2 restaurant buildings proposed for Briarwood Mall parking lot
Briarwood Mall wants to build two restaurant buildings east of the Macy's department store.
AnnArbor.com file photo
Briarwood Mall, located at the corner of Interstate 94 and South State Street in Ann Arbor, wants to construct two restaurant buildings on the parking lot on the east side of the Macy’s department store. Macy's anchors the mall on its north end.
“(The restaurants) will be in an area of the parking lot, not connected to the mall, but very close,” said mall manager Ida Hendrix.
Briarwood Mall owner Simon Property Group is proposing the restaurant buildings, which would involve rezoning the site from P (parking) to C2B (business district). The project would also include parking lot improvements, low energy LED parking lot lighting, landscaping enhancements and pedestrian connectivity.
Briarwood Mall is Washtenaw County's largest shopping center, with anchor stores including Sears, Macy's, Von Maur and JCPenney.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
Briarwood Mall is hosting a citizen participation meeting for the project on Aug. 15, at which mall representatives will reveal details of the plans and solicit feedback from the public.
Hendrix said the mall has negotiated deals with the two restaurants that would occupy the buildings, but she declined to reveal the tenants at this time.
“This has been in the works for a while — over a year,” she said.
“We did not want to do just one restaurant, we wanted at least a pair. …Our customer has requested sit-down restaurants, and we wanted to get the right operators for this mall and this market. So we were able to pull it together now.”
At more than 1 million square feet, the mall is the city of Ann Arbor’s biggest taxpayer. The mall’s taxable value has fallen by approximately $6 million since its $43.8 million assessment in 2010.
The restaurants proposal comes as the 40-year-old mall undergoes a series of renovations, including energy efficiency upgrades and new entrances with automatic entry doors. The last time the mall was renovated was a decade ago. (Read more about the renovation)
“There is a lot happening with our property,” Hendrix said. “The renovation will be finished the end of October. We’ll have our new entrances finished by then, and then this part of the project will be starting up, too, so it’s an exiting time for our property.”
The citizen participation meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Aug. 15 in the mall conference room. Attendees should park near the Von Maur entrance.
Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.
Comments
tosviol8or
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 12:11 a.m.
Has the DDA board given its permission for somebody to open a business outside its boundaries? I thought without the DDA's blessing and assistance, nobody ever started a business anywhere, ever.
MegS
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 9:19 p.m.
KateT where in the mall is the PF Changs going to go?
KateT
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 7:01 p.m.
PF Chang is already slated for the interior of the mall. An employee at Briarwood told my daughter that they have to move their business because PF Chang is taking their spot. I'd like to see an Original Pancake House, like in Birmingham and Champaign. The demographics for a Rainforest Cafe seem off; it seems geared to little kids, not for a college town, and the prices are not so good.
MegS
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 10:33 p.m.
KateT where in the mall is the PF Changs going to go?
eagleman
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 4:42 p.m.
Gastronomical elitism is next to cinematic and musical elitism one of the more ridiculous traits of Americans. Don't like chain restaurants? Okay, but don't presume to have a superior sense of what is good food(which is largely subjective anyways) because you like non-chain restaurants. It's food people. Get over yourselves.
Boo Radley
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 5:17 p.m.
You're not from around here, are you?
JB SHOOTER
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 4:17 p.m.
Knights and Jerusalem Garden
JB SHOOTER
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 4:06 p.m.
Hooters and Chick-fil-A. Something for everyone.
humom
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 3:36 p.m.
A rainforest cafe would be brilliant ! We are always looking for somewhere fun to take the kids... and if you have to go to the mall, this would be a perfect . Otherwise, how about a Spagetti factory ?
Dan1737
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 2:53 p.m.
non-chain Chinese or Indian food would be a great addition to the area. For anyone who says that people who shop at malls want familiar, boring chains take a look at, say, Indo Fusion in Novi. Indian food specializing in Goan cuisine which most Americans have never heard of, let alone tasted. It's great and seems to have developed a strong customer base. http://www.yelp.com/biz/indo-fusion-novi
Edward Green
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:39 p.m.
Mall people have mall tastes, so a generic bland overpriced chain restaurant would be appropriate. Doesn't affect people who generally avoid cultural deserts...
M-Wolverine
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:34 p.m.
