Franchises and Chains

[Smiling JOe]

Okay, it sounds like some people need to say some things about franchises and chains coming into SoWal. What are your thoughts? Personally, I welcome Publix, and maybe a FedEx/Kinkos, which we dont currently have, but I cannot think of any others which I would like to have in SoWal. One major problem that I see is that most small business owners which would be the competition for the chains, do not have enough cash to get started, much less compete.

[Miss Kitty]

Okay, it sounds like some people need to say some things about franchises and chains coming into SoWal. What are your thoughts? Personally, I welcome Publix, and maybe a FedEx/Kinkos, which we dont currently have, but I cannot think of any others which I would like to have in SoWal. One major problem that I see is that most small business owners which would be the competition for the chains, do not have enough cash to get started, much less compete.

IMO, some of these chains and franchises are fine and actually enhance your visit to the beach...Publix. As long as they stay OFF 30-A and add value to the local's life, I am fine with them. I do not favor ANY fast food chains...keep those on 98! Most immediate need I see, is affordable apartments for our service folks...have any started nearby?

[Beach Runner]

Okay, it sounds like some people need to say some things about franchises and chains coming into SoWal. What are your thoughts? Personally, I welcome Publix, and maybe a FedEx/Kinkos, which we dont currently have, but I cannot think of any others which I would like to have in SoWal. One major problem that I see is that most small business owners which would be the competition for the chains, do not have enough cash to get started, much less compete.
I'd rather drive to the Publix in Sandestin than have it in the neighborhood, and I've always loved Publix stores. It just sets a bad precedence for big chains in our area. In my opinion the concentration of traffic that exists now at the intersection of 395 and 30-A is largely due to Publix traffic.

[SlowMovin]

The Tom Thumb's were grandfathered--I'll accept that. But how did the Starbucks and the brand new Subway get in? I heard a rumor that they found a loophole in the regs by having their storefront not face the road, but I don't know whether that is true or not.

[Beach Runner]

The Tom Thumb's were grandfathered--I'll accept that. But how did the Starbucks and the brand new Subway get in? I heard a rumor that they found a loophole in the regs by having their storefront not face the road, but I don't know whether that is true or not.
I agree about Tom Thumb. But ditto on the other question.

[wallymom]

I was very disappointed to see the Subway sign a couple weeks ago. Part of the charm of Sowal is that eateries are small and locally owned. I hope we don't see any additional chains along 30-a.

[Paula]

I agree that it's good to keep most chains off 30A -- e.g., subway. Is there anything the local citizens who get to vote can do about this at town meetings?

[Diane4145]

Next best thing to Fed Ex/Kinkos, is our UPS Store at Watercolor Crossing, on 395. It's located to the left of Publix, ;-) for those not familiar. They offer copying, faxing, mailing packages, etc., just not quite as many services, probably. I use to be in Commercial Real Estate, you can bet that their rent's up there! :eek:


Okay, it sounds like some people need to say some things about franchises and chains coming into SoWal. What are your thoughts? Personally, I welcome Publix, and maybe a FedEx/Kinkos, which we dont currently have, but I cannot think of any others which I would like to have in SoWal. One major problem that I see is that most small business owners which would be the competition for the chains, do not have enough cash to get started, much less compete.

[Diane4145]

:idontno: What am I missing? Where's Subway, on 30A?

I was very disappointed to see the Subway sign a couple weeks ago. Part of the charm of Sowal is that eateries are small and locally owned. I hope we don't see any additional chains along 30-a.

[SlowMovin]

About halfway between Grayton and Blue Mountain Beach, in a new strip mall on the north side of 30-A.

[Tootsie]

Next best thing to Fed Ex/Kinkos, is our UPS Store at Watercolor Crossing, on 395. It's located to the left of Publix, ;-) for those not familiar. They offer copying, faxing, mailing packages, etc., just not quite as many services, probably. I use to be in Commercial Real Estate, you can bet that their rent's up there! :eek:


The folks at the UPS Store at Watercolor Crossing are great! They have really helped me out in a jam, and donated services to a major school fundraising event when we needed them. good community-oriented people. not at all like a chain.

