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Name:	King James -	Reply
Subject:	Your Opinion Is Valuable
Date:	6/8/2005 1:17:58 PM

My wife and I recently purchased a 2nd home in Alex City and while having some work done on the house I told the gentlemen doing the work that I was in the restaurant business. He explained to me that the area is in dire need of good restaurants, in fact, while staying at a local hotel we heard the same temperment repeated by the bar staff. Both stated that if you have a place that is clean, your staff is clean, good customer service, good food and you're open consistently then you will be successful.
My question is: Are these fair statements? What type of food would the area like to see? Would a specialized or ethnic restaurant be welcomed? Should alcohol be made available or would wine and beer be sufficient? Would you come to Alex City to eat?
Your opinion is very important to us for it may mold our future.
Thank you so much for your input. Looking forward to a change in latitude and possibly a new restaurant for the area.

Name:	Feb -	Reply
Subject:	Your Opinion Is Valuable
Date:	6/8/2005 2:10:40 PM

I am sure you will get a good response from the Forum members and most likely with some savy advice. Although, I think you should listen to the response, I would not depend upon this limited sampling.

Highly recommend a thorough market analysis of the area that includes the type of clientele and income of both the area and the population. Probably need to visit with the local Bureau of Commerce/Better Business Burea for any insight. Look at other restaurants that have served the area and why some have survived and others failed. Certain income considerations of the local population seems to support the fast food or chain establishement and will not support an independent or family owned establishment. I hate to see that, but it seems to be a fact of life.

All of the above said, I would welcome such an establishement with a yes answer to all your questions. You might also want to add consideration to "Take Out" & "Catering" to your list. But like many that may visit your estatblishment, currently I am only a part time potential customer. Good percentage of money and customers will probably be seasonal and weekends at that. But, let your market survey establish whether that is a fact or not.

Of course, you have been in the business and know. You did ask for opinions, and heres mine for what little it is worth.

Name:	Hero -	Reply
Subject:	Your Opinion Is Valuable
Date:	6/8/2005 2:34:11 PM

I'm not sure if your are familiar with the Blue Creek area of Lake Martin, but there are several restaurants in that area. If there was a Niffer's type place in the north lake martin area (around Wind Creek) and had that kind of service, food, atmosphere, etc., it would go over very well. I have been on that part of the lake for years and we have nothing or have to travel many miles (by water or road) to get it.
This type place would be be very successful all week in late spring, summer and early fall and weekend success the other time of the year.
Hope this help and reserve me a table. Oh, beer and wine is a must.

Name:	uflyifix -	Reply
Subject:	Your Opinion Is Valuable
Date:	6/8/2005 2:52:57 PM

Ever thought of the Tallassee area too? Think "location, location, location". We are just a few minutes from the lake and also in DIRE need of a place just as you described. Take it from me, you ought to see "Johnny G's" on Friday and Saturday nights. They've got a monopoly over the entire city because there is no real compitition. I've mentioned it to Oskar on many occasions about coming here because of the good food, great help, price and reputation alone would carry the business. I gather that she's got her hands full where she is. Too bad though. In my opinion (for what it's worth), now is the time for someone to tackle this area primarily due to the experiencing growth seen in the last five years. Anyway, just a thought. I hope that it all works out for you in Alex City because my family will certainly take the drive to get there just for something different.

Name:	Island Camper -	Reply
Subject:	Your Opinion Is Valuable
Date:	6/8/2005 3:04:48 PM

I think that Alex City already has all the common restaurant types, except maybe Italian.

Chicken - JR's, Jim Bob's
BBQ - Sho nuf, Big B
Hamburgers - Buck's
Seafood - Lake Hill
Mexican - El Ranch Grande, Carlos
Chinese - Green Garden, City Buffet, New China
Mixture - Cecil's, Duell's

If I were going to open a restaurant in Alex City, I would either open a JR's-like place with good service, or a Cecil's-like place with sweet tea.

What type of restaurant do you have already?

Name:	TBird -	Reply
Subject:	Your Opinion Is Valuable
Date:	6/8/2005 3:08:05 PM

Stop in a couple places and ask what it takes to get a beer and wine license.

Name:	roswellric -	Reply
Subject:	Your Opinion Is Valuable
Date:	6/8/2005 3:29:04 PM

I would go eat at Cecil's in Alex City. This guy has been around a long time and I think pretty much has the local (not seasonal) menu right - in items and price ranges. Personally I would love to see a more upscale steak & seafood place but I don't know if the entree prices of $18+ would fly with the local market.

Niffers at Blue Creek seems to have a pretty steady trade and the operator is another pro but I wouldn't have a clue as to its profitability since it seems to be more seasonal. They obviously cope with this and have had practice with another Niffers in Auburn (read college) - dollar beer & nightly specials.

I'd also talk with the folks at The Cove, an experienced operator from Montgomery (?) My sense is that he is trying to blend local trade with the seasonal and has had mixed results. Beer brawls don't go with middle aged patrons looking for a nice meal.

Overall I'd say the market is price sensitive. The area around Kowaliga will have a higher income clientele but it is definately seasonal for now.

