Discuss Detroit » Archives - July 2007 » Small Fries for some, Big deal for lower Woodward « Previous Next »
Archive through September 12, 2007Ramcharger30 09-12-07  11:12 am
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Downtown_remix
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Username: Downtown_remix

Post Number: 490
Registered: 03-2007
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 11:14 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hey its not that deep, I pick the owner of Salad Creations for what retailer was coming next door. I saw some activity in that space minutes before.
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Michigan
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Username: Michigan

Post Number: 1140
Registered: 04-2007
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 11:16 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The Wall Street MCD has a piano player, Maitre d', waiter service, and wine list.

It is not on "Wall Street", but around the corner.

(Message edited by michigan on September 12, 2007)
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Crawford
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Username: Crawford

Post Number: 123
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 11:19 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

McDonald's is crap food served to a largely ghetto clientele. Urban McDonald's are always filled with the homeless and rowdy teenagers.

The Capital Park vagrants will make this their second home, especially in the colder months. Soon we will see the discarded wrappers and cups all over Woodward.
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Jt1
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Username: Jt1

Post Number: 10129
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 11:22 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

quote:

McDonald's is crap food served to a largely ghetto clientele.



I didn't realize that from all of the McDonalds in the suburbs.

quote:

Urban McDonald's are always filled with the homeless and rowdy teenagers.



Nice stereotype.
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Fury13
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Username: Fury13

Post Number: 2269
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 11:23 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

What we really need is a White Castle in the CBD.
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Bobj
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Username: Bobj

Post Number: 2358
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 11:40 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Good idea on the White Castle, that would be great
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Iheartthed
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Username: Iheartthed

Post Number: 1611
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 11:46 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

What we really need is a White Castle in the CBD.

That would create an exhaust problem that no CBD has every had to deal with before.
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Downtown_remix
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Username: Downtown_remix

Post Number: 491
Registered: 03-2007
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 12:43 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

As a Downtown resident, Having CVS and a big fancy Mc Donalds on lower Woodward is like gummy juicy for the whole forest of gummy bears.

Good or bad for our saturated fat intake,
Mc Donalds next to Salad Creations
next to CVS
across from BORDERS BOOKS AND MUSIC
next to Kinkos
next to Ben and Jerry's
next to the WOODWARD restaurant which is in the same building as the
HARD ROCK CAFE which is across the street from CAMPUS M. and the newly opened CADILLAC SQUARE PARK.
EPH McNALYS to the south and right next to a soon to be open WINE BAR in the VINTON BUILDING which will have residents living above it and down the street from the
NEW RIVER WALK not to mention 1001 WOODWARD.

Point of my rant? WE (Downtown residents) soon will have access to most of the basic necessities without having a car.

The proposed high end mid size specialty grocer for the Crystal Loft building in Brush Park will perhaps take us to the next level of risk taking retailers, something not found for many many miles.
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Ramcharger
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Username: Ramcharger

Post Number: 455
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 1:00 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

What downtown Detroit really needs is two or three "White Hen Pantries" like those found all over Chicago, but that’s a different thread. I'm also surprised that a "Walgreen's" hasn't opened downtown. They usually open right across the street from a new CVS.
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Johnlodge
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Username: Johnlodge

Post Number: 2327
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 1:13 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Having WacArnold's move into Detroit shows perceptions are changing, the big boys are realizing there is market share developing here, and they want to get in on the ground floor. Overall, good news.

Gettin' paid, youngblood! Gettin paid!
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Jfried
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Username: Jfried

Post Number: 1064
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 1:26 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Pizza Hut, Pizza Hut, Kentucky Fried Chicken & a Pizza Hut. McDonnnalds......McDonnalds. Kentucky Fried Chicken & a Pizza Hut.
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Johnlodge
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Username: Johnlodge

Post Number: 2331
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 1:33 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

One day when I was chillin' in Kentucky Fried Chicken
Just mindin' my business, eatin' food and finger lickin'
This dude walked in lookin' strange and kind of funny
Went up to the front with a menu and his money
He didn't walk straight, kind of side to side
He asked this old lady, "Yo, yo, um...is this Kentucky Fried?"
The lady said "Yeah", smiled and he smiled back
He gave a quarter and his order, small fries, Big Mac!
You be illin'
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Margdar
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Username: Margdar

Post Number: 2
Registered: 08-2007
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 1:38 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The bad part about the franchises is that they don't stay open late enough to be the least bit useful to us downtown residents.
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Thejesus
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Username: Thejesus

Post Number: 2095
Registered: 06-2006
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 1:42 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"Hey its not that deep, I pick the owner of Salad Creations for what retailer was coming next door. I saw some activity in that space minutes before."