[Tootsie]

I don't think there is much we can do to prevent chains along 98. and there isn't much space on 30-A for anything substantial (I don't think). I guess we'll have to worry about the biggies like Walmart, Target, TJ Maxx, Home Depot, another Destin Commons, etc. But many locals will welcome the convenience. I would like to see it kept to a minimum, and no really massive department stores. Hwy 331 will eventually be a hot spot for chains as well... I think people can have some say about something really major as it comes up for development approval. But the little chains will keep coming, I'm sure. I would love a good steak house but could care less about fast food...

[WaltonUndercurrent]

There doesn't appear to be a boom in small business in South Walton because it's so expensive to get started. Maybe it's selfish, but it would be nice to be able to drive through and get a 4.00 Wendy's every now and then - here's a novel idea, maybe even have a pizza delivered? I hear they do that now?

[lollygal]

I don't want to see any kind of "chains" on 30A. IMO, that is what separates 30A from Panama City and Destin. It is great to know you have a place on the beach where when you leave you don't face golden arches or other flashing signs advertising bungee jumps. That is the charm of 30A. You can get that in a short drive by going to Destin or PCB, but you don't have to deal with it on 30A. We need to make sure that is always preserved.

[beachmouse]

My problem with Subway is that they tried to kill me a few years back. (well I felt like I was going to die at the least) But as long as a chain complies with 30-A architectural standards, why not? The zoning and traffic capacity caps would probably keep out anything big box. And it's nice to find cheap eats in an area where lunch normally runs about $10/head.

[Tootsie]

There doesn't appear to be a boom in small business in South Walton because it's so expensive to get started. Maybe it's selfish, but it would be nice to be able to drive through and get a 4.00 Wendy's every now and then - here's a novel idea, maybe even have a pizza delivered? I hear they do that now?


okay, okay, I'll go for a Wendy's cheeseburger and fries. :drool:

[jdarg]

Oh c'mon- nobody wants a White Castle? Their buildings are SOOo beautiful! And really white! And they would look great at Alys Beach!

[Smiling JOe]

There doesn't appear to be a boom in small business in South Walton because it's so expensive to get started. Maybe it's selfish, but it would be nice to be able to drive through and get a 4.00 Wendy's every now and then - here's a novel idea, maybe even have a pizza delivered? I hear they do that now?

We had the Pizza Hut which delivered but they stopped delivering due to lack of staff, so I am told. Now they are gone.

[Paula]

It would be great if we had some delivery (as far as I know, Brunos offers the only delivery) but it doesn't have to be from a chain. Someone could probably do a great business by being a delivery service -- e.g., independently delivering food from different places. Can you imagine how many renters would have delivery if rental owners kept the phone number and menus from the delivery service on the fridge or by the phone.

Rather than chain stores, I'd like to see independently owned hot dog stands, hamburg stands, etc., that provide inexpensive food (e.g. $5.00 for a hot dog, chips and drink) in some areas -- it would feel more "beachy" and less "mallish".

[Smiling JOe]

It would be great if we had some delivery (as far as I know, Brunos offers the only delivery) but it doesn't have to be from a chain. Someone could probably do a great business by being a delivery service -- e.g., independently delivering food from different places. Can you imagine how many renters would have delivery if rental owners kept the phone number and menus from the delivery service on the fridge or by the phone.

Rather than chain stores, I'd like to see independently owned hot dog stands, hamburg stands, etc., that provide inexpensive food (e.g. $5.00 for a hot dog, chips and drink) in some areas -- it would feel more "beachy" and less "mallish".

Grayton Corners has 1/4#hot dogs, and you can get a dog, chips and big drink for around $3.50.

The problem with the delivery service is that with the price of gasoline and labor, it would be difficult to keep money in the pocket.

