Update on Baja Bistro Fresh Mex Grille
I learned some new details about a Mexican restaurant planned for Salem. For those of you pinning for an eatery that mirrors certain national Mexican chains, such as Chipotle or Qdoba Mexican Grill, this new Baja Bistro Fresh Mex Grille could match your desires.
Tentatively scheduled to open in mid-January, the Mexican restaurant is planned for a retail center on West Main Street in Salem, in the former location of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, said Greg Caldwell, an owner of CBFG Inc. in Roanoke County. CBFG, which stands for Caldwell Brand & Food Group, is the parent company for Baja Bistro.
Baja Bistro franchisees already operate these restaurants in North Carolina, South Carolina, Illinois and Woodbridge, Va. CBFG will own the Salem location with a partner.
At Baja Bistro eateries, you’ll find a menu of quick-service Mexican fare, including quesadillas, tacos, salads and burritos. The 2,200 square foot Salem location will be outfitted with televisions and free wireless access, Caldwell said.
He told me that his company also is planning to open a Baja Bistro at the First & Main retail center in Blacksburg. And as he has mentioned in previous interviews, Caldwell still is discussing with developers the possibility of landing a Baja Bistro at Keagy Village, a retail center in Southwest Roanoke County.
Here is Baja Bistro’s Web site for more details. Under the locations tab, you’ll also see that there is a Baja Bistro in the works for a development called the Village at Hollins Ridge. This retail development is planned for an area of North Roanoke County, near Hollins University.
January 2, 2009 - 12:37 PM
Any word on Gunther O’Darby’s downtown? It appears to be closed, from outside views.
Gunther O’Darby’s is closed. There’s a sign on the window that says “closed due to lack of participation of the public, discrimination by the ABC board, and to the downturn in the economy”. For some reason the ABC board never gave him a liquor license even though he had been open for almost 2 years. I know you have to sell a certain amount of food, but it seems like that rule is somewhat arbitrary since other bars of the same size have been able to open with a full ABC license. Anyway, it’s a cool spot, it’s too bad they couldn’t make it work there.
The Gunther O’Darby’s location has been bought/leased by another group, and there are already plans for redevelopment. There are rumors that it will open under a new name but with a similar pub theme; I certainly hope this is the case. It would be a shame to see another generic restaurant go in there instead.
Jenny, can you look into something for me?
We went to Elderberry’s on Friday night at almost 7PM and it was locked up for the night. No note or sign, although their posted hours say they are open until 8PM.
Nothing frustrates me more.
Are they in financial trouble, too?
They need to take care of their customers and not leave them out in the cold. (LITERALLY.)
That’s a shame, but it’s true. That was the only true Irish Pub in Roanoke (Annie Moore’s being an Irish-themed Applebees) – sine the days of Kara O’s being there.
It was hard to see him struggle to attract a decent crowd on Friday and Saturday nights, but he never fully developed the menu which gave people little reason to go there unless they wanted to drink. Sure the sandwiches were great, but so are Subways.
Hopefully the next owners will embrace the pub-concept and actually have live Irish music regularly – back when it was Kara O’s it was world famous for being a true slice of Ireland in the states, and a good chunk of that was the music.
I had great hopes for Gunther’s – but ces’t la vie.
I’m anxious to try Baja Bistro! It’s close to home and hopefully will be different. The only other Mexican food in Salem is El Rodeo, which I like but have been there a LOT! We went to a place in MD near Baltimore called “Chevy’s Fresh Mex,” and that was outstanding! It was a much larger place, but maybe the food here can be close to the same!
Baja Bistro and El Rodeo and all the other chains are not ‘Mexican Food’ the food is altered to fit American Tastes. If you want something close to the real thing I suggest El Charly’s on Melrose by Krispy Kreme. It’s a hole in the wall but it’s the real deal. Almost like madre used to make.
I’d love to have something nearby that’s equivalent to Chipotle, or even the old Bocado at Lakeside. The problem is that only places that really specialize in San Francisco-style burritos (beans, rice, and meat) ever seem to do them justice. Even Alejandro’s doesn’t have great SF-style burritos, in my opinion, despite having good food overall.
I hope that this new place will measure up, but the basic menu available online doesn’t give me a real good feel for what it will be like.
I am hopeful since West Salem is a culinary wasteland. But… lettuce inside of a burrito? Who likes steamed lettuce? I have my doubts that these folks know anything about Mexican food. Filler is not my idea of good food.
Lettuce is an option at Chipotle as well. Hopefully it will be optional here as well; otherwise I’ll be special-ordering mine without lettuce.
Roanokefound, you think Annie Moore’s is an Irish-themed Applebees, and less authentic than Gunther’s? Annie Moores is locally owned, not a franchise like Applebees. At least you can have an irish whiskey at Annie Moores, something you could never have at Gunther’s. But I guess Gunthers was a “true Irish pub” because they had Guinness and all their sandwiches were named after Irish-sounding names. How authentic.
