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Support your local restaurants...

Discussion in 'Area Restaurants, Dining and Food' started by mom2two, Jan 26, 2008.

  1. vincecarbone

    vincecarbone New Member

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    I understand how every one feels about supporting their local stores. You have to remeber even the chain restaurants are owned by individuals. I have three stores here and I have supported the Ashburn community for 6+ years. I do not like to see any one go out of business. I even had a non compete in my lease that was not honored. I do not blame Puccios for coming in here, I blame Saul Centers. If you want to get mad at any one or wonder why stores are closing, get mad at the developers and landlords. Whether we are mom and pops or big chains, we are all losing money. I am sure there have been a lot of big chain stores that have supported the community so there is no reason to turn your back on them. What would help is the housing market and more commercial business out here. I appreciate every customer that comes through my door and I am greatful to have the chance to work in a great community. It is a very tough time for evey one.
     
  2. redon1

    redon1 aka Aphioni

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    you know, i was about to post something to the effect that we do not BEGRUDGE franchises and chains here- we need Subway and TGIFridays and (sigh) Starbucks! I just don't want it to be at the expense of mom and pops that give individuality to our business landscape and offer a choice that we can't get in every city and every state.

    I do want to continue to support local franchises as well, expecially good neighbors like you who support the community as well.

    Thanks Vince!!
     
  3. Lee

    Lee Permanent Vacation

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    You are correct yet many of the chains are really mom and pops. Vince is really a mom and pop operation

    Fudruckers is also a mom and pop the new one on ashburn village drive. It was franchised to an individual just like anyone else starting a new business.

    So the chains have company run stores and the have wonderful people like Vince and all the others, trying to make a living just like all the rest of us. We all no matter how we are employed whether by the government or have our own businesses here. We all chose to live in this community and should try to do our best to support each other.
     
  4. GeauxTigers

    GeauxTigers Member

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    Lee, we agree on something:happygrin: Are the owners of Fuddruckers Ashburn residents as well? It's hard to ignore the locally owned establishments like Vince's. In the three years I have lived in Broadlands, it's become very clear that Vince is not just in it for the business but genuinely cares about and invests in the local community. These are the establishments (chain or not) that I hope survive.
     
  5. Chsalas

    Chsalas Active Member

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    done, MEZZA grill rocks!
     
  6. redon1

    redon1 aka Aphioni

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    oooh--- didja go after 9pm and hookah??
     
  7. Chsalas

    Chsalas Active Member

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    No, not into the hookah. I've heard it's nice.
     
  8. mom2two

    mom2two Member

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    Gosh, I never looked at it that way. Thank you Vince for bringing that point up. I guess even franchises are really just Mom and Pops with a big name behind them. I wonder how we can find out which restaurants in our area are locally O&O'd??
     
  9. redon1

    redon1 aka Aphioni

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    it is- and i am a non-smoker, but hookah is very different- not to the lungs, nice flavor, and no offensive smell when you exhale. every adult (without health related issues that would interfere) should try it at least once!
     
  10. redon1

    redon1 aka Aphioni

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    it is- and i am a non-smoker, but hookah is very different- not to the lungs, nice flavor, social, and no offensive smell when you exhale. every adult (without health related issues that would interfere) should try it at least once!
     
  11. Villager

    Villager Ashburn Village Resident

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    Here are some I can think of off the top of my head:
    • Fosters Grille
    • Amvrosia
    • Most of the Asian places ?
    • Sal's NY Pizza
    • Five Guys
    • Fuddruckers
    • Cafe Opera
    • Bean Scene Cafe
    • Subway
    • San Vito
    • Del Rey
    • Original Steakhouse
     
  12. redon1

    redon1 aka Aphioni

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    Manhattan's Pizzeria
    Silk Road
    Cafe Rumi (Farifax Cty for now- close enough!)
     
  13. redon1

    redon1 aka Aphioni

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    We ended up at Silk Road, Sunday night- WOW. the full review is you know where but it's definitely a local restaurant to support.
     
  14. JohnS

    JohnS New Member

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    I'm the owner of Bonefish Grill and live in the Broadlands. We have worked hard to not only deliver great food and service, but also consistently support many local organizations including, but not limited to schools, local non profits and community social organizations.

    This weekend marks our third anniversary, and I have felt the pain and challenge of many new competitors in the market. Thanks for your support in the past, and please don't think of us as the big bad chain monster.
     
  15. Grahamiam

    Grahamiam New Member

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    So the moral of the story is to go eat at restaurants more often?!

    I think I can handle this.
     
  16. redon1

    redon1 aka Aphioni

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    John-we've Bonefish regulars as well- earlier in the thread we talked about the fact that this push ISN'T to stop supporting chains- but rather to include new and unexpected places to our palates. bonefish is packed often- you have brand recognition, and you've been a great neighbor who provides excellent dining experiences.

    A bad month for you won't close your doors- and- you will not lose your base around here- you are simply too good!Nothing replaces bang bang shrimp for my son... lol competition raises the bar for EVERYONE, so I'm glad you are active in this thread. :)

    Maybe I should add a page to my site that applauds the chains and franchises that are locally owned, support the community and are good neighbors... ? we all ALREADY know what your menu is and what the quality is, but If I know that Bonefish sponsors a DLL team (still looking for sponsors by the way!) and Subway in Broadlands donates sandwiches for a regular school function- I would be likely to show my appreciation to that kind of good chain!

    I see team parties, special fund raising events- all sorts of opportunities for a company with name recognition and corporate backing to capitalize on!

    Any feedback on this neighbors? John, Vince- am I off base to think that you have a "support system"? not a rich daddy with deep generous pockets... you know what i mean!
     
  17. T8erman

    T8erman Well-Known Member

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    Bonefish (and John) are also EXCELLENT Happy Hour hosts! :partydrink:

    BIG Thumbs up!
     
  18. mamatothree

    mamatothree New Member

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    BTW Look for the Super Bowl Trivia Quiz in February's Newsletter. The prize is a $45 Gift Certificate to Bonefish...Thanks John - You ROCK!
     
  19. JLC

    JLC Member

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    Franchise owners have to pay for the support with franchise fees and royalties. In return they get name recognition, a knowledge base, and wider advertising, which they also have to pay towards in the form of a "marketing fee".


    As franchise owners ourselves (not yet in the local area, though) I'm very happy to see that people realize that a Mom & Pop are often behind the Big Name.
     
  20. run43boys

    run43boys New Member

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    Bonefish has been an EXCELLENT Broadlands neighbor, with a lot of support last year to the Broadlands Piranhas Swim Team. Thank You. In addition, other great LOCAL Piranha sponsors last year were: Glory Days, Anothai, American Flatbread, Tropical Smoothie Cafe. TSC came to meets and made awesome smoothies for the swimmers. And SW Dominos donated pizzas for the meets.
    We do have great people offering great dining around here. I always do my best in trying to take my family out to eat as much as possible ;)
     

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