Comments on: Looking back at the year’s top retail stories

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 20:53:43 +0000

sweetie I eat out more then you know!!

By: Kristen

Kristen — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 02:53:34 +0000

Chris, decoding your posts is a challenge, but maybe someone needs to point out to you that more new local places opened than closed. Maybe you need to eat out more.

By: gdad

gdad — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 15:15:32 +0000

#15 Chris, there are many reasons for places closing. Surf and Turf had gotten rundown looking and unappetizing. Grandin Automotive was trying to survive on a 50-year-old business plan that no longer works. And if my experience with Dave’s was normal, it’s no wonder that place is gone.

My wife and I went to Dave’s once a few weeks ago for lunch and it was AWFUL, probably the worst experience I’ve had in years. Despite not being very busy, the service was horrendously slow. Both of our orders were items that were already made and it still took 20 minutes to get them. Everybody else in the place was griping about the same thing. One couple’s order was entirely screwed up. The BBQ I got was dry and not very tasty. My wife’s very simple egg salad sandwich was close to inedible. She had to go home and fix another lunch.

Obama’s not to blame for that one.

By: SloEddie

SloEddie — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 14:02:51 +0000

Two more to add to the list. Bastian’s BBQ in Salem re-opened in 2012 and Sportsman’s Warehouse in Roanoke re-opened after being closed for 3 years.

By: Amanda Codispoti

Amanda Codispoti — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 21:31:08 +0000

@Chris: Sure, many businesses have closed, but we have also seen many businesses open in Roanoke. And look at the progress happening downtown with the Market Building, Center in the Square and the huge demand for downtown living.

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 21:27:05 +0000

So many places closing and everybody including president says things getting better!! Bunch of crape!! Hate to see this town going under. Nobody wants growth in this town or to support anything!! Roamoke was so much better off years ago!!

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:00:01 +0000

It is so sad to hear of all the locals that have closed in the area. Bit pepple. Why does this town fight new chains comming. That is going to be the only places left in this town. they are the only ones that survive!! Don’t like it but people that is reality. So bring on new chains and stop fighting them!!!!!!!!

By: Amanda Codispoti

Amanda Codispoti — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 03:27:39 +0000

Art: Thanks for letting us know.

By: Art Hill

Art Hill — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 23:42:03 +0000

I posted this on another thread but Dave’s Deli, the former Padow’s at Townside Festival has closed. Their last day was yesterday.

By: Amanda Codispoti

Amanda Codispoti — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 11:58:56 +0000

@Bryan: Here is a link to a story I wrote in June about demand for hotel rooms and the construction of several new hotels.

http://www.roanoke.com/business/wb/310477