Any idea when the Blacksburg Baja location will open?? It appears no work has been started inside the storefront at First and Main.
We hands down need a Chipotle…. If Winchester, VA can obtain one, why can’t we?
I must agree with Quin…Gunthers was far less Irish than Annies. The food was just regular sandwiches. They were good but the one time I went in the only people smoking were the cook and the bartender and they chain smoked enuff for 5 people. I think the bartender had 2 cigarettes going at once(one at each end of the bar). Thats enuff reason not return for me. The live music was not even “tradition”.
Back to the subject…
I can only hope that this new “Chipotle knock-off” uses chemical free meats like Chipotle and LEED building codes.
Viva La Organic Revolution!
You guys want Chipotle? Go to their website and write them demanding that they put a location here. I have been doing that about 3 times a year for the past 2 years. We need to put Roanoke on their radar. Our area matches every demographic that they require, so I figured that if we get enough people to write them, maybe they will consider us. They may just give us a Chipotle just to shut us up! Who is with me!? Lets make this happen!
Follow this website and let Roanoke be heard!
http://www.chipotle.com/#flash/development
Bryan
I agree that a Chipotle here would be ideal, but in the meantime I’ll support any place that can come close. By the way, there’s a Chipotle in Charlottesville, which is even closer (and less of an obvious DC suburb) than Winchester.
Brendan, I wouldn’t hold my breath on the organic-meats thing; the whole “green” marketing angle seems to be exclusive to Chipotle so far in this restaurant category.
Off Topic: Annie Moore’s may be more authentically Irish, but I think Gunther’s was more authentically pub-like (at least back when they had live music). I actually do like Annie Moore’s, but it definitely feels like a typical “casual-dining” restaurant rather than a cozy pub.
I just visited the Charlottesville Chipotle in December when home for the holidays… I can understand placing a location there due to having the university population, which makes me fear that they will by-pass Roanoke and head to Blacksburg instead.
And I agree, I would support a similar establishment. Maybe Moe’s? I know there is one in Blacksburg, so maybe it will make it’s way up here.
We can’t be ignored forever… Keep writing the Chipotle development team and ask them to come to Roanoke!
Bryan
You guys need to check out Alejandro’s. They just opened a 2nd location over on Williamson and Peters Creek, by Boomers and the Goodwill. Great food.
Yeah, Alejandro’s is great. I went there for the first time the weekend after Christmas, and I’ve already been back once since then. The grilled items and the salsa bar are tasty.
What we really need is a Moe’s! Moe’s has the best options for your burrito and they have a salsa bar. I can’t stand places like Chipotle or Qdoba…you are paying over $5 for a tortilla stuffed with too much rice and a couple beans, then you have to pay extra for any other toppings and your chips and salsa…I will stick with Alejandro’s!
Yep, been to Alejandro’s many times. It is very convienent to my place downtown, but there is nothing like a Chipotle Fajita Burrito. They are massive and made with the freshest ingredients. I hope to see one here soon!
Bryan
Hilarious…I love it when an Irish name and a Guiness dart board makes a place ‘Irish’.
LOVE ALEJANDRO’S – but there’s still no place like Moes or Qdoba!
Honestly, unless the place has short tables, rough wood floors, dim lighting, and a lack of tv’s turned to the news…it’s not anywhere close to a true Irish Pub. Nothing that has been in this area remotely comes close to something that would pass as a real pub in Ireland. Our Americanized versions are laughable.
Jenny what’s going on with Trio? They have the windows covered up with paper with drawings on them and they have a sign that says reopening soon.
Greg, not to speak for anyone else.. but I recall seeing a sign on the door saying a new ‘Trio’ coming Jan 7th or 9th – if I remember correctly.
I saw the signs this evening. The signs (actually white paper) say opening soon, Trio Bar/Market/Cafe. One sign said Market Fresh Cheeses.
Guess the market for $200 bottles of wine dried up.
Thanks for the heads up on Trio, Debbie. Sands Woody, the owner, told me that he’d share more details with me tomorrow about what’s going on at the restaurant. I’ll share the updates with everyone as soon as I catch up with him. Thanks!
Late to the party but excited to see a restaurant like Baja finally come to our area. I always visit Chipotle and Qdoba anytime I’m out of town and I find one. They remind me of Subway’s method of allowing you to select the fresh ingredients you want in your burrito, and it always comes out delicious. They also have other selections on the menu, such as quesadillas, tacos, etc. Good stuff!
Market Fresh Cheeses! I wonder what that means! It sounds delicious. There is a guy at the Roanoke City Farmer’s Market every couple of weeks with the most delicious cheeses – I think the name is MountainView Meadows or something along those lines . . .
I was fortunate enough to visit Ireland on business just a few weeks ago and sampled many pubs after work.