So what I'm getting from all this is everyone hates chains; except for the chains THEY like.
ElConquistador
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:20 p.m.
I would like to see a Papadeaux's Seafood Kitchen! They are from Texas and yummy!! For a second I would like to see maybe a Big Buck Brewery & Steakhouse
tosviol8or
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 12:14 a.m.
Big Buck has already proven one restaurant is all it is capable of running profitably.
Frank
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:26 p.m.
all of you against chain restaurants dont understand that this is a mall parking lot, and people going to the mall will prefer a known chain vs. a local place. Local places will do well in the downtown environment, not in the commercialized mall district. even high class malls like Somerset have mostly (if not all) chain restaurants.
Lizzy Alfs
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:24 p.m.
*nature of the retail environment
Lizzy Alfs
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:23 p.m.
I think you make a good point here. It's the natural of the retail environment. Chains generally open near malls and shopping centers -- those are the highest traffic areas and often there is crossover clientele. Also, I don't think many local business owners are going to build a 7,000 square foot restaurant. (One example that comes to mind: Sava's under construction Spanish tapas restaurant downtown is, I believe, more than 10,000 square feet) http://annarbor.com/business-review/sava-lelcaj-reveals-plans-for-aventura-spanish-tapas-restaurant-in-downtown-ann-arbor/
fjord
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:46 p.m.
I'm against chains in general, but you're absolutely correct — there is no chance whatsoever that these new spaces will be filled by locally owned, independent restaurants. The best we can hope for is a pair of not-too-awful chains.
dregola
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:12 p.m.
I am all for new restaurants, but Ann Arbor needs to stop with the chain restaurants and embrace an identity of being a foodie town. Restaurants, like those on Main Street, are much more valuable to the community than Applebees or Red Robin. I hope that these new restaurants are local farm to table type restaurants and not just more greasy garbage.
Hmm
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 3:48 p.m.
"Restaurants, like those on Main Street, are much more valuable to the community than Applebees or Red Robin." I'm sure the people that work at those places do not agree with you
Blue Marker
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 11:47 a.m.
Wow, someone has the negative votes going strong. Okay, as long as I'm going to get voted down and we're having fun here are some I'd like to see but never will; 1) Whiffle Tree (oh, the brunch!) 2) Great Lakes Steak & Seafood Company (Once saw Bo eating there) 3) The Full Moon (Not so much the food but drinks and atmosphere) Those were the days!
Frustrated in A2
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 3:36 a.m.
I totally miss the Full Moon, that place was my Cheers, where everybody knew my name!
Resident A2
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 3:27 p.m.
OMG, I had totally forgotten the Whiffle Tree. Now that was a great restaurant!
Lizzy Alfs
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:27 p.m.
@Blue Marker - since the Old German was revived downtown, I'm waiting for more restaurant reincarnations! In a town like Ann Arbor, I think it's a brilliant business idea.
Boo Radley
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:06 p.m.
Great list of restaurants gone by, Blue Marker. You forgot my other favorite, The Cracked Crab.
SEC Fan
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 11:52 a.m.
well shoot, let's go with Hooters then!
Halter
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 10:12 a.m.
Landry's Restaurants has long wanted in here in Ann Arbor-- they own Rainforest Cafe, Big Fish, Bubba Gump, Morton's etc. They own 30+ restaurant chains and independent restaurants. Look for something from them to open here.
seldon
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:48 p.m.
Joe's Seafood Shack over by Best Buy and Meijer is a Landry's restaurant, so they've already been in here in Ann Arbor for over a decade.
Boo Radley
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 11:06 a.m.
That was just an observation. Another of the Landry's restaurants over at Briarwood would be fine with me.!
Boo Radley
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 11:04 a.m.
The Gandy Dancer is now a Landry's restaurant.
Halter
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 9:58 a.m.
Yes please! Great news.
PineyWoodsGuy
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 4:33 a.m.
Bob Evans!!! I Love B-Wood and the Apple Store, but would Never go there for the current restaurants!
Doug
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 4:40 a.m.
Bob Evans??? How bland can you get? You've got Northside Grill, Angelo's and several other great places with great food, great atmosphere -- and great service, and you want a Bob Evans?? Hear that sucking sound? It's your money going out of state (in Bob Evans's case, to Columbus), whereas eating at locally owned joints keeps more money in town -- and I say this not being an Ann Arbor resident. In any case, the more chains that come to town, the fewer visitors you'll have -- why go to a PF Chain, say, in Ann Arbor when you can go to one in just about any suburb?