[aquaticbiology]

Oh c'mon- nobody wants a White Castle? Their buildings are SOOo beautiful! And really white! And they would look great at Alys Beach!

White Castle is of course called 'Krystal' down here, same sort of oddly textured foodstuffs but with that good ole southern greasy-finger feel. I vote instead for Steak and Shake ('snake and s_h_a_k_e' - we've called them that for a long time - it's a 'metal gear solid' reference - if that means nothing to you then just ignore it - I guess you had to be there) - there just aren't any down here - the closest is Decatur Alabama, five miles west off I-65 and they are doing a huge business.

[beachmouse]

There's a Steak and Shake in Pensacola in the parking lot of Cordova Mall.

[Smiling JOe]

I am reading many of your comments and notice that most of you address 30-A as the place you do not want to see the franchises/chains. What about SoWal in general from PCB to the Publix at Sandestin?

[kurt]

They are completely unnecessary.

[beachmouse]

No chains on 98 that would serve as a destination from people outside of SoWal. Something like a Cabela's would utterly wreck the place.

But if it was a business that would have people in the immediate area as customers, and it would reduce the number of vehicle-miles on the road because people were no longer making frequent trips to Destin or Panama City, then there might be an appropriate place on 98 for it. I'm thinking something like an Office Max that would keep all the local realtors and title companies in binder clips.

[kurt]

No chains on 98 that would serve as a destination from people outside of SoWal. Something like a Cabela's would utterly wreck the place.

But if it was a business that would have people in the immediate area as customers, and it would reduce the number of vehicle-miles on the road because people were no longer making frequent trips to Destin or Panama City, then there might be an appropriate place on 98 for it. I'm thinking something like an Office Max that would keep all the local realtors and title companies in binder clips.

I dream of a world in which people do not get in their car for items like those (http://www.officemax.com/max/solutions/product/prodBlock.jsp?prodBlockOID=537049620&campaign=363BT4HC2V2&cm_cat=Other&cm_pla=Other&cm_ite=Other&cm_ven=Shopping_com&BV_UseBVCookie=no&affCode=PRF&siteID=k2776&mid=).

[kathydwells]

They are completely unnecessary.

DITTO!

[Paula]

There are already places in SoWal that lend themselves to selling office supplies, such as the little strip mall that has the internet place, the place where you can mail stuff from and make copies, etc. I use both those places (wish I could remember their names) and they're quite convenient and low key). They could add services right there without needing something bigger on or off 30A.

[iwishiwasthere]

While I do not reside in SoWal, I love the fact that it is untouched by all the chains. You can go 15 miles either way and get your fill of generic places. It is good to be different and unique.

[Beach Runner]

While I do not reside in SoWal, I love the fact that it is untouched by all the chains. You can go 15 miles either way and get your fill of generic places. It is good to be different and unique.
:bow::bow::bow::bow::bow:

[iwishiwasthere]

Thanks..I still feel like a "lurker" on this board. Trying to warm up.

[Paula]

Grayton Corners has 1/4#hot dogs, and you can get a dog, chips and big drink for around $3.50.

The problem with the delivery service is that with the price of gasoline and labor, it would be difficult to keep money in the pocket.

Thanks. Fantastic for Grayton Corners! I'm sure we'll be going there quite a bit with the kids.

Does anyone know of any other under $5.00 meals for kids/adults in SoWal?

[Cil]

I don't care much for chains. Don't care much for Starbuck's.
I hate McDonald's.
I try to support mom-and-pop type places.
Of course, I married a guy who is a chain's best customer. :roll: :D
Some people like that kind of predictability and convenience.
Thing is, I am old enough to remember that I once survived just fine without it.

[Mermaid]

I don't care what the price of gas is, I absolutely do NOT mind driving to PCB to get to the chains I patronize--Target, Lowes, and Home Depot--etc. If we have those kinds of stores within a half hour drive, why do they need to be any closer?