Saying Annie’s is not “authentic” is just wrong. Yes, many of the pubs there are dark and have the atmosphere that Americans consider “authentic”. But others were brightly lit and more like your average neighborhood bar in a large U.S. city. And yes, every single one had one or more flat screen TV’s to show Irish football, soccer, curling and yes, the news.
Unfortunately, the Guinness at Annie’s doesn’t quite measure up. In every pub I visited, it was creamy, smooth and delicious – not at all like the times I’ve tasted it here in the U.S. But I was warned me of this, so I’m not surprised. Alas, I shall have to hope to return someday, because it haunts me as one of the best tasting beers that I’ve ever had.
I agree with Mike. Pubs in Ireland come in a wide variety-some look like farmhouses with thatch roofs, open fireplaces, and stone walls, some look like neighborhood sports bars here in the U.S., others are dark and dingy. Annie’s looks a lot like many of the upscale metro pubs in the Temple Bar district in Dublin.
Hi Jenny, any further word on an opening date? They told you “mid Jan.,” and we’re there! I noticed they have put up a sign on the big sign post for that little mall, but they don’t appear to be open yet. Thanks!
Dennis,
Greg Caldwell, an owner, told me today that the restaurant would open between now and Feb. 1, with plans for grand opening celebrations in early February. He said he’s still working out a few details for the new location.
Woo Hoo! Baja Bistro opened today. Caught them just before closing. Very close to a Chipotle’s. My burrito could have been a little hotter, but it was fresh and tasty. I wish them well.
I stopped by Baja Bistro last night. I was so excited I actually left work a few minutes early. I was–to say the least–disappointed.
The tortilla in my burrito was doughy, the rice was greasy, the guac had little flavor, and the tortilla chips were stale tasting.
I hope that maybe these are hiccups of the early going because they really do seem like they’re trying…I’m just afraid that it’s a cheap knock-off of a much better experience
I’ve been 3 times so far. Trying to figure out what my favorite thing is. So far, I love the nachos. I haven’t tried the salads yet. That’s for my next visit.
Awesome! I can’t wait to try it. We have to support these new establishments or we’ll have trouble getting anything else to open in Roanoke/Salem.
I have eaten at Baja Bistro twice since they opened. Both visits were pleasant experiences! The service was speedy (considering how busy they were) and my burrito’s were amazing! I really like that I get to choose what ingredients are included in my meal without it seeming as if I’m being a hassle. I definately think Baja will be a regular stop for me.
Baja Bistro!!! Great food, OK service, well kinda OK. Tonight we had a couple of Burritos thrown together by a couple of kids. One was working the register in gloves, took cash then stepped back in line(never removed the gloves)to assist in preparing food(not ours). Another had on a string of pearls that dangled over everything. The floors were very greasy and the tables were smacked! As we ate “Pearl” came out and gave a couple tables a half hearted wipe while the (guy this time) behind the register exclaimed loudly “what the hell is going on” Hey, I wasn’t offended but if my 12 year old daughter had been in line, I would have bolted leaving him there wondering “what the hell is wrong with that guy”. Serious training is needed for this place to survive, the newness will wear off soon and unless they start now, Baja will go the way of many before them. Come on Baja, you have a great chance, don’t blow it.
Baja Bistro, wow what a change! Salem as well as all of Roanoke’s residents should flock to this place as we have only a few true local eateries, this one should set the town on fire. I have eaten there three times now and each time I was rewared with great service and great food. The Salsa bar is the best, prepared in house, not out of a jar and very fresh. I have met the management of this restaurant and they are committed to providing the best possible product with the best possible service and price. I wish them well and am here to say, if you haven’t tried it yet, your missing something great.
Roanoke does not need Chipotle or Moe’s. Those types of establishments will not get the support they need in the long run, because they appeal to young people. Roanoke is a retirement town, and most of the young people are leaving the area. Best to stick with K&W and Shoney’s!
Why did they put the Baja way out in Salem? Eventually everything fizzles out on that strip.
As a snowbird down here in Charleston SC both my wife and I thoroughly enjoy Moe’s. We’re both retired by the way. This place beats Roanoke hands down as retirement destination and we see plenty of folks our age eating at Moe’s.
John, I am in my early 20′s. I moved here from Richmond 2 years ago. Several of my friends have also moved to Roanoke. Either from larger cities or smaller ones. In my apartment building alone there are 4 people including myself in their early to mid 20′s that have recently moved here. I think you are wrong. Just go downtown on a Friday or Saturday night or to Buffalo Wild Wings Tangelwood on a Thursday night you can barely get in the door because of all the young people hanging out in there. I think Chilpolte would do great here! I know I would frequent it.
