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Downtown needs the Golden Arches. |
 | By Jeff Sherman   OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writer E-mail author | Author bio More articles by Jeff Sherman |
| Published Dec. 5, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. |
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Full disclosure, I'm a McDonald's shareholder. And, the stock does fairly well as part of a diverse portfolio. I also, as a teenager, consumed my fair share of McDonald's cheeseburgers and double cheeseburgers. Stage now set for the following blog.
These days, though, I don't eat McDonald's much except for 1-2 per year on road trips when McDonald's' breakfasts truly taste the best and simply can't be avoided. But, I just might grab a few more Egg McMuffins if the Golden Arches had a location in Milwaukee's Downtown.
Seriously, what major city doesn't have a McDonald's in the heart of its Downtown business district? Not many. We used to have one, on Wisconsin Avenue, but now -- come to think of it -- our Downtown's heart is void of many of the plentiful fast food options that one comes to expect in a larger city. No Taco Bell, no Burger King and the closest Mickey D's is on First St. in Walker's Point or at 24th and Wisconsin Ave. The East Side. of course, has one too.
I do admire McDonald's and somewhat marvel at its business. I don't particularly love its nutritional value (or lack thereof), but I do think that my city deserves one in its Downtown.
Call me a chain lover, call me a Ronald shill. Whatever. I want more for our Downtown and more for my city. Part of this desire involves the constant recruitment of all sizes and shapes of restaurants and retail, for that matter.
I walked to a friend's condo the other night. It was a Saturday at about 6 p.m. I wanted a little something to eat, and something quick. My options were limited. Subway and Cousin's were closed, as were Bruegger's the Grand's food court, Waterfront Deli and a few other "grab and go" places. What I really needed was a quick and cheap McDonald's cheeseburger. Now, I'm calling for one.
Ronald, do you hear me?
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30 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review. |
Recent Talkbacks ...
Posted by mitchgat on Dec. 15, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. (report)
Very interesting perspective Hckyboy! There is a really good downtown plan, it's available on the MKE City website. The problem isn't the plan, nor is it the implementation of the plan. The problem is retailers who don't have faith in downtown. This is not a phenomenon only happening in Milwaukee either. There are many cities our size (and bigger) that have a lack of retail choices because retailers rather go to the suburban malls than locate downtown. I think a Dave & Buster's would have been perfect downtown; however since a downtown location really doesn't fit into their retail model, we are stuck with a new, destination type place in the Tosa instead of downtown. This sort of thinking can't be blamed on the Mayor or the common council. Blame it on the economy, maybe; however most of the blame belongs on retailers who are afraid to step outside of their comfort zone.
| Rate this: |
Posted by Hckyboy00 on Dec. 10, 2008 at 8:51 p.m. (report)
the problem with these responses is the same with the rest of the city. a 2 mile drive downtown isn't seen as a problem. it's the commute attitude that ruins any possibility of a thriving downtown. There are burger options downtown, Culvers and Applebees are within 150 feet of one another. Bella's is about as fast as Culver's, and neither of those are "fast". With the price and difficulty of downtown parking, "fast" needs a drive-thru. nobody is going to use their credit card to charge an hour so they can spend 10 minutes waiting for a burger. And, maybe you don't know it, but alot of the downtown living are federally funded rent assistance buildings. The whole point of living in a "downtown" area is that in theory, you should have everything (market, food, shopping options, entertainment, convenience stores, etc.) all within walking distance. The nearest market to downtown is the Metro Mart a mile and a half away, and the fruit stand in the Grand. There are two thai places, applebees and the calderone club for food after 6 pm unless you plan on spending $50 a plate every night. The walgreens closes with the mall, and even entertainment is minimal. Blockbuster is further away that the grocery store. Shopping is laughable, there is nothing i ever need in the Grand, because i'm too young (/broke) for Boston Store and too old for airbrushed t-shirts and cell phone accessories. Downtown lost it's identity a long time ago, and the city is too scared to step on toes to try and give it any sort of direction, nor does it have the money to do so because of the absolutely garbage property rates throughout the downtown district. What the city needs is a mayor (and city council) with a business plan to resurrect downtown and to worry less about pleasing everybody and willing to sacrifice their own greedy ambitions to improve the city. Not just take money from one area is stick it in a gaping hole somewhere else.
| Rate this: |
Posted by Shcro1 on Dec. 9, 2008 at 3:18 p.m. (report)
If sandstorm and I weren't around any longer, who would you people take your hate out on? I guess we offer a little excitement to your day. You're welcome :)
| Rate this: |
Posted by Shcro1 on Dec. 9, 2008 at 8:45 a.m. (report)
DVM-Wanting to have a variety of places to eat does not mean that one can not afford the more pricey options or are too low brow for fine dining. I think you've insulted a lot of people who just want a darn big mac every once in a while. It has nothing to do with class or how much money you have in your bank account. Get over yourself.
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Posted by industria on Dec. 8, 2008 at 10:52 a.m. (report)
There's a reason why McDonald's is cheap. It barely passes as food. A Bella's Fat Cat would be better downtown. It's good, it's fast, and it's local.
| Rate this: |
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