As far as chain restaurants, one of the big lures of 30-A has always been the lack of them! Why on earth would I drive 13+ hours to the beach to eat at a restaurant that I can eat at, at home? (Not that I do.) I know the restaurant business is a very tough one and that many good independents don't make it, but it's not for the lack of my business! I hope that the chain mentality does not strike 30-A and take it over, squeezing out the mom and pops. It's up to us who live and vacation on 30-A to continue giving business to the unique restaurants that are here, if we want to see them thrive.

[Seasider]

I appreciate the decision that Robert Davis made to exclude chain stores and restaurants from Seaside.

[wetwilly]

I don't care what the price of gas is, I absolutely do NOT mind driving to PCB to get to the chains I patronize--Target, Lowes, and Home Depot--etc. If we have those kinds of stores within a half hour drive, why do they need to be any closer?

As far as chain restaurants, one of the big lures of 30-A has always been the lack of them! Why on earth would I drive 13+ hours to the beach to eat at a restaurant that I can eat at, at home? (Not that I do.) I know the restaurant business is a very tough one and that many good independents don't make it, but it's not for the lack of my business! I hope that the chain mentality does not strike 30-A and take it over, squeezing out the mom and pops. It's up to us who live and vacation on 30-A to continue giving business to the unique restaurants that are here, if we want to see them thrive.

Mermaid you have described my feelings exactly. Part of the charm of 30-A is the fact that almost none of the chains have crept onto 30-A. I love Starbucks coffee and Subway sandwiches and many other chains but I don't want them on 30-A. We do appreciate the grocery store (Publix) so close although we didn't mind going to Winn Dixie in West PCB before it opened at WaterColor Crossing. IMO, keep them in Destin, PCB, and out on 98 and we will be just fine.

:cool:

[SlowMovin]

I love Starbucks coffee and Subway sandwiches and many other chains but I don't want them on 30-A.
Too late. They're already here.

[Miss Kitty]

Too late. They're already here.


I was so upset to see the Starbucks go in at Uptown Grayton. I scorn it each time I pass it and hope no one goes there!!!! I was wondering if they got in because they don't "front" 30-A or because they sell in store at WC Market? Is there an end to this....or is this the beginning of the end?

[Smiling JOe]

I was so upset to see the Starbucks go in at Uptown Grayton. I scorn it each time I pass it and hope no one goes there!!!! I was wondering if they got in because they don't "front" 30-A or because they sell in store at WC Market? Is there an end to this....or is this the beginning of the end?

To my knowledge, Starbucks and St Joe are not an item. I believe the Starbucks in this area are owned by Sandestin Resort.

[Paula]

One way to at least try to minimize chains is to avoid them if they're in the area and instead give even better support to the small business owners in the area so they can stay in business. Of course, the managers of the chains are often local people trying to make a living as well, but the chains just don't seem to fit on 30A.

[Miss Kitty]

One way to at least try to minimize chains is to avoid them if they're in the area and instead give even better support to the small business owners in the area so they can stay in business. Of course, the managers of the chains are often local people trying to make a living as well, but the chains just don't seem to fit on 30A.

Done and done....

[ShallowsNole]

I agree that 30-A is not the place for chains - but 98 could use a few. I was glad to see Publix come in. Their prices on many things are higher than what I like to spend for groceries, but much better than driving to Destin or DeFuniak to Wal-Mart. I am especially fond of the pharmacy at the Publix at Sandestin.

Also, from where I work on 331, it would be nice - albeit fattening - to be able to grab lunch without (a) using the whole hour getting there and back, and/or (b) spending a hour's pay on a burger and fries.

So where's the Subway?

[steeleing1]

They are completely unnecessary.

Ironic, isn't it, that a place named "The Preserve" is the first to introduce a fast food restaurant to 30-A?

[ShallowsNole]

Is the issue chains/franchises on 30-A, or chains/franchises in South Walton?

[Smiling JOe]

Ironic, isn't it, that a place named "The Preserve" is the first to introduce a fast food restaurant to 30-A?