I would second the comment from JT, although my wife and I live in the NRV. I moved here from Virginia Beach and like this area far better. About the only thing I miss is the frequency of good concerts and minor league hockey. From every other standpoint, this area has pretty much the exact same stores & restaurants (ok, some aren’t here, but there’s not that many that aren’t) and conveniences of any larger city, but with far fewer headaches and a lot less traffic. I’m in my late 20′s, but have lived here since around my 20th birthday. After being here for over 8 years, I don’t imagine myself living anywhere else. The area has a lot to offer that makes it unique, and I think people are starting to think more about quality of life issues when they decide where to live.
I had lunch with my family at Baja Bistro today, and everything we had was very good. Alejandro’s has a much better salsa bar and tortilla chips too I think, but the food at BB was very tasty. They were busy, but the service was speedy. Other places may have fizzled out there Joe, but I think this place will make it.
The poster who moved from Richmond to Roanoke made a mistake, but that’s ok, they are young enough to correct their mistakes. While moving to a new place and trying new things is cool when someone is young, it won’t last. Poster #46 will eventually move BACK to Richmond. So will those four people in that apartment building. I, by the way, moved from Roanoke TO Richmond (19 years ago), and LOVE it here, and never plan to leave. I know of at least 30 people who moved from Roanoke to Richmond, and have no plans of ever leaving.
I can’t imagine anyone moving FROM Richmond TO Roanoke. It’s alway the other way around. It was in my case. Anyway, you will move back to Richmond sooner or later, when reality sinks in. Roanoke isn’t a nice place, and isn’t moving forward, as people try pretend.
We don’t need a Moe’s or Chipotle. Let’s spend our money on home-grown establishments – not a huge franchise. Baja Bistro is based in Roanoke.
I support them and I hope everyone gives them a try.
John, I am sorry you are so unhappy with Roanoke. I moved here from outside of Baltimore. It is a lovely town (it has its share of problems – like the local government & school system), but it is a wonderful place to raise children.
I’ve been following this particular blog post for a while now, and have one question.
How many posters are confusing the well known, 19 year old company ‘Baja Fresh Mexican Grille’ with this peculiarly named 4 year old ‘Baja Bistro Fresh Mex Grille’?
Bryan wrote “They may just give us a Chipotle just to shut us up! Who is with me!? Lets make this happen!”
Companies use more than public opinion when evaluating any location. Check MyRoanokeRetail. An online petition was done to entice retailers like Kohl’s and Bass Pro Shops, and restaurants like Cheesecake Factory and Chilis to locate in Roanoke. Each company said NO, based on demographics. While places smaller than Roanoke are able to attract some of these establishments, it’s because other factors are involved, like per capita income or proximity to large metros (like Winchester),or Blacksburg, which is a college town, and has a large sector of the population that would actually support these types of establishments. In reality, Roanoke has a very bad reputation in retail circles. Roanoke is viewed as a “working class” town with a relatively low per capita income, a small population and geographic isolation from large metropololitan areas. The combination of these factors discourage companies from coming. Look at Ukrop’s, which may indeed leave the area.
I have been in Roanoke all my life, visited and extended stays in Northern VA, Richmond area and Tidewater. (I have traveled around Europe as well) What I have found more odd than anything is many people in Northern Virginia have no clue where Roanoke is unless they have had family go to Virginia Tech. Now I am in Italy, and a few locals have heard of this little place on earth (and knew were in Virginia it was.)
This area has grown, more upscale places have moved in, and sometimes it is hard to get into the “upscale” restaurants downtown on the weekends without reservations or without a long wait.
This are is a mix of your “working class” and your “middle class” we are Not Richmond, we are not Northern Virginia… we are Roanoke. Every city is different its just just based on “working class” I see almost every place still in this economy filled on the weekends and during the week as well.
Also I think places like Chilis also looks at what is already established in the market.. TGIF and Applebees..
Bass Pro Shops? I heard rumors a long time ago of one near Christansburg off I-81 may be built… but this was the same time Gander Mountain and Sportsmans Warehouse was going up… (can we support THREE of these places?)
Proxmity to large metros for places like Chilis or Cheesecake factory? Do you think people from Arlington or even Mananas are driving to Winchester for a dinner at Chilis or a Cheesecake?
I am tired of people running down this town after they have left. If you are in Richmond why are you so concerned what is and isn’t built here?
“I am tired of people running down this town after they have left.”
Well, that’s life. Many people do it. I am famous for doing it, but many people I know do it. I used to live in NOVA, but I now live in Atlanta, and the mere mention of Roanoke sends a smirk to the face and a faux twang to the voice. People know about Roanoke, alright. They know it to be a backwards hole in the wall, that most people avoid.
I’m tired of people standing up for Roanoke. I wonder if those same people will continue to stand up for Roanoke after they lose their job to a staff reduction, and are unable to find another one. Maybe then, they will hit I81 northbound, and watch Roanoke fade in the rearview mirror, instead of fighting back. Time will tell!
