Before last week, I’d never heard of Buffalo Wild Wings.But news of the chain’s plans to open a restaurant swept through St. Joseph like wildfire.
The prospect has energized every male under age 35 in this town. We got an e-mail from one young man asking, “Is it true?” When his dad told him Buffalo Wild Wings was coming, he thought the old man was messing with him. He wanted proof that his favorite restaurant really was locating in his hometown.
Considering how difficult it is to reach and retain the 18 to 34-year-old male demographic, BWW — also known as B-Dubs — must be on to something.
Local business owners have become frustrated with the amount of attention and excitement national chains generate when they open for business in St. Joe. These businesses arrive with a built-in reputation and loyal customer base. Unique, local spots have to build that excitement over time through careful attention to quality and customer service.
For younger diners, especially, chain restaurants announcements have generated quite a stir in St. Joseph.
There are rumblings of a few other restaurants coming to St. Joseph.
Panera Bread has long been on the short list for new restaurants. The sandwich and bakery shop has a devoted following, particularly among commuters and suburbanites.
The most likely setting for a Panera is the Pony Express Plaza at the Belt and Frederick intersection. The Quiznos restaurant in that shopping center is expected to open early next month. It’s possible a Panera Bread could soon follow.
A different sandwich shop could be opening on the north end. Planet Sub has a location on Barry Road and may be looking at a location in St. Joseph. The store specializes in soups and toasted sandwiches and would complement the burrito and Chinese restaurants at the Shoppes.
One restaurant that’s not a sandwich shop that may locate in St. Joseph is Texas Roadhouse. The steak house chain was reportedly eying property near East Hills Shopping Center. Will the mall’s renovation bring a new restaurant? We’ll have to wait and see.
The Commons development seem ripe for another fast food restaurant, possibly one open 24 hours a day.
It’s possible to make a list as long as your arm of restaurants that may come to St. Joseph. Some of them seem quite unlikely. But a month ago, I wouldn’t have thought we’d get a Buffalo Wild Wings.
At some point, the dining-out market will reach saturation point in St. Joseph. According to some local restaurants, it already has. However, I expect a few more announcements will be generating some buzz in the next few months.
A late addition: Jimmy John’s could be bringing its gourmet sub sandwiches to the South Belt.
