Still no word from Greg Pierce at Collier’s about what will happen to the Carrabba’s space at the Lakewood Shopping Center, so here a few possibilities to consider:
• Would a local restaurant, like Keller’s or Burger House, which doesn’t do table service, be a good fit? Would either be interested in trying something different? Would residents like them to try it?
• Do we want another chain? Business for these companies — Chili’s, Applebee’s, Outback, and the like — has not been good over the past year or so, which would curb their interest. But I’m not sure residents want a chain, at least not when I talk to them about it.
• Keep in mind that the space is 5,000 square feet, which limits who can go in there. That means it’s too small for a grocery store, but too big for most small businesses. Also, since Carrabba’s didn’t take the restaurant equipment, it’s easier for another restaurant to go in.
• And, finally, given that the only locally-owned casual dining spots seem to be Tex-Mex, do we really want a Tex-Mex restaurant there?