Kind of makes one wonder what is being preserved, much like the Reserve. The only thing they reserved is contracts on lots.

[Landlocked]

I think SoWal needs a sprawling WalMart on the property adjacent to the Grayton Market. Wouldn't that look nice?

[Smiling JOe]

Is the issue chains/franchises on 30-A, or chains/franchises in South Walton?
I would really like folks to address chains and franchises in all of SoWal from Publix in Sandestin to the Bay County line. Mostly, people seem much more concerned with only 30-A. I guess if Walmart proposed a site on 98 north of Blue Mtn Beach, people may have different thoughts on chains on 98. When the chains and franchises begin building on Hwy 98 in SoWal, 30-A is only one step away.

[Smiling JOe]

I think SoWal needs a sprawling WalMart on the property adjacent to the Grayton Market. Wouldn't that look nice?
I think they would have to run over Celeste Cobina with their bulldozers first.

[Landlocked]

I think they would have to run over Celeste Cobina with their bulldozers first.

And me as well. I hate WalMart.

[ktschris]

I appreciate the decision that Robert Davis made to exclude chain stores and restaurants from Seaside.
Seaside has a chain...RollyPolly Sandwiches, how'd they get in there? :idontno:

[Miss Kitty]

Seaside has a chain...RollyPolly Sandwiches, how'd they get in there? :idontno:


Good point!!!

[Beach Runner]

Seaside has a chain...RollyPolly Sandwiches, how'd they get in there? :idontno:
I DID NOT KNOW THAT WAS A CHAIN!

[ShallowsNole]

I would really like folks to address chains and franchises in all of SoWal from Publix in Sandestin to the Bay County line. Mostly, people seem much more concerned with only 30-A. I guess if Walmart proposed a site on 98 north of Blue Mtn Beach, people may have different thoughts on chains on 98. When the chains and franchises begin building on Hwy 98 in SoWal, 30-A is only one step away.

Not if nobody sells them the land...

Again, I could stand a chain or two on 98/331 as the primary thoroughfares. I'm thinking food here, not big box stores, but I guess you can't have one and exclude the other.

However, in comparison, A1A and U.S. 1 on Florida's east coast spring to mind. If you are in a hotel on A1A and want to find "chain" food (picture a hungry government employee on a $12.00 dinner per diem), most of the time you will have to get off the beach and hit U.S. 1. Planned? I don't know. Driven by the market, to locate the franchise restaurants closer to the population center? Probably.

While there is no comparison to our beautiful 30-A and U.S. 98, perhaps that is the type of activity citizens could encourage. After all, Crystal Beach drove Home Depot off the south side of 98 in their neighborhood...and Commons Boulevard turned out to be a much better fit.

[ktschris]

I DID NOT KNOW THAT WAS A CHAIN!

Yep, we even have them all here...all the way in St. Louis

[Smiling JOe]

Not if nobody sells them the land...


Usally, the big stores have other companies purchase the land for them, so you never know to whom you may be selling. Some people worship Wal-mart, and would love to sell them some high priced land.

[Smiling JOe]

http://www.soupbo.com/%7Echris/pix/thumbs/gig30.jpg

I can see the 30-A McDonalds already. This is how they can afford to keep staff. 24 hour drive thru.

[Bob]

I bet you will be seeing Subway sandwich wrappers, and Starbucks coffee cups tossed on the beach soon. It just seems that quick, semi-mindless gotta have it now mentality and the selfish act of littering go together.

[Smiling JOe]

I bet you will be seeing Subway sandwich wrappers, and Starbucks coffee cups tossed on the beach soon. It just seems that quick, semi-mindless gotta have it now mentality and the selfish act of littering go together.

Fortunately, the beach is usually to hot to see people drinking coffee while at the beach. I do think you the nail on the head, though. These convenient processed crap places that serve something which we think of as food, help us to don the I-want-the-easy-way hat. It affects much more than our health, even if they are located on Hwy 98.

