It was built in 1916 and the architect was Gustav Drach - the same architect who worked on the beautiful Textile Building also on 4th Street.

 

When I first moved here, I remember going to the TGIF on the barge across the river.  Then I guess that barge sunk, so I woudn't be surprised to see TGIF reopening a store in or around downtown.  I think it would be great to have a "chain" restaurant downtown to attract those people who aren't very comfortable in trying local downtown places.  Once those people get used to dining downtown, then they may be more likely to try other places downtown.

 

Yeah, but no one is going to drive Downtown to go to a damn TGIF.  If they want to go, they'll go to the one in Kenwood or Hyde Park.  I can't imagine the conversation:

 

"So, where do you want to go tonight, honey?"

"How about TGI Friday's?"

"Great, it's right down the street!"

"Hey, why don't we drive the extra 15 minutes to the one Downtown?!"

 

If there's one Downtown, it'll be catering to the lunch crowd, end of story.  Plus, TGI Friday's?!  Yuck!

 

 

 

no, but the 1.7 million reds fans or the 650,000 bengals fans that go to home games might like a TGIF, the 90k office workers may as well like to go there after work for good times and good fun

Here is a picture of the building earlier tonight. I coudn't find any information online about the construction. There is still a sign saying "available" on the facade, but it's not listed on the agency's website. Hush, hush? Anyway, this would be great news for Fourth Street, as this is a really neat building. Next on the list: knocking down that ugly ramp in front of Tower Place Garage?

By the way, the only name I know for this building is "Otte Building". It was built in 1916 and the architect was Gustav Drach - the same architect who worked on the beautiful Textile Building also on 4th Street.

 

 

Awhile back there was a bunch of equipment in there that was being stored by the McAlpin developers.  Don't know when they moved the stuff out, and if they haven't, my guess is that this has something to do with that, otherwise I'm sure we would have heard something.

Yeah, but no one is going to drive Downtown to go to a damn TGIF.

 

Or how about the thousands of residents that live in Downtown, OTR, West End, East End, Clifton Heights, University Heights, Corryville, Covington, Newport, Mt. Adams, Lower Price Hill, Northside...I won't go any further.

 

This would be the closest location for any of these people...I don't think that is a number to scoff at.

When I first moved here, I remember going to the TGIF on the barge across the river.  Then I guess that barge sunk, so I woudn't be surprised to see TGIF reopening a store in or around downtown.  I think it would be great to have a "chain" restaurant downtown to attract those people who aren't very comfortable in trying local downtown places.  Once those people get used to dining downtown, then they may be more likely to try other places downtown.

 

Yeah, but no one is going to drive Downtown to go to a damn TGIF.  If they want to go, they'll go to the one in Kenwood or Hyde Park.  I can't imagine the conversation:

 

"So, where do you want to go tonight, honey?"

"How about TGI Friday's?"

"Great, it's right down the street!"

"Hey, why don't we drive the extra 15 minutes to the one Downtown?!"

 

If there's one Downtown, it'll be catering to the lunch crowd, end of story.  Plus, TGI Friday's?!  Yuck!

 

 

 

 

I live less than a mile from one but spent more time at the Cov. location before it went away.  Besides, attracting these type of establishments should be about the people living DT, not Kenwood or the Westside residents.

would have been great to have  a tgif when i was living on 4th st. thats the real issue when you live downtown, the lack of things open past 5 or 6, and the lack of a grocery store. tgif would do well down there

^ That's a good point.  Chain restaurants, though lacking in the excitement and originality departments, are more likely to be open off of peak hours.

Definitely agree with that chain restaurants have a better chance being open till 11PM or so like Rock Bottom, Palomino's , McCormick's etc then alot of other establishment and they are a known commodity which is good for the less adventurous.  This would be a great spot for a TGIF, Applebees. or some other mid priced restaurant.  As for the grocery store idea I would think that a small format store could work but my general thoughts are that downtown living is all about conveniece and flexibility so I wouldn't have any problem with going to a few different stores to get my things, mostly I prefer to eat vegetables, fish, grains, and I'm light on the meat not withstanding chicken.

^ Yes, but when you have Rock Bottom about two blocks away, are that many more people going to go to TGIF?  Same price range and I think Rock Bottom is better food (certainly better beer) and a better location.  Would this be the dreaded Jeff Ruby prediction coming true?

^The restaurants above are a little more family friendly than Rock Bottom so it'll be good for families.  There are alot of options available.  I kind of hope that this place had a larger footprint that could be converted to a nice private school.

The thing Downtown does well is accommodating for the upper-classes.  Downtown does high-end condos well...it does high-end restaurants well...and it does high-end retail well.

 

Downtown needs to start better servicing/attracting more middle class services/people.  Unfortunately many local businesses can't make their business models work without doing high-end stuff...this is where chains can become attractive.  I was in Midtown Atlanta yesterday and went past a Publix, Office Depot, a dentist, CVS, a dine-in pizza by the slice place, a burger place, some shopping...and this was all sprinkled in with some of the high-end delights that our Downtown already boasts.

