QUOTE(stevethedad @ Dec 31 2006, 02:25 AM)
Unfortunately, we prove, time and again, that the people of Folsom, and in communities around the country, want chains.
Think of how many independent restaurants have come and gone, some lasting only months, whereas chains, such as BJ's, Mimi's, Applebee's and Macaroni Grill are packed, night after night.
We don't want good. We don't want unique. We want sameness. That's what those places sell; sameness.
I'll never forget going on a business trip to Japan with a host and 5 others. The host, who had lived in Japan, wanted to show us the 'real' Tokyo. He knew where to go to experience the art, culture, and the great food (not expensive if you know where to go).
The rest of the group wanted to go to Roppongi, the district where most of the tourists are American or European, and where one can find Denny's, Burger King, McDonald's and the Hard Rock Cafe.
These people travelled half a world away to eat a Grand Slam Breakfast and a cheeseburger? They wanted the sameness they had at home.
Don't be too surprised if we find the GAP and Sunglass Hut opening on Sutter. They are guaranteed success.
Very interesting discussion. Great points.
Locals may be attracted to a chain (funny, just realized the double meaning), and even visitors looking for something familiar, but tourists seek--travel more than 150 miles and pay--for the unique. Cities that promote what makes them special (New Orleans, Williamsburg, even Mendocino) access a broader customer base--sustainability.
Looking to a bigger picture, with the development of Historic Folsom Station (Rail Yard), Historic Folsom will mean much more than Sutter Street and could support a good mix of businesses that appeal to a range of visitors: locals, tourists who appreciate the familiar and people from all over the world looking to experience a piece of what makes California great.
Not sure how secure the plans are for the building, but as (not if) Historic Folsom moves toward its real potential, unique businesses will be a more viable option. Think Corporation Yard that's zoned for a resort and what would happen if we had genuine public access to the river--like most towns with a river running through it.
Tenant mix is very high on the list of concerns for revitalization:
http://www.historicf...s=hd_tenant_mix If you have a vision of how to make things better, have Jeff Ferreira-Pro (Project Manager for Revitalization--listed on the website) add your name to the list of contacts for meeting times, input, etc.
A conference on Cultural and Heritage Tourism is scheduled for this month (Jan) in the Lake Natoma Inn and Jeff has info about that as well.
The potential for this town to develop into a world-class attraction is really pretty serious--we have the history and the setting--tenant mix will definitely be a critical element of how things shake out down the road.