Fair enough...had it been me, though, I would have just said the owner of Salad creations told me so, instead of my mysterious source who I think it probably credible told me so...this allows others to judge the credibility of the source as well...
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Gotdetroit
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Username: Gotdetroit

Post Number: 98
Registered: 12-2005
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 1:46 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

what? No one is curious where the drive-thru window will be?
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Livernoisyard
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Username: Livernoisyard

Post Number: 3929
Registered: 10-2004
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 1:50 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Walgreen's is risk averse and won't tolerate losses for long. Therefore, they won't enter an area without sufficient business for itself and any others. It may locate right next door to a profitable CVS or Rite-Aid, though--and often does.

The typical Walgreen's business model for new locations is a location with sufficient profitable business for 24-hour operation and a drive-through pharmacy. If downtown Detroit filled the bill, they'd be down there in a heart beat.

(Message edited by Livernoisyard on September 12, 2007)
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Chris_rohn
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Username: Chris_rohn

Post Number: 334
Registered: 04-2005
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 1:52 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hey, at least its not another Subway.
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Daf
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Username: Daf

Post Number: 25
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 1:53 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

We had a McD's a while ago, just a few blocks south and east of there. Never heard why it went out, but it's not there now.

Love those $1 double cheeseburgers.
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Gistok
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Username: Gistok

Post Number: 5314
Registered: 08-2004
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 1:54 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

There's even a McDonald's in Paris on the Champs-Elysees, their main thoroughfare. Didn't see any homeless or rowdy teenagers in that one.
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Canuckr
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Username: Canuckr

Post Number: 70
Registered: 02-2005
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 2:01 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"Point of my rant? WE (Downtown residents) soon will have access to most of the basic necessities without having a car."

Yea, if you can get everything before 6 or 7pm when everything closes.. F-that. What about the people that live downtown and work elsewhere? How the hell can I enjoy the lazyness of living downtown when everything is closed early or on the weekends? Shouldn't there be a convince factor to living downtown?? I think so, so why did I have to drive to get my Jimmy Johns (one of the few places that is cheap and doesnt make me feel like arse) on a early Saturday evening, when at least on of the two already downtown should be open? Or can someone explain why we have 3 Starbucks and not one is open on the weekends? I am just going to get flamed for wanting my Jimmy Johns and Starbucks, and not something locally owned, whatever... Oh what, I know the answer, the streets are empty on week nights.

If McDonnalds will stay open later, awsome. If there just going to close early, whats the point..
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Oldredfordette
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Username: Oldredfordette

Post Number: 2613
Registered: 02-2004
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 2:24 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Everyone makes a big deal of the McDonalds in Paris, but it's always filled with Americans, too goofy to eat the real food at the same prices available everywhere.

Downtown Detroit had two McD's at one time, they both closed because they were bum magnets.
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Digitalvision
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Username: Digitalvision

Post Number: 368
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 2:27 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

And in Oldredfordette's post is the answer I've been given by chain managers about staying open late downtown. Fix that problem, you'll see more businesses try opening later.
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Livernoisyard
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Username: Livernoisyard

Post Number: 3930
Registered: 10-2004
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 2:36 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The McDonald across the street from the State Capitol in Madison opens around 5:30 AM or so. For an hour before that, the homeless and the residents of the group homes nearby gather outside 365 days/year, even in below-zero temps.

When it opens, then they go inside and hog the few small tables until they close late at night. When it's dark at 5 AM, it resembles a scene from The Night of the Living Dead.
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Fury13
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Username: Fury13

Post Number: 2281
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 3:01 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"When it's dark at 5 AM, it resembles a scene from The Night of the Living Dead."

They're coming to get you, Barbar... er... Ronald.
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Bearinabox
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Username: Bearinabox

Post Number: 266
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 3:07 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Is the McDonalds on Woodward around Canfield/Willis a magnet for the homeless? I don't really frequent McDonalds, so I wouldn't know. Aside from that, my biggest issue with McDonalds is that they build those custom buildings that don't fit with the surroundings (as does Walgreens), which isn't an issue in this case as they're locating in an existing building.
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Iheartthed
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Username: Iheartthed

Post Number: 1613
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 4:03 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

my biggest issue with McDonalds is that they build those custom buildings that don't fit with the surroundings (as does Walgreens), which isn't an issue in this case as they're locating in an existing building.