Ok, to all of those who have left Roanoke and gone to “better places”, leave those of us alone who live here, who love it and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. Yes, Roanoke is slow. Yes it takes an unnatural amount of time for change to happen, but you know what? That’s ok with us. If I wanted to live in Charlotte, Richmond, NOVA or Atlanta, I’d go there. And so would the other 95,000 residents of Roanoke.
To those of you in the aforementioned places, I’m happy that you’ve found your niche. Good for you. But why are you reading this paper? This blog? Why the need to peek in on somewhere that you are SO HAPPY to have left behind? And honestly, thanks for leaving. I certainly don’t want anyone living here who has so much disdain for my hometown.
Calm down Lori! Geez. These are just opinions. Nothing more. Nothing less.
I agree with Lori. I have kept up with what is happening in my hometown due to having relatives and good friends in Roanoke since I moved to Atlanta in 1997. While I have found cultural, educational and employment opportunities in Atlanta my heart is still in Roanoke. I can list many things that Roanoke has to offer that cannot be found anywhere else, but the one that stands out is the market. You cannot find a farmers market anywhere accross the US that compares except for Seattle which is still not the same. The beauty of the Roanoke Valley, Smith Mountain Lake, the Blue Ridge Parkway is unsurpassed. I too have traveled extensively to many beautiful areas both domestically and internationally, but Roanoker’s need to hold your head up with pride as you have something special. I have no clue if I will move back when I retire as I have other options, but Roanoke is definitely on my list.
I apologize if that comment sounded angry, but Dontell, I am tired of comments like those of ZIRANTHIA and John who feel it necessary to continually put down Roanoke and those who live here. It’s as if those commenters feel the need to point out that they think Roanoke and its citizens are mocked all over the US, and really what is to be gained from that? I am just echoing Scott’s sentiments, perhaps in a more offensive manner.
Scott, I think part of why Winchester has some of the higher end places is that there is a very substantial number of people living in and around Win chester that commute to NoVA. Seriously, they actually do that I-66 2-3 hour drive daily. That’s why Winchester, despite being a lot smaller, has more of a concentration of those businesses than in Roanoke or many other cities…it’s average income level is boosted by the NoVA influence.
Thanks, Greg!! See, not everyone who leaves Roanoke hates it! I have a friend from Patrick Henry High School who now lives in Chattanooga and she says she would give anything to be able to move back to Roanoke.
Lori honey, it sounds like you are really going to bat for Roanoke! I hope it returns the favor when you need it most. But don’t hold your breath. Too many people leave Roanoke because there simply aren’t enough good jobs for everyone. As for Chattanooga, it is a rathole. I can’t believe anyone would move there to begin with. Your statement concerning your friend in Chattanooga wanting to move back to Roanoke is irrelevant. That’s like comparing a Covington transplant who can’t wait to get back to Roanoke. Of course they can’t wait. The point is, if someone moves to a more upscale, progressive and affluent area, there is never any reason to return to Roanoke, or even want to.
But to get this post on the topic of Baja Bistro; I haven’t eaten there, and won’t. I don’t need to, because I have Chipotle, and believe me, no Baja Fresh knockoff will ever compare to it. And for the record, honey, Chipotle has already stated that they have no interest in Roanoke at this time.
Well, ZIRANTHIA, I guess when you come from a rathole, then move to one you don’t know anything different.
Yes, I will go to bat for Roanoke. It’s been very good to me, my family, as well as my husband’s family. My mother-in-law, stepfather-in-law and my husband all moved to Roanoke from the Bay Area in California. Are you going to characterize the home of Stanford University, Apple, Yahoo, Google, etc as a rathole. No, I didn’t think so. But my husband’s parents left because they could not afford to buy a house, let alone save any money for retirement. My mother-in-law has been able to save enough in the 11 years that she’s been here to retire next year. When the dotcom bust happened in 2001, my husband was one of thousands of other tech workers who could not find work. So he came east to Roanoke. Five years after arriving he bought a house, something he came nowhere near doing in California.
My problem is with the elitist attitudes of those who move from Roanoke and then have to characterize it as a rathole. Has any citizen of Roanoke who has commented on this blog made a disparaging remark about Atlanta or Richmond? No. Like I said previously, good job to each of you who moved to bigger cities and are happy. But stop insulting the rest of us who have chosen to stay. Go have fun in Atlanta and order some onion rings at the Varsity for me, ZIRANTHIA.
Ziranthia,
You are so smug! Please don’t judge something until you have tried it. It is what it is. Wow, I’d not want to be related to you – you are sooooo negative! I come from a “nicer, more upscale” place, but I like Roanoke, it has its good points. I miss some things from where I used to live, but not enough to deal with the traffic, long commutes, and bedroom communities. Look for the good in things – you might live longer (and even enjoy it).