 

We have to appeal across the board for Downtown to actually reach that "critical-mass."

Didn't you forget to mention that you drove by a Checkers too?

 

Didn't you forget to mention that you drove by a Checkers too?

 

Ahh...I love Checkers!  But a drive-thru restaurant probably isn't the best thing to have there...although I'm not complaining.  :-D

^ Yes, but when you have Rock Bottom about two blocks away, are that many more people going to go to TGIF?  Same price range and I think Rock Bottom is better food (certainly better beer) and a better location.  Would this be the dreaded Jeff Ruby prediction coming true?

 

They might both cater to the same crowd, and that's not necessarily a bad thing.  Some people just prefer chain restaurants, and those people need more than one option.  No matter how much they like Rock Bottom, they'll want to change it up once in a while.  A TGIF, BW3, or Cheddars would be perfect for that.  Maybe Frisch's will even come back downtown one day.

^ Eh, good point.  I guess you can't have too much of a good thing.  But still, I hate TGIF!

^ Eh, good point.  I guess you can't have too much of a good thing.  But still, I hate TGIF!

 

Olive Garden is more your thing isn't it?  :-D

^ Eh, good point.  I guess you can't have too much of a good thing.  But still, I hate TGIF!

 

Olive Garden is more your thing isn't it?  :-D

 

Can't beat those breadsticks!

However, the owners of Tower Place have backed off due to other more pertinent options for their space (some have rumored a grocery store for that spot). 

As I recall the last grocery store that was Downtown was just to the north of this location along Race Street.  Kroger pulled out of that spot in the 60's.  There aren't any easy shopping locations for groceries if you're living Downtown.  Kroger at 15th and Vine is the closet place and if you aren't interested in going to that store you really have to travel.

However, the owners of Tower Place have backed off due to other more pertinent options for their space (some have rumored a grocery store for that spot). 

As I recall the last grocery store that was Downtown was just to the north of this location along Race Street.  Kroger pulled out of that spot in the 60's.  There aren't any easy shopping locations for groceries if you're living Downtown.  Kroger at 15th and Vine is the closet place and if you aren't interested in going to that store you really have to travel.

 

I live downtown, and I go to Findlay for a lot of my shopping. If I need something else, I just hop across the river to Bellevue Kroger. And if I find that they don't have it, I hop up the highway 7 miles to Hyde Park Kroger. People from the 'burbs always ask me, "how do you live downtown without a grocery store?" I remind them of what I just wrote, that I have four places to shop (3 krogers) within a 7 mile radius. I remind them that the reality is they also drive the same amount, if not longer, to get to their grocery store. it's not as though every subdivision has their own little kroger in it. If you live out in Anderson TWP, you still have to drive up Beechmont ave to get groceries...

I think that most people have the impression that living downtown should allow them to do things like buy all of their groceries without owning car, which is funny because so few people in our society want to part with their vehicle.  I actually tend to agree with that notion of not driving for groceries, but that's not the type of downtown that we have yet.  As it is, living downtown with a car is no more difficult than living in the burbs with a car.

^And for the most part, I do enjoy being downtown, and walking to work, taking a stroll over to newport etc. And the fact of the matter is, if you go on your weekly run to kroger, chances are you walk out with more stuff than you would care to carry more than about 500 ft to your car...

 

unless you are looking for a good workout :strong:

since I moved to Clifton, I walk to get my groceries at the IGA.  I simply make more trips and am more inclined to run to IGA to pick things up for a meal I want to make right then and there.  So while my trips increase, the amount of money I save on gas, etc increases too and plus, I stay in better shape.  :) 

and oh yea, this is a convenience I would love to have downtown as well.  We will see.

I live downtown, and I go to Findlay for a lot of my shopping. If I need something else, I just hop across the river to Bellevue Kroger. And if I find that they don't have it, I hop up the highway 7 miles to Hyde Park Kroger. People from the 'burbs always ask me, "how do you live downtown without a grocery store?" I remind them of what I just wrote, that I have four places to shop (3 krogers) within a 7 mile radius. I remind them that the reality is they also drive the same amount, if not longer, to get to their grocery store. it's not as though every subdivision has their own little kroger in it. If you live out in Anderson TWP, you still have to drive up Beechmont ave to get groceries...

 

Don't forget about Avril-Bleh on Court St.  It's the best butcher shop.  There's also Cianciolo's, Sunshine Fine Foods, Silverglades, etc. for things in a pinch.  And I've also purchased milk at Walgreen's. 

 

The grocery fascination is strange to me.  I think we have way more options because you could always get in the car as well.  Most people do.

Love Avril-Bleh...and I already eat too much silverglades during the day for lunch...