[ShallowsNole]

Unfortunately, a lot of people do have to have it now. My life, and those of most of the other working parents I know, is not nearly as laid-back as I'd like it to be. :blink:

[beachmouse]

Litterers drop everything wherever they want regardless of the junk's point of origin. We were at Topsail Hill over the weekend- didn't see anyone else on the beach, and only 4 cars in the 98 side parking lot, and we still saw multiple plastic cups with the Sandestin logo on them junking up on the beach .

[Dabell]

Fortunately, the beach is usually to hot to see people drinking coffee while at the beach. I do think you the nail on the head, though. These convenient processed crap places that serve something which we think of as food, help us to don the I-want-the-easy-way hat. It affects much more than our health, even if they are located on Hwy 98.

Ahhhh. You would think that UH? The Fact Is- Drinking hot drinks in Hot weather, IS How One Really Cools off. Yet, Most people don't know that.

[Smiling JOe]

Ahhhh. You would think that UH? The Fact Is- Drinking hot drinks in Hot weather, IS How One Really Cools off. Yet, Most people don't know that.

Yesterday, temps reached 100F degrees here. I don't think you will convince people to take their coffee on the beach at 2pm to cool off. Maybe with a morning stroll, but again, it is 80F and feels like 90F due to the high humidity.

Doesn't matter anyway, because the point Bob is making is that people will litter, the wind blows the litter, and sooner or later, it will fill our beaches, much like PCB.

I think a party boat must have gone down off the beaches of SoWal because I have been picking up 16oz plastic cups found along the water's edge for the last 10 days. They keep on coming. Many were in Gulf Trace, but I have no idea from whence they came.

[Dabell]

Yesterday, temps reached 100F degrees here. I don't think you will convince people to take their coffee on the beach at 2pm to cool off. Maybe with a morning stroll, but again, it is 80F and feels like 90F due to the high humidity.

Doesn't matter anyway, because the point Bob is making is that people will litter, the wind blows the litter, and sooner or later, it will fill our beaches, much like PCB.

I think a party boat must have gone down off the beaches of SoWal because I have been picking up 16oz plastic cups found along the water's edge for the last 10 days. They keep on coming. Many were in Gulf Trace, but I have no idea from whence they came.

Is there a Fine for that? And Who watches out for it?

[Smiling JOe]

Is there a Fine for that? And Who watches out for it?Walton County just approved 5 or 6 cops to patrol for traffic. I don't think we have a garbage patrol officer, though the Sheriff's Dept would probably be the ones in charge. Have you ever seen an area, anywhere in this country, filled with litter even with fines and penalties for littering? Laws and fines don't prevent it anymore than speed limits prevent speeding.

[Miss Kitty]

Yesterday, temps reached 100F degrees here. I don't think you will convince people to take their coffee on the beach at 2pm to cool off. Maybe with a morning stroll, but again, it is 80F and feels like 90F due to the high humidity.

Doesn't matter anyway, because the point Bob is making is that people will litter, the wind blows the litter, and sooner or later, it will fill our beaches, much like PCB.

I think a party boat must have gone down off the beaches of SoWal because I have been picking up 16oz plastic cups found along the water's edge for the last 10 days. They keep on coming. Many were in Gulf Trace, but I have no idea from whence they came.

Tangent alert! Sorry to hear the heat is hanging out over y'all as well. It is just ghastly here in Dallas. We are supposed to hit 101F today. The ironic news is that that biatch, Rita, might just bring us some much needed rain and a cool off.

back on subject (sort of)....Let's borrow and change up the motto of TX..."DON'T MAUL WITH SOWAL!" Is this littering problem somewhat new...meaning last couple of years and just a symptom of growth?