Ziranthia honey if you will scroll to the top of this page you will see the word Roanoke written at the very top. In other words, we don’t care what people in Richmond or Atlanta think. As for Chipotle they are very interested in Roanoke but the economic times are not good for them to open here. I’ve spoken with them personally about opening a franchise here. And as for Atltanta, I have relatives who live there and I once lived there for awhile myself. I’m not going to stoop to your level by saying something bad about your city but I have to wonder if Atlanta is so great and you have so many things to do, why do you have time to read the little old Roanoke Times blog? You either really miss the life you had here in Roanoke or you must not have too many friends in Atlanta and judging you by your posts I can see why.
Greg and Lisa, this article pertains to Baja Bistro, not Ziranthia. Let’s stick to the topic. I realize you are just trying to offer some friendly advice, but it has nothing to do with Baja Bistro. Just a thought.
Have a terrific weekend, friends!
Ziranthia,
My post did pertain to Baja – I suggested you try it before you slam it.
Baja Bistro was great. Okay, I’m on topic. Now, folks, you’ll be better off if you just ignore Ziranthia. She logs on to put down Roanoke and get a rise out of people. You’d think someone living in a great metropolitan area would have so many other better things to do.
Ziranthia this article has to do with Baja Bistro in SALEM. So until you come to Salem and try it keep your opinions in Atlanta.
Justafan you get smarter everytime you post out here. If you keep this up I might have to rethink my opinion of Hokie fans!
Well, well, well, if it isn’t Justafan! Just WHAT are you a fan of? I have always wondered. Maybe you could have Walker, Triple Action Jones and SickandTired log on to do battle with me. I would LOVE that. They always lose! LOL.
Have a great weekend, friends.
Z!!!! It’s good to have you back! It’s been a while. Maybe you will stick around this time. I always enjoyed your posts. And I hear what you’re saying about Chipotle. They have no plans to come here. Take care, Z!!!
Thanks Greg. I have many friends and family members who are Wahoos. So I won’t be accused of getting off topic, I will steer them to Baja Bistro.
“As for Chipotle they are very interested in Roanoke but the economic times are not good for them to open here. I’ve spoken with them personally about opening a franchise here”
That’s funny, Greg, because I spoke with Tedd Bassett, with Chipotle, and he said there is no market for Chipotle in the Roanoke Valley? I’m not sure why you said what you did.
Greg, check me out on Craigslist, Roanoke, Rants and Raves. I post there daily. See ya soon.
Caleal I’m not sure who Tedd Bassett is but you might want to ask him to speak with Steve Ells. I had the pleasure of meeting Steve at a charity function and I assure you Roanoke is of interest to Chipotle when the time is right. You appear to be like all of the people who said Roanoke would never get a Starbucks. Yes we were the last city on earth to get a Starbucks but when they came in they popped up on every corner. Baja is the first of this type of restaurant to come to Roanoke. I’m sure if they do well the others will come in as well. If you speak to “Ted” again tell him to tell Steve I said hello.
I just hope we get a Trader Joe’s in Roanoke at somepoint..
They are sort of like Fresh Market and the Co-Op with just cheaper prices and a very nice selection..
But for now I will stick with dry ice to bring things back when I visit Northern VA
I like Trader Joe’s. I have been to the one in Richmond (Short Pump) many times, and like the unique selection they offer. But I have to be honest. Trader Joe’s most likely will not consider Roanoke now, in the future. Look at Ukrop’s. It’s failing in Roanoke, and Trader Joe’s serves a much more upscale customer base than Ukrop’s ever thought about.
Scott there is a Trader Joe’s in Cary, NC and Chapel Hill, NC also if you are ever down that way. We stop by the one in Chapel Hill every time we go down to see the heels play. Trader Joe’s is a nice store. Would be nice to see us get one.
Charles wrote : “Companies use more than public opinion when evaluating any location. Check MyRoanokeRetail. An online petition was done to entice retailers like Kohl’s and Bass Pro Shops, and restaurants like Cheesecake Factory and Chilis to locate in Roanoke. Each company said NO, based on demographics. While places smaller than Roanoke are able to attract some of these establishments, it’s because other factors are involved, like per capita income or proximity to large metros (like Winchester),or Blacksburg, which is a college town, and has a large sector of the population that would actually support these types of establishments. In reality, Roanoke has a very bad reputation in retail circles. Roanoke is viewed as a “working class” town with a relatively low per capita income, a small population and geographic isolation from large metropololitan areas. The combination of these factors discourage companies from coming. Look at Ukrop’s, which may indeed leave the area.”
“Chuck”, Do me a favor and hit up the Chipotle website and review what their demographic requirements are and come back and tell me how Roanoke does not meet every single one of those. Places like Cheesecake Factory will flat out tell you that they need a population of 1 million within a 30 mile radius or and average family income of $100,000/year. But not Chipotle my friend. It will happen, just hoping sooner than later
Bryan
Bryan, don’t get smart. I don’t call myself Chuck. As far as anything “happening” in the Roanoke Valley, don’t hold your breath. Companies are struggling to avoid bankruptcy, much less open branches in areas probably won’t perform well, and have the demographics to prove it. Look at Kohl’s. They still haven’t come to Roanoke. Wonder why? Even Lynchburg has a Kohl’s. Lynchburg!