What about the smell? When the McDonald's in Pierpont Commons on U-M's North Campus closed, it took months for them to scrub out that smell!
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Danindc
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Username: Danindc

Post Number: 3279
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 4:10 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

quote:

What about the smell? When the McDonald's in Pierpont Commons on U-M's North Campus closed, it took months for them to scrub out that smell!



What went in there after Mickey D's? I remember when that space was Little Caesar's....

FWIW, that sandwich stand across the hall was always a far better option (unless I had a Big Mac Attack).
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Iheartthed
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Username: Iheartthed

Post Number: 1614
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 4:14 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

^A Chinese food place. I think the original sandwich place (that you're referring to) got replaced when they did the renovation of the Commons. Some generic place that I didn't care for was put in its place. They also put an Espresso Royale down there that I don't believe was there before.
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Danindc
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Username: Danindc

Post Number: 3280
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Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 4:19 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Too bad about the sandwich stand--what a bargain that was. There was an Espresso Royale in the Commons at least as far back as 1995.

Mickey D's is fine for downtown Detroit. I thought we all wanted to see businesses flourish downtown. Now some of you are going all hipster and everything. Well, screw you, pal! Some of us like a Bacon Egg & Cheese Biscuit and a Coke to get us going in the morning.

Now, what Detroit really could use downtown is a Kentucky Taco Hut.
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Iheartthed
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Username: Iheartthed

Post Number: 1615
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Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 4:28 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

^Yeah, I want to say that the Espresso Royale was upstairs before? I don't really remember where it was before the renov, but they started with a new University owned coffee stand on the ground floor of the Media Union, then added a convenience store in the Commons. There were a lot more places to spend money when I left than there were when I got there... And probably twice as many added since I left.
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Dustin89
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Username: Dustin89

Post Number: 132
Registered: 07-2006
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 4:44 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Where were the 2 other downtown McDonald's that closed? (Forgive me for asking...I'm 17 and can't "remember" these things :-))
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Detroit_stylin
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Username: Detroit_stylin

Post Number: 4926
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 5:27 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

LOL @ the Kentucky Taco Hut...

Dan I know that you went to UM but are you originally a resident of SE Michigan? I nevr really knew if you were or not or did you just come here for school?
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Detroit_stylin
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Username: Detroit_stylin

Post Number: 4927
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Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 5:29 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hell I am 35 and can't remember another Mc Donalds downtown outside the Ren Cen. But I do remember the Taco Bell that was once inside the Kinsell's Bldg that once sat on Griswold and Michigan...
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Downtown_remix
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Username: Downtown_remix

Post Number: 492
Registered: 03-2007
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 6:39 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

There was a Mc Donalds in Capital Park, right behind the Book Cadillac.
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Detroit_stylin
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Username: Detroit_stylin

Post Number: 4932
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Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 6:59 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

in the empty area inside the 'L' of the BC?
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Downtown_remix
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Username: Downtown_remix

Post Number: 493
Registered: 03-2007
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 7:10 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The corner storfront right in front of the DDOT lil schedual station. Theodores soul food moved in after Mc Donalds closed up.
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Detroit_stylin
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Username: Detroit_stylin

Post Number: 4935
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Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 7:16 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I actually remember that...but that was a foul place for it from the beginning...
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Davetroit
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Username: Davetroit

Post Number: 19
Registered: 03-2007
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 11:49 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Those pointing out the potential negative aspects of a McD's should appreciate this location vs the space they wanted in the First National. Management didn't want golden arches as the cornerstone of their historic building - for good reason. The wine bar slated for the space will be a much better fit.
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Dan
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Username: Dan

Post Number: 1438
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Posted on Thursday, September 13, 2007 - 1:22 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

There is a McDonalds in Time Square, and there is one on Champ Elysees in Paris.

