Entertaining phone call from Jane Green this week, recounting her and her husband’s recent trip to Tallahassee in honor of their 57th wedding anniversary. Yep, 57 years.
She and Harris went to Olive Garden, where they decided to splurge a little since they had a gift card — which they didn’t even need since the restaurant picked up their check when management found out about their anniversary.
All very interesting, including Jane saying the food was absolutely delicious.
But even more interesting is the information that the culinary manager shared with the couple — the restaurant is finally, yes, finally coming to Valdosta. Unfortunately, she didn’t know where, and she wasn’t sure when.
So, I did a little sleuthing and found out that Valdosta isn’t listed on their official company Web site as a new restaurant opening this year, but, on the good side, the list only goes through May, and it says the list will be updated in February for the rest of the year, so there is a chance we could be on it.
When I called the restaurant in Tallahassee, the manager the Greens spoke to wasn’t available, and no one from their corporate office called back.
I don’t for a minute doubt that they are coming to Valdosta this year, and usually employees know far in advance of any official announcement.
The part that’s in question is the “where.” Best guesses, based on many conversations and some wild conjecture, is either right beside I-75 at Exit 18 where the Holiday Inn used to be or the new James Road project, which looks like it has new life again and may well yet bring that big fish to town.
Given that the restaurant has finished as the number one business readers want to see in Valdosta in two different Valdosta Daily Times polls and given the number of times I’m asked about it (and I’m not the only one — Mayor Fretti gets the question as much as I do) I thought I should keep you all informed, but I’m not sure if this constitutes good news or just better news than we’ve heard before.
At any rate, we’re on their radar screen, which is good, and for those who have been aching for an Olive Garden, maybe, just maybe, we’re finally going to see it happen this year. And when it’s official, I’m sure there won’t be anyone who can’t hear the whoops of joy from City Hall.
Business Roundup
In addition to the new Georgia Pasty Company at the Preferred Outlet at Lake Park, there is a new shop called Becky’s Cakes.
A caller this week said they are absolutely wonderful.
With the new Famous Labels opening there soon as well, hopefully the center is being revitalized again.
A new business called The Essence of Beauty salon just opened on Bemiss Road this week.
Goody’s is in the throes of its going-out-of-business sale, and I understand it’s been pretty crowded there this week.
I’m still waiting on an opening date for Elliano’s on Bemiss, but it looks just about ready.
The Village Shoe Repair, located on the corner of South Patterson and Rogers streets next to the post office downtown, should be opening this week.
I understand that the Winn Dixie is getting ready to undergo a good size renovation project at the location at Five Points, and the Crosspointe Church being built where Winn Dixie used to be is surely opening in early February.
I reported last week that The Scoop on Baytree is now Two Scoops and Cafe, but I neglected to mention that The Scoop on Northside Drive is alive and well and serving up ice cream, desserts and sandwiches just like they’ve always done.
Despite the economic downturn, it appears people and business owners are generally optimistic, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see even more new business notices coming soon.
In the meantime, that’s it for this week, but if there’s anything I missed, please let me know!
Business
Business This Week: The elusive one may come here this year
- Business
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Business Wish List Results
The results are in from my very un-scientific poll on the businesses that people want to see come to Valdosta. After my comment last week that there seemed to be more requests for retail than restaurants, I was bombarded this week with restaurant suggestions, so I’m guessing even with an OG, readers aren’t quite satisfied yet.
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The Brass Quill Gallery
VALDOSTA — The only way to describe The Brass Quill Gallery to someone who hasn’t witnessed the majesty of its interior is this: If Alice in Wonderland could be interpreted into a modern-day building decorated by the Mad Hatter — that’s The Brass Quill Gallery. It is arguably the most creative decorating scheme in Valdosta. It is because of the business’ unique style, that The Brass Quill Gallery is a metaphorical nest of creativity for those wanting to get inked. -
VIDEO: Social media command center helps Super Bowl visitors
Indianapolis is the first Super Bowl host city to utilize the power of Twitter and other social media to help football fans get the most out of football's biggest event.
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BlackBerry’s Future?
BlackBerry used to be the “it” phone. Notice I said used to be. Just as video killed the radio star, iPhone killed the BlackBerry.
Blackberry has become the new “flip phone.” It’s ancient. It’s out of date and it can’t compete in the iPhone revolution of the smart(er) phone. -
Business This Week: Wishing and hoping for some new businesses
About another 50 or more readers emailed this week to lend some thoughts on the type of businesses they’d like to see come to Valdosta, and places where there are things to do for kids, especially teens, and adults are high on the list so far.
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Don’t let your taxes outsmart you this year!
With tax season rearing its ugly head out of your already busy life, there’s no need for you to feel like you’re alone.
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Business Wish List: the 2012 version
I received an interesting response last week to my query about what people want now that the OG is finally here.
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Downtown Hahira
HAHIRA — The Voice from “Field of Dreams” once famously intoned, “If you build it, they will come.” Stacey Dershimer hasn’t been Hahira’s downtown developmental coordinator for long — one month — but she’s been here long enough to know, if you build upon what you have, more people and more businesses will come.
- What’s next for Valdosta?
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5 tips to help you land a new job in 2012
Job-hunting websites expect hiring to improve in 2012. So whether you’ve been out of work for a while or are simply looking for a change, here are some tips to ensure a successful job search.
- More Business Headlines
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Business Wish List Results