Anywho, I’m sure this post will be deleted, like my other ones have. It seems like people can praise Roanoke, but when everything in the post isn’t peaches and cream, its deleted. Censorship at its best!
Companies won’t perform well in Roanoke? If I recall correctly when Panera Bread opened on 419 a few years back.. It broke all sales records for a location that week and it still does great business..
Ukrops – why it doesn’t do well? My opinion is location, and a long history of Kroger and Food Lion in the area… For me.. Ukrops is out of the way for me from work or home.. and I live in North County and work in SW County.
But again there are some people that think a 7-Eleven or a Sheetz is upscale for Roanoke.
Plus If you look at Trader Joe’s Website they are expanding to quite a few stores.. and can suggest new locations.. Why not suggest Roanoke?
Trader Joe’s? “more upper class than Ukrops?” evidently you havent been in one.. Sure the ONLY one I have been in is the one at Tyson’s Station in McLean… prices are good.. Wine is super cheap (cheaper than your cheaper brands you see at Kroger.. (ever heard of 2 Buck Chuck?) and that wine has wone taste tastes/awards from the likes of the Today Show.
Frozen Organic dinners for $2-3 max.. you pay $4-5 at any store in Roanoke.
Fresh Market is more “upper class” than Trader Joe’s – The Roanoke Co-Op (and I do love that place) is more expensive than Trader Joe’s.
“Trader Joe’s? “more upper class than Ukrops?” evidently you havent been in one.”
Yes, I have. Actually, there is one five minutes from my house. Trader Joe’s is more of a specialty shop than a grocery store selling staples. Speciality goods, by nature, are luxury items that people can do without. For that reason, I don’t think Trader Joe’s would survive in Roanoke. Nor would Whole Foods. And those companies would look at Ukrop’s failure as an excuse to not come. If Roanoke couldn’t (or wouldn’t) even support one Ukrop’s, while would they support Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods? Or Wegman’s?
Chuck don’t get so upset. If you had a post deleted it’s because you said something inappropriate. There are plenty of post on this blog and others bashing the Roanoke Valley. My only issue with that is that it’s not productive.
Let’s see if we can all follow three simple rules.
1)If you live here and you don’t like it then you can move.
2)If you don’t live here then keep your comments to yourself. It doesn’t make sense for you to share your opinions about a town you don’t live in.
3)If you live here and you like it but wish things were better, make your voice heard.
Hmmm….Trader Joes has great prices on produce, meats, cheeses, breads, wine, beer, canned goods, coffee, pasta, frozen items, and cereals, so much that I stock up on these staple items whenever I am near a Trader Joes. A specialty store? I think not. Now granted, I would probably not buy my cleaning supplies, pet food or paper products there but I usually hit Walmart for those anyways. Trader Joes is awesome for those of us who like to eat well but cheap!
Regarding their store placement my sister lives in Raleigh near a soon to be opened Trader Joes. A newspaper article wrote that Trader Joes likes to locate along interstate exits specifically because they cater to shoppers like myself who will stop while traveling. Probably why they opened along the I-64 corridor in Newport News (definitely not an upper class area) Williamsburg and Short Pump in the last year. I bet we see one in Charlottesville soon.
Mark, how could you say that specialty stores would not work in Roanoke? Fresh Market has one of it’s most stable stores here. And it’s selection is really no different than,, and in some cases inferior to Ukrops.
The real reason, competition. People around here do not seem to like competition much. One class shopped Food Lion, the middle class – Kroger, and the (barely) upper class Fresh Market. Ukrops cuts across all 3 of these places, and in some ways better – but the people can’t do it. They cannot get past the Food Lion/Kroger/Fresh Market strata.
I’ve seen it from the inside at quite a few of the places, and it’s true. The customers cannot help but talk badly about the competition, and for all the times I’ve heard customers bad mouth Ukrop’s – amazingly enough I see them there often enough, just like the ones who talk bad about Kroger.
Not quite the deep analytical answer that you were expecting – but thats the real answer.
Perhaps Trader Joe’s could open up near the Gander Mountain/Camping World and all that.. Trader Joe’s fits well with the Hollins’ crowd… its right near the interstate..
I wouldn’t say Trader Joe’s is a specialty store.. Its not high priced at all. It is a store geared towards the ones who wish to eat healthy, vegetarian/vegan. I know I stock up on the cheap (but good wine), the breads, the ice cream(Rice Dream.. its MUCH cheaper at Trader Joes than Kroger and the Co-Op.
Fresh Market is thriving in Roanoke.. it is always busy when I go in there.. and about 2 years ago had to kick people out because they were closing due to bad weather..
