Some Thoughts

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.