Now Detroit will have one on Woodward. We really are a world class city!
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Oldredfordette
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Username: Oldredfordette

Post Number: 2619
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Posted on Thursday, September 13, 2007 - 2:30 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The old Britts Cafe on Congress was one too.
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Downtown_remix
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Username: Downtown_remix

Post Number: 494
Registered: 03-2007
Posted on Thursday, September 13, 2007 - 9:58 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

True, its a chore finding certain places open on weekends. We got some time b4 The numbers of visitors/residents increase to a certain level, but is coming.
Im betting that as the number of downtown residents and hotel patrons increase within the next 2 years, restaurants and retail will have a reason to stay open late and open on weekends.

Mc Donalds opening on Woodward will be a magnet of foot traffic otherwise not there. CVS, Borders, Ben and Jerrys will see increased foot traffic and the trickle effect wil happen, more bussiness and longer hours.

Im at the concierge desk at the new MGM GRAND CASINO and got dat craving for a BIG MAC. The clerk says "just 3 long blocks towards hard rock cafe, make a left on Woodward".

A bus full of visitors (We now have tons downtown, believe it) circle around tryin to find some quick food for 65 seniors from Toledo. Greektowns too crowded, and theres the Golden arches. They unload onto Woodward Ave like a stampeed of hungry sheep.
The crowd devides between Borders, Salad Creations, Janets Java coffee shop and CVS.

Desire by owners to increase hours will happen. A 3rd starbucks will be inside the newly renovated Pontatrain hotel; Facing Jefferson.
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Big_daddy
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Username: Big_daddy

Post Number: 15
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Posted on Thursday, September 13, 2007 - 10:18 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Downtown had many fast food restaurants during my 22 years working here. None are left. Could a new MC D's survive where all the others failed?

Burger King (in the Old Greyhound Terminal)

Hardee's (in or near the olde Building)

2 McDonald's at the same time (Congress & Shelby and in Capital Park in what is Theodore's)

Taco Bell (my favorite - where the new parking garage for the Book Cadillac is being built)

Arby's (in the Holiday Express)

Tuby's in the Lafayette Building. (The other location is still open on Washington.)

Rumor had it that most failed because they couldn't meet the franchise demands for operation hours. For instance Taco Bell was very busy M-F 11am-2pm but could not justify being open late at night or on the weekends.
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Downtownguy
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Username: Downtownguy

Post Number: 58
Registered: 07-2004
Posted on Thursday, September 13, 2007 - 1:45 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

^^And don't forget the Wendy's on Michigan across from the Coneys. In fact, there was an Au Bon Pain in the same block, long before the CM one opened. Also, a Little Caesar's on Washington Blvd across from Cobo and a Domino's in Capital Park. Most of the places Big Daddy mentions, and the ones I added were open during the same time in the 80s.

The 80s were big time for fast food downtown. That was my routine... Wendy's for lunch, McD for dinner. The next day, for variety, Taco Bell and Arby's. And for a treat, the original fast food: coneys!! I kept on that diet until my cholesterol tested at 265. Now, I just indulge in coney's every once and awhile.
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Eric
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Username: Eric

Post Number: 922
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Posted on Thursday, September 13, 2007 - 3:48 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

A McD's may not be the most exciting business to have open, but it's opening and survival could say some things about the business climate downtown. Unlike many restaurants that have opened downtown recently this one isn't going to be a destination spot, no one is going to drive for miles like they do a Sweet Georgia Brown. It's going to depend on residents and visitors already in area especially after the office crowd goes home. Clearly someone feels downtown has improved enough these areas that it can support something as mundane as a McD's
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Michigansheik
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Username: Michigansheik

Post Number: 229
Registered: 09-2005
Posted on Friday, September 14, 2007 - 7:51 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

empty store front vs. filled with a business?
is this debatable?
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Cmubryan
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Username: Cmubryan

Post Number: 456
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Friday, September 14, 2007 - 10:57 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Lets just hope that the clientele at this new McDonald's is different from the clientele at the midtown or New Center McDonald's. Both of these places feel like homeless shelters and people were panhandling inside the midtown location.
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Designerguy24
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Username: Designerguy24

Post Number: 69
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Friday, September 14, 2007 - 12:36 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

What exactly is a Super McDonalds?
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Charlottepaul
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Username: Charlottepaul

Post Number: 1679
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Friday, September 14, 2007 - 6:46 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

TEMPORARY THREAD JACK:

Hungery Howies has now moved into the Charlotte area!
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Fury13
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Username: Fury13

Post Number: 2336
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Friday, September 14, 2007 - 7:22 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hungry Howie's might just make the worst pizza on the face of the Earth.

Putrid.

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