I see a a Trader Joes working well at Tanglewood Mall (where goodys is… or where you can get in and out easy) or at the new Keagy Village complex.
Customer Service is top-notch at Trader Joes (even higher than Ukrops in my opinion)
But again.. those people left Roanoke want to put down Roanoke to make them feel better for leaving and dont want good things here so they can continue to feel like they made a good choice..
Just a quick address on Kohl’s not wanting to come to Roanoke because of the demographics. I heard from someone who works in Belk in Tanglewood that Kohl’s actually wanted to come to Tanglewood but it was vetoed by JC Penney’s because they felt it would hurt them. Belk thought it could be good for the mall and did want them, but JCP had final say. Instead JCP pushed for the now defunct Steve & Barry’s. Big mistake. Tanglewood is like a morgue now. To get back on topic, I’ve never been to Baja’s whatever it is.
Hello, blog readers,
Here are the ground rules for comments on this blog, since there have been some questions about what is appropriate. I will not approve comments that contain profanity, derogatory terms and unfair name calling. Also, all other comments will be approved at my discretion.
Thanks to all of you for helping to make the Storefront blog a pleasant and informational read.
“1)If you live here and you don’t like it then you can move.
2)If you don’t live here then keep your comments to yourself. It doesn’t make sense for you to share your opinions about a town you don’t live in.
3)If you live here and you like it but wish things were better, make your voice heard.
That sounds like censorship to me. I DO live in Roanoke, but I’m not afraid of illustrating its shortcomings. It’s how people get exposed to different ideas from outside of their usual circles, and possibly gives them some ideas on how to improve things. Without outside influences, how does any city, or anybody grow?
I can understand how some people become discouraged with Roanoke, and join in to “bash” Roanoke on here. Maybe there is some therapy in that, you never know. The bashing might be more like venting frustrations that stem from never finding a niche in Roanoke, or whatever. I know many people who have moved on, and they usually have a story to tell. Maybe that story is upsetting to you personally, but it probably isn’t aimed at you.
I have to take the realist approach with some of this “wishlist” stuff. Establishments like L.L. Bean, Ikea, Tiffany’s, Cheesecake Factory, Apple, Pottery Barn, etc, simply aren’t going to locate wherever the public screams “We’re ready for you now!”. Imagine Martinsville demanding a Hard Rock Cafe or House of Blues because it has a speedway, and claims it could support such establishments. I’m sure plenty of Roanokers would scoff at that.
Also, I have to question just how many people are actually yelling for all these trendy establishments. A handful of people on a message board might seem like an entire MSA promising to support a business, but in reality, how much repeat business would there be? I’m sure you would agree that Explore Park ran out of repeat business and outside visitors, and closed.
Also consider the economy. Things could get worse, and improvement could be years away. Personally, I’m watching my money now. I doubt I’m alone.
Hey guys! We live 1.5 hours west of Houston TX in a small town. Houston has 5+ million in the metro area – and there are 5 Whole Foods and zero Trader Joes. My wife and I can hardly WAIT to retire or “pre-retire” to ROA, and we love the idea of having the Coop and the Fresh Market.
Some of those type places in Houston are very inaccessible to a couple million of the people because of the sprawl.
And for goodness’ sake, if there is STILL no Chipotle in ROA by the time we move there, I guess we will pick one up when we go visit our daughter. Oops…I just remembered…I have never eaten at a Chipotle.
If I wanted to retire in a bigger area, Houston is right down the road. Eww…retire in Houston – that’s almost as bad as retiring in Atlanta.
Y’all savor what you do have. (And quit feeding the blog-trolls….not that they will go away…ya know!)
It’s been said before but bears repeating…..
One of the main reasons Ukrop’s is struggling:
They are 1 of 3 grocery stores within 200 yards of each other.
Kroger and Fresh Market were already well established and with fairly firm customer bases.
You go and throw a 3rd grocery store into the mix within a couple blocks of the other 2 and of course they are going to have a rough time succeeding.
Even in a much higher population area , 3 grocery stores within 2 blocks of each other and at least 1 of them is going suffer.
It seems a pretty clear cut explanation to me and has zero to do with wild speculation that people in this city won’t support this or that type of store.
It’s simple math – you have a certain number of people in an area and only X number of stores can be supported by the number of people. You add more of the same type of stores to the area and one of them is going to suffer.
I am glad we don’t have every single store/restaurant chain. That’s what makes it cool when you travel – trying new things. Although I personally prefer to try the home-grown stores and restaurants (like Baja Bistro in Salem). I lived in Ocean City MD one summer and found the most wonderful Mexican restaurant/bar. I do wish we had a Kohl’s, but I can drive to Lynchburg. I thought Steve & Barry’s was a bad idea. I thought Panera’s was a bad idea (guess I was wrong on that one).