[Smiling JOe]

Tangent alert! Sorry to hear the heat is hanging out over y'all as well. It is just ghastly here in Dallas. We are supposed to hit 101F today. The ironic news is that that biatch, Rita, might just bring us some much needed rain and a cool off.

back on subject (sort of)....Let's borrow and change up the motto of TX..."DON'T MAUL WITH SOWAL!" Is this littering problem somewhat new...meaning last couple of years and just a symptom of growth?
The amount of litter has a direct correlation to the number of people in the area. It is sure to increase with fast food establishments. I don't see too much litter today, but who knows what tomorrow brings?

[kathydwells]

The amount of litter has a direct correlation to the number of people in the area. It is sure to increase with fast food establishments. I don't see too much litter today, but who knows what tomorrow brings?

On the subject a little. I live in a very small community that is 4 miles from Huntsville, Alabama. We do not have any fast food places in our little town. However, 4 miles up the road there is every fast joint you can imagine. I walk a couple of miles everynight around my neighborhood. Each night I can tell you what the neighbors had for breakfast, lunch and dinner by the new bags on the side of the road. It drives me nuts!! It is like, hey don't you guys own garbage cans??? I can only imagine what the beaches would look like if the fast food establishments showed up on 30-A!!!!!

[Dabell]

On the subject a little. I live in a very small community that is 4 miles from Huntsville, Alabama. We do not have any fast food places in our little town. However, 4 miles up the road there is every fast joint you can imagine. I walk a couple of miles everynight around my neighborhood. Each night I can tell you what the neighbors had for breakfast, lunch and dinner by the new bags on the side of the road. It drives me nuts!! It is like, hey don't you guys own garbage cans??? I can only imagine what the beaches would look like if the fast food establishments showed up on 30-A!!!!!

You are 100% RIGHT! I use to own a home by a Golden "M", there was always Trash on my lawn. We may not be able to fight for any fast food's opening up on 30-A, Yet, we can fight a Drive Thur!

[Smiling JOe]

You are 100% RIGHT! I use to own a home by a Golden "M", there was always Trash on my lawn. We may not be able to fight for any fast food's opening up on 30-A, Yet, we can fight a Drive Thur!

What:idontno:. Please tell us more.

I hope everyone understands that people will go toward the beaches after loading up on fast food purchased on Hwy 98. I encourage you to forget 30-A and think bigger picture.

[Dabell]

If the area witch YOu LIVE in, has no DRIVE THUR's, The people of this such area can fight that they do not want any drive thurs because of High trafic, Crap on the sidewalks and/or lawns, That a drive thur belongs on the bigger Streets with the most trafic, riff raff coming in, may lead to more crime... You would need about 1/3 of the people living there to sign a that they are against it.

[Dabell]

You guys really need to look at the whole picture like SJ said.

[nancy jean]

On the subject a little. I live in a very small community that is 4 miles from Huntsville, Alabama. We do not have any fast food places in our little town. However, 4 miles up the road there is every fast joint you can imagine. I walk a couple of miles everynight around my neighborhood. Each night I can tell you what the neighbors had for breakfast, lunch and dinner by the new bags on the side of the road. It drives me nuts!! It is like, hey don't you guys own garbage cans??? I can only imagine what the beaches would look like if the fast food establishments showed up on 30-A!!!!!

I know exactly what you are talking about. A McDonalds opened nearby a few years ago......the distance must be about the amount of time it takes to eat a burger, fries, and drink a coke....and I immediately started picking up the litter in my neighborhood. Now we have a couple of other fast food places in the same area, so the trash is pretty bad. I've never seen anybody throw stuff out of the car, who's doing it?? :idontno:

I vote (if I get a vote) for NO fast food on 30-A!!

[Dabell]

I have noticed something all Drive Thurs are on the North side of US98 We may have something to go on here. If the people of SoWal fight to keep all drive thurs north of us98 or on the noth side of 98. We just might win. Take action now, before they come.

[Smiling JOe]

I have noticed something all Drive Thurs are on the North side of US98 We may have something to go on here. If the people of SoWal fight to keep all drive thurs north of us98 or on the noth side of 98. We just might win. Take action now, before they come.

