2009.09.28
Fate of former Fuddruckers site
In case you missed this news in Saturday's Business section, a former Fuddruckers building in Salem is under contract.
Triad Commercial Properties, the company that plans to purchase this vacant restaurant structure on Electric Road, would like to open an International House of Pancakes at this site, according to Matt Huff, who is a broker with Poe & Cronk Real Estate Group. As of Friday, the sale had not closed, though Huff, who is representing the property's owners, said that should happen soon.
This would be the third IHOP in the Roanoke Valley.
Fuddruckers, a hamburger chain, closed in 2007. A building plan for renovation work at this 8,360-square-foot building has been submitted to the city of Salem, and it's under review, a building official told me.
I'll keep you updated on future plans at this site, which is located near Lakeside Plaza.
There was a over priced burger joint there. At least I heard the burgers were good. Now it's going to be replace with a over priced breakfast joint. It could have been worse. There could be a Denny's going in. It amazes me with this area. We complain that we want something new around here. But when we manage to get it people turn their noses up at it. Some of the places with the worst food, highest prices, and poor service are packed. So we get more of the same old thing.
Comment by Mike D — September 28, 2009 @ 12:24 pm
MIkeD.
By your own admission you apparently never went to FuddRuckers; the burgers were very good, but pricey.
Since you are not happy with the IHOP going in this place, what would YOU like to see go in there?
Comment by RT — September 28, 2009 @ 12:57 pm
That Fuddruckers never seemed to "get it". I have visited the Myrtle Beach location, and it was a lively, well run operation. In contrast, the Salem location from the beginning seemed to be disorganized, ofte got food orders wrong, didn't even bother to man their milkshake/ice cream station (a big part of the Myrtle Beach location), and seemed to have less toppings for your burger on the self serv bar.
As far as what should go there, anything but another bland chain operation. I'd give anything to see some sort of locally owned and operated independent business (like Mac & Bob's) go in there. Give us someplace we want to eat at, not settle for.
Comment by Len Clark — September 28, 2009 @ 3:30 pm
RT, I'd really like Fazoli's to come back to Salem and grab that location.
Comment by Ed — September 28, 2009 @ 6:47 pm
Never cared for Fuddruckers - tried it but it was too pricey for a burger I've got to "fix up" myself. Never cared much for the Quincy's that was there before, other than the hot rolls. What would I want? I'm just desperate for a PF Changs, but that chain is too upscale for Roanoke. If it's not a buffet it wouldn't last. I'll settle for an IHOP that's closer to us Salemites, thank you very much.
Comment by Wilson Weaver — September 28, 2009 @ 11:45 pm
Its good to hear there is something NEW coming to Salem! I was sad to see Fazolis, Crystal Burger, Fast Freddys, Fuddruckers, Sake House(they went to Blacksburg), T-Bone Charlies, Western Sizzlin, etc. Thank God we still have some decent places.
Comment by Ricky — September 29, 2009 @ 4:39 am
what is being built on the old shopping center at west main street and 4th street in salem? thanks
Comment by ralph giles — September 29, 2009 @ 8:26 am
I would LOVE to see a Mellow Mushroom Pizza place there! (Or anywhere else in the valley for that matter) The nearest one is in C'ville and I can't get there very often. I know it's pizza, and we have plenty of pizza here in the valley, but they are different and better. Or, I agree w/ Len, a local place like Mac and Bob's or something along that line. I never go to places like IHOP or Denny's, so if that's what comes there I'll not go at all. At those two chains I've only found crappy, over-priced food and poor service, so why go back? I liked Fuddruckers OK, they had a good chicken sandwich that wasn't too expensive. And they were no higher than Cheeburger Cheeburger and Red Robin...
Comment by Dennis — September 29, 2009 @ 11:19 am
Ralph,
A Lowe's Home Improvement store is coming to this site.
Comment by Jenny Kincaid Boone — September 29, 2009 @ 11:42 am
I certainly don't miss Fuddruckers, but a new chain would be nice to have in the Valley. IHOP is done to death - don't get me wrong, they have their place and we are in need of good breakfast places but how about a little variety? An Original Pancake House would be along the same lines but at least a refreshing change. And their quality is unmatched. Crepes, french toast, eggs, all sorts of pancakes. It's the real deal. I guess for now it stays on my wish list and I get to enjoy their food when I travel.
http://www.originalpancakehouse.com/
Comment by Miss Milligan — November 16, 2009 @ 4:43 pm
Is this even still on? When I passed last week the lease banner was still on the front of the building and like the ex Kristal Burger sight there is no activity going on that I can see. You would think they would want to get working on these places and get the doors open ASAP. A closed store that you have paid for is not making you money it's costing you money.
Comment by Mike D — November 17, 2009 @ 12:47 am
Mike,
I'll check on the status of this sale, and let everyone know what I find out. Thanks!
Comment by Jenny Kincaid Boone — November 17, 2009 @ 11:49 am
Hi Miss Millligan,
I couldn't agree with you more. We definitely need some more variety in restaurants and especially with breakfast places. I used to go to IHOP with my family for their pancakes but the company has been exposed for food safety issues and animal cruelty in its supply chain. For more details, please check out: http://www.humanesociety.org/ihop.
I just wanted to let you know about this and I appreciate your taking the time to read this.
Sincerely,
Emily Spivak
Comment by Emily J. Spivak — November 17, 2009 @ 1:07 pm
Mike,
Apparently, the sale has not yet closed for this former Fuddruckers location in Salem, according to one of the sales brokers, Matt Huff. He told me that it should not take much longer for the closing.
Comment by Jenny Kincaid Boone — November 20, 2009 @ 11:22 am