Good luck! I'm bringing my steak knives down this weekend :-)

Name:	LifeTime Laker -	Reply
Subject:	Since I'm in the neighborhood
Date:	6/9/2005 9:13:27 AM

Since you have imparted your sage advice on King James, maybe you should also tell him that you don't even live in Alabama, much less in the area he plans to serve with his new dining establishment, but hey, a little thing like that would NEVER stop you from spouting off. I am sure that a sucessful businessman had no idea he should consider demographics when considering a new business venture. And the 'catering' and 'take out' idea, I mean, who in the food industry would have EVER thought about that. And the thing about checking with the Better Business Burea (sic) was a real brainstorm. That way he can find out if any complaints have been filed about his not yet opened establishment.....lol.

You have not spent ONE DAY in the private sector, as is evedinced by your post. But us old timers know how much you like to 'eat out' with your calamari lunches, so I guess you ARE an expert on the restaurant business in Alex City.

Name:	King James -	Reply
Subject:	Your Opinion Is Valuable
Date:	6/9/2005 9:18:36 AM

I would like to thank all that have responded to my request for opinions on the need for eating establishments in the area. It is truly refreshing to get an insight from reasonable thinking people and I will take all responses and suggestions to heart, again thanks.
I am presently employed by the largest casual dining company in the world. It is a billion dollar corporation that has founded its success through the strength of their employess and of course delivering outstanding service to all of our guests. I work for one of their concepts (at corporate in a management position) which has 32 restaurants around the United States. I have been with them for 10 years. My responsibility is providing our concept with support, design and implementation of delivering an island state of mind through the use music. I have been privilidged to be involved in the opening of each and everyone of the 32 restaurants and I have work closely with operations to ensure success on a continual basis.
My agenda is to eventualy take an early working retirement in your area and open an eating establishment not for the sole purpose of making money but to pursue a passion. A passion to share something different.
Again, thanks to all that responded and I sure welcome and look forward to more.
By the way, I am heading out to Alex City this morning and unfortunately I do not have phone or cable service at the house yet, so I won't be able to read the threads of this forum until I can locate a wireless connection for my laptop.

Name:	LifeTime Laker -	Reply
Subject:	Bahama Breeze perhaps?
Date:	6/9/2005 11:46:28 AM

The "island state of mind" brought them to mind. I have been to one of these and they do a great job. One aspect of the one that I am familiar with I feel certain would do well here. Good luck with any venture you undertake. Alex City NEEDS some variety in eating establishments. It is a shame that we can't attract any of the chains to this area. I feel certain the demagraphics are acceptable, but the Sunday liquor sales (or more acurately the lack of) is a deal buster.

Name:	Island Camper -	Reply
Subject:	there's another reason
Date:	6/9/2005 11:56:24 AM

I've heard that some people that tried to bring a big chain into Alex City couldn't even get a liquor license, let alone sell on Sundays. From what I've heard, there is a certain individual that attempts to block all new liquor licenses. I wonder why this individual would want to do this?

This could be untrue. I've done no research into this. I'm just repeating what I've heard.

Name:	roswellric -	Reply
Subject:	How about
Date:	6/9/2005 4:32:27 PM

a dockup Tiki type deal - Jimmy Buffet Margarita style?

Name:	Lakeman -	Reply
Subject:	Since I'm in the neighborhood
Date:	6/9/2005 4:37:09 PM

I remember you telling me you live in Atlanta. So that makes you a part-timer too. You don't have to be a full-timer to give advice. All the advice I've read that Feb gave always seemed well thought out with a smooth presentation. Much more than I can say for you.

Name:	JIM -	Reply
Subject:	Since I'm in the neighborhood
Date:	6/9/2005 4:48:29 PM

This guy tells fibs, Atlanta would not put up with a moron like him.

Name:	Fl cracker -	Reply
Subject:	Your Opinion Is Valuable
Date:	6/9/2005 5:08:03 PM

A nice Italian restaurant with a full service bar and homemade bread would be great!

Name:	LifeTime Laker -	Reply
Subject:	Since I'm in the neighborhood
Date:	6/9/2005 5:37:08 PM

Your memory is as insuffecient as your intellect. I never said I live in Atlanta, haven't in 25 years.

Name:	MotorMan -	Reply
Subject:	Your Opinion Is Valuable
Date:	6/11/2005 3:41:06 PM

If I was to start a new restaurant, I would buy an existing one in need of a "tune up". Contrary to some opinions, it is not easy to find good help. Unemployment is 5.2%
I would have it set up to open in April, 2006. That would give me time to work out the bugs before the summer season.

Be careful of the posts here. There are some people who may not tell the whole truth. I can say that Tallassee has no restaurant I would go to that I am aware of. That, however, is not a good reason to start one. Dadeville also only has Summer's lunchs downtown. They are an ok place to eat if all you want is wholesome food at rock bottom prices. Again, I am not sure that Dadeville will recover enought to suport a good place.
Someone is making some flat land near downtown. Maybe a flood of new business will follow. MacDonalds always lets the other busineses get the cheap ground and get an area started. Then they pay top dollar when an area has proven itself. That way, they do nto get stuclk somewhere.

While one person sat in The Cove at Blue Creek for 1 1/2 hours, I would have said something after 15 minutes. it has been good for me, if you remind them you are there.

As hard as it is to start a restaurant, I would not start one myself. But, on the other hand, Alex City is a 26 mile drive for me and I never eat dinner there; just lunches.

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