Jane
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 2:50 a.m.
Rain Forest Cafe!
Tom Teague
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 2:37 a.m.
7,000 square feet is approximately the size of a football field from goal to the 15-yard line, so these two restaurants are going to be well-capitalized and able to turn over tables several times a night. I wonder if the story has a clue in this: "Our customer has requested sit-down restaurants . . ." If that means one customer with two concepts, the Cheesecake Factory and one of its other concepts -- Grand Lux Cafe or RockSugar Pan Asian Kitchen could be the answer.
Doug
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:46 a.m.
PLEASE - Not another PF Chain's. OK, but wildly overrated. There are many independent Chinese places that are far better. But if Simon is hell bent on a chain -- and it appear that it is -- then at least make it a local/regional one. Pizza Papalis, maybe?
A2PuzzledParent
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:39 a.m.
PF Chang and Bahama Breeze
HeavyMental
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:28 a.m.
Old Chicago
CycleGirl
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:05 a.m.
Rainforest cafe gets my vote.
huh7891
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:01 a.m.
Unos Pizza!
SEC Fan
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:53 a.m.
why does it always have to be chain restaurants? ugh...
jcj
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:40 a.m.
Aren't Carrabba's, Longhorn Steakhouse supposed to be going in at Meijers on A2 Saline Rd?
Lizzy Alfs
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:19 p.m.
Yes, they are. http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/meijer-outlot-development-carrabbas-longhorn-steakhouse-sign-leases-for-ann-arbor-saline-road/
JRW
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:23 a.m.
Briarwood will not be saved by two new mystery restaurants. What's up with all the secrecy? People don't really care and since we were out there last week, there are much more dire updates needed for this outdated mall that has terrible roads around it. Very out of date place that is trying to cater to teens. Good luck!
Jake C
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 8:57 p.m.
"What's up with all the secrecy? People don't really care[...]" Judging from the nearly 200 comments on this simple story about restaurants that haven't even been announced yet, people apparently do care.
Halter
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 10:01 a.m.
Who said the mall is being saved by restaurants? You are out of touch with the makeup of that area. Do you know how many people work and live around there?
jcj
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:52 a.m.
Then why were YOU there?
DDOT1962
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 11:43 p.m.
In the words of Gob Bluth, "Aw..Come on!!!"
Sharon Moskwiak
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 11:18 p.m.
PF Chang's, please!!!!!
Dos
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 11:09 p.m.
Andiamos
Bubba43
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 10:45 p.m.
Cracker Barrel & Cheesecake Factory get my vote.
Sparty
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 4:55 p.m.
Cracker Barrel is awful.
Nicholas Urfe
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 10:35 p.m.
A Mcdonalds and a Bill Knapps would be *perfect* for that space.
Resident A2
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 3:19 p.m.
There is already a McDonalds' on South State. Too bad all of the Bill Knapps closed their doors many years ago. I loved their Bean Soup, homemade biscuits, and their chocolate cake.
Sooze
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:29 p.m.
A lot of older folks really miss Bill Knapps. Yes!
Bubba43
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 10:34 p.m.
SO, what restaurants?
dfossil
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 9:45 p.m.
Oh, Wow! More chain restaurants one on top of the others, I'm thrilled. Actually I'm being sarcastic.
r treat
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 9:15 p.m.
Burger Chef
tosviol8or
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 1:09 a.m.
That's "Works Bar"! LOVED putting 14 pickles and 3 slices of tomato on a 15-cent hamburger. I was probably a major contributor to their demise.
r treat
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 9:40 p.m.
That was my intention. I loved the condiment bar. Lol.
John of Saline
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 9:29 p.m.
"Memories..."
encreative
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 9:09 p.m.
Klavon's, which is an awesome Chicago style pizza pub in Jackson. They are starting to expand. Or Aubrey's, another local pub.
Lizzy Alfs
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 9:31 p.m.
Aubrey's! I'm waiting for an Ann Arbor location..
Boo Radley
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 9:08 p.m.
