Quote:
Originally Posted by michael_d40
Oh, I don't disagree with you on the Foodies Paradise comment whatsoever! It really is. In the past 5-7 years we've added so many new restaurants, I don't think any other city in the province can even come close to what we have to offer in their downtown core. It's nothing short of amazing.
Now with that being said - what we have I've noticed is almost confusing to a lot of the locals. I find what we have now is appealing to the upper class (Decimal 81, Port City Royal) and the Middle Class (Britts, Bourbon Quarter, Cask and Kettle). Personally - I like it that way. It just adds to the amazing vibe. But with that being said. The lower class and even the lower middle class is essentially being left out. They are not going to go to a "Fancy Place" (Yes - I've heard people on social media call Britt's and Picaroons General fancy. I disagree with them. But it is what I've seen.
Now those types of people would definitely gravatate to a more established name like Boston Pizza, or anything really with brand recognition. The way I see it, if we can get the lower classes of people into the Uptown core to a national brand. They will very quickly open their eyes to all the other amazing offerings the Uptown has to offer, and try something more Local or FANCY like Britts.
I dunno... like I said - I really am beyond impressed with what we've been doing Uptown as of late. But I do think a couple National names could be added in. Create more of a critical mass, and everyone can work together cohesively.
Just my two cents.
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I agree with your post. Well said. I would add that as our income has changed over the years and as we went from a couple, to a family with kids , to a family with older teenagers, that we've experienced everything from fast food to fine dining. I don't always want to pay $30 for an entree or even $5 for a combo. As they say variety is the spice of life and I like the restuarant offerings we have in Saint John. I have an issue with paying for parking (anywhere, anytime - call me cheap lol) so for me I usually avoid the M-F daytime hours Uptown unless I park for free and walk. That said, I'd pay to park for a Cheesecake Factory, I'd pay premium or valet even haha. Mmmmm