:bang::bang::bang:
What difference will it really make whether it they build on 30-A or 98? The problems are the same, and we will be looking at the symptoms on a daily basis. Think bigger picture.

[Dabell]

:bang::bang::bang:
What difference will it really make whether it they build on 30-A or 98? The problems are the same, and we will be looking at the symptoms on a daily basis. Think bigger picture.

Well Joe, Walton County already has drive thurs on the north side of 98. The difference of having a drive threw on 30-A is a big one! It's right in the middle of homes, Now on 98- most people rather go to the beaches in Destin And I do not think 30-a is zoned for it away. However, 30-A as of right now, Has No drive thurs. This is what I was saying.

[Miss Kitty]

I think y'all are onto something....NO FAST FOOD ALLOWED IN SOWAL! SJ and his selected posse can man all entrances with dogs who can then sniff out the criminals! Dogs would be heavily rewarded...but not with contents of those bags! Every SoWaler would have to volunteer part of their time when in the area. Think Truman and Seahaven!

[lurker1]

An acquantance met recently with the county planner regarding the new Subway. There are currently no restrictions on fast food along 30-A. However, there are restrictions against drive-thru windows. This, combined with high land costs, seasonal revenue fluctuations, and scarce workforce at this level, will likely keep Mickie Dee's and others out.

Personally, I would rather not have restaurant chains in SoWal. Thankfully we don't yet look like every other place in America. Look at most cities and places, especially along the Interstate highways; they all really look the same with Wendy's, etc. all lined up.

[Smiling JOe]

Well Joe, Walton County already has drive thurs on the north side of 98. The difference of having a drive threw on 30-A is a big one! It's right in the middle of homes, Now on 98- most people rather go to the beaches in Destin And I do not think 30-a is zoned for it away. However, 30-A as of right now, Has No drive thurs. This is what I was saying.

Guess again. 30-A does have a drive thru window attached to a restaurant, right in the heart of Blue Mtn Beach. The restaurant even advertises the drive thru on roadside signs.

Doesn't really matter, drive thru or take out, it is the same as far as the effects go.

[newyorker]

Just to chime in and agree with those who say "no chains/fast food/Walmart-type places" on 30-A. We come literally more than a thousand miles to avoid this sort of thing--Publix is one thing (and I've always felt guilty that I was endangering Modica's)--but chain/fast food type places would ruin Sowal. I live about an hour and a half south of Lake George in upstate NY--and this famous, and now former posh, lovely place is ruined by the likes of chains and other unregulated fast food and other places. The whole state of Vermont (near me) legislated to avoid ruining their tourist industry with the likes of Walmart (which eventually did build in Vermont--but not in the unregulated, strip mall-type environment usually associated with Walmart.) One of the worst places I've ever gone was in Missouri (we used to live in St. Louis)--"Lake of the Ozarks" was overrun with chains and Walmarts.
SOWAL is so special because it has the human scale of locally-owned stores where people actually smile and thank you for your business. We love the beach, but the whole environment is what makes it truly special and worth the airfare, car rental and the hassle. We come every year for a dose of "niceness" and the beach too.

[lurker1]

SJ,
Based on that guy's signs in front of his restaurant, I would guess that he didn't bother to see if his new drive-thru window met zoning regs either.

[Smiling JOe]

SJ,
Based on that guy's signs in front of his restaurant, I would guess that he didn't bother to see if his new drive-thru window met zoning regs either.

Maybe not, but who is stopping him? Probably the same people who are allowing the permanent seawalls to be built up and down the beach. I guess those are also the same people who allowed the dumping of the orange dirt at Blue Mtn Beach. Maybe they are the ones in charge of spraying poison all over our beaches to try and kill a few flies in the off season. Okay, maybe they aren't the ones spraying that poison.:idontno:

Hello, Code Enforcement? I would like to report ....

By the way, I have not checked to see if there is an ordinance against drive-thru-s on 30-A, but if there is, how do the banks get away with it?