Ok, Ok ... Have to get serious now .... Bring back the Old Country Buffet, and add a Golden Corral next to it.
Ken Dignan III
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 9:07 p.m.
Big Bowl out of Chicago & Chevy's Fresh Mex or Chick-fil-a
Hot Sam
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:32 a.m.
Yes to Big Bowl!
Jenksy
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 8:49 p.m.
PF Chang's seems likely - A Tilted Kilt over there would not hurt my feelings.
A2since74
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 8:44 p.m.
This is no crazier than the rest of Ann Arbor when it comes to parking and access to main thoroughfares. Too little parking, too difficult and illogical access. You would think with all the brainpower in Ann Arbor traffic flow would be a slam dunk.
Ann English
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:35 a.m.
I haven't forgotten the huge pile of plowed snow right there in the big parking lot east of Macy's last winter. Taking up parking spaces.
Bubba43
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 10:37 p.m.
Yeah, you would THINK!
Boo Radley
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 8:40 p.m.
I hope they are something other than Italian. While I love Italian food, there is already 3 restaurants of that genre in that immediate area. Olive Garden, Mediterrano and Romano's Macaroni Grill
Boo Radley
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 4:41 p.m.
OMG, Yes .... I have eaten there a few times.
Halter
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 10:04 a.m.
OMG have you eaten at Mediterano?? Its not Italian.
Bubba43
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 10:38 p.m.
Carraba's is coming near Meijers.
bunnyabbot
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 10:27 p.m.
olive three are which fauxtalian
Edward Naszradi
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 8:33 p.m.
My selections would be Bravo and Bonefish. What ever happen to the restaurants by Meijer. I understand that Carrabba's will not be there, I like the first choice that included Cheddar.
Bubba43
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 10:40 p.m.
Bonefish would be nice. A little pricey, but better that Joe's Crabshack that got POOR reviews.
Lizzy Alfs
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 9:31 p.m.
Carrabba's and Longhorn Steakhouse signed leases: http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/meijer-outlot-development-carrabbas-longhorn-steakhouse-sign-leases-for-ann-arbor-saline-road/
Crono
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 7:37 p.m.
Bahama Breeze?
Crono
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 11:07 p.m.
Bahama Breeze has really good food and drinks. The atmosphere is always great as well. There are only 2 in Michigan: Troy and Livonia. I'd love to see one in Ann Arbor!
Unknown
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 9:51 p.m.
Great atmosphere and drink menu! It's been a long time but it would be a great fit for a2
Lizzy Alfs
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 9:30 p.m.
Interesting..never eaten there but there was one just down the street from where I grew up. The line was always really long on weekend nights.
Unknown
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 8:32 p.m.
Yes!!!
cfsunlet
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 7:24 p.m.
okay, what would be awesome is a raised running/walking path that trucks can drive under that encircles the entire outside of the mall. Just another crazy thought.
daywell
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 7:24 p.m.
A Japanese steak house!
John of Saline
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 7:21 p.m.
Big Boy used to have a mall restaurant. Then they moved to near Meijer. Then they closed.
ThinkingOne
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 6:26 p.m.
Yes Boo, I don't get it either. Do they hate Big Boy, and are mad at John for even mentioning it? Or do they love Big Boy, and are mad now that they have been reminded of their loss? Or do they hate John and are voting down anything he says?
Boo Radley
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:12 p.m.
Who would have thought that simple observation would have earned you so many down votes?
AA Neighbor
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 7:12 p.m.
Nothing more boring? Why even come to Ann Arbor--it's just like Farmington Hills & c, but, of course, that's where the undergraduates come from.
oyxclean
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 7:06 p.m.
Somebody I know that works at the mall claims they are going to put in a Rainforest Cafe. Time will tell I guess.
TryingToBeObjective
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 11 p.m.
Rainforest food is crap.
sellers
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 7:25 p.m.
bad food and one hit wonder atmosphere but would cator to mall traffic. would be nice to bring non native midwest chain to mi like chevys (was in mi uner psudoname) a bbq chain or a chain from out east
81wolverine
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 7:23 p.m.
Rainforest is kind of neat the first time because of the atmosphere, but the food isn't that good. I think they make their real profit in selling all the souvenirs in the onsite gift shop.
mun
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 7:03 p.m.
I'd like to see Bonefish. When I visit relatives in