Restaurant Progress in Great Falls
The first thing I decided I would talk about on this blog is the progress (and sometimes lack thereof) of restaurants in Great Falls. I want to first say that my wife and I frequent many of the local restaurants in town and will continue to do so even as new chain restaurants open up. Some of our favorites are Bert and Ernies, Jakers, 5th Street Diner, and Rikki’s. We also frequent Applebees, Mackenzie River, and Tony Roma’s.
However, we are also very happy to see new chain restaurants being built. I’ve always had an issue with the lack of variety. While the food is excellent at the aforementioned local restaurants, it does get old having only a handful of restaurants to choose from. We are very excited that we’ll be getting the Chili’s and Macaroni Grill. Those two restaurants are incredibly good with wonderful atmospheres. Also, the Pita Pit and Noodles Express (when it opens) are nice additions. I was so happy to see that Pita Pit decided to stay open later than other restaurants in town. This town becomes relatively dead at night and it is nice to see that a restaurant recognizes that and is willing to stay open late.
I think new chain restaurants can do a lot for Great Falls. They will give residents even more to choose from when deciding where to dine. Also, competition is never bad in a free market. People always complain that local places can’t compete with chains. Well, if the food is good enough they will come. There are so many non-chain restaurants in Southern California (where I grew up) that people go to. I would argue that Southern California is one of those places that has just about every chain restaurant you can think of. Yet people still do dine at their favorite local place. It’s all about providing good food at a good price with great service (and oftentimes service is THE key).
With new chain restaurants being built one can see some growth in Great Falls. I’ve often been a critic of Great Falls in the past not because I necessarily dislike the town. I’m more of a critic because the town can be so much better than it is. I’m not saying that Great Falls should lose its identity but it should be open to growth and positive change.
November 14th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
*IMHO* Chains are really not going to “help” Great Falls. I’m happy to see the variety but I doubt I will eat at any of the new ones you mentioned.
We need industry to build here and sustain the town not rely the travel industry to bring people through GF.
I’m looking forward to more posts here!
November 14th, 2007 at 2:15 pm
See I think by having more places to choose from when it comes to eating, it makes Great Falls more appealing to those people who would consider moving here to work or whatnot.
I would agree that chain restaurants (or restaurants at all for that matter) are not the answer to Great Falls’ problems. I do think it is a step in the right direction, though. It’s a paradigm shift that this town desparately needs.
November 15th, 2007 at 6:11 am
Rob, I agree with you that the more variety the better. Most of them will get here eventually. National strategies require ‘build out,’ so they’re coming.
I also think you’re right that we should be more open to growth and change. Our local government should recognize the need to relinquish some power and control; capitalism is wild and wooley.
November 15th, 2007 at 8:56 am
I’m with the Panda. Don’t forget Boston Pizza too. They’re building on 8th street south. In todays world, people don’t move to an unfavorable place just because there are jobs there. They move to where they want to live, and make jobs. Great Falls doesn’t really have either of those going for it right now. I’m doing my part. I’m trying to become a gozillionaire so I can employ thousands of people and build an amusement park, and a space elevator, and colonize mars (squatter’s rights). It’s a realistic plan for this town.
November 15th, 2007 at 8:42 pm
Zenpanda, are you (and others) high???? Why would you discriminate against a new establishment just because its corporate office is elsewhere????
Boston’s The Gourmet Pizza, Chili’s, and Macaroni Grill are ALL locally owned…franchises of national concepts.
[EDITED FOR CONTENT] Do your research before you bash your local proprietors.
[EDITED FOR CONTENT]
[I WILL NOT HAVE YOU INSULTING PEOPLE ON MY BLOG. I HAVE NO PROBLEM BLOCKING YOUR COMMENTS.]
November 15th, 2007 at 8:56 pm
My apologies, Rob — Sorry to get off on a bad note, please block me if you see fit.
I’m just ASTOUNDED by the myopic mindset of some GF residents!
November 15th, 2007 at 9:00 pm
Apology accepted — all is forgiven.
I don’t mind disagreement — I even encourage it. I just think it can be done in a respectful manner. I definitely value your thoughts and opinions and I hope you continue to share them.
November 15th, 2007 at 10:58 pm
“Great Falls based -Shoot the Moon, LLC- has acquired a franchise territory in Washington, Idaho and Montana, including seven corporate-owned Chili’s restaurants in Washington and Idaho. Over the next five years, Shoot the Moon will develop seven new locations, including the first Chili’s and Macaroni Grill restaurants to be built in Montana…”
The Chili’s here is the *corporate office.
Likewise, Boston Pizza will be the corporate headquarters for “all” Boston Pizza’s in the U.S.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:00 am
Sorry, guys…
The Chilis here might be a regional office, but Brinker International (Chili’s, Mac Grill, On the Border, etc.) will always be based in Big D…the same can be said for Boston’s The Gourmet Pizza. US Headquarters is Dallas. Period. End of story.
With that said, Boston’s will be THE place to be. Pizza not withstanding, they have an excellent menu featuring pasta entrees, soups, salad, appetizers, and an exqusisite drink menu, I can’t wait for them to open!!!!!!!
November 16th, 2007 at 12:21 am
When is the Boston’s supposed to open?
November 16th, 2007 at 2:21 am
As practiced in retailing, franchising offers franchisees the advantage of starting up a new business quickly based on a proven trademark and formula of doing business, as opposed to having to build a new business and brand from scratch (often in the face of aggressive competition from franchise operators). A well run franchise would offer a turnkey business: from site selection to lease negotiation, training, mentoring and ongoing support as well as statutory requirements and troubleshooting.
November 16th, 2007 at 10:29 am
Hutch- I am not against them because they are not “local” I really have no interest in the food they serve. I have tried Chilli’s- not for me.
That was really insulting to assume that I was judging them on that.
November 16th, 2007 at 10:32 am
Hey Panda, that wasn’t Hutch. The author of the comment appears below it — so it was Losers. Didn’t want you to think someone insulted you if they hadn’t.
November 16th, 2007 at 10:58 am
sorry—-I was baffled cuz I like hutch! Sorry.. I’ll try to read more closely.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:14 am
No, no — I didn’t like how the old software displayed comments anyway. It was really confusing and hard to read (at least for me). I like this display much better.
December 17th, 2007 at 10:08 pm
I’m back… did I miss anything? I was momentarily going under the moniker of ‘Hutch’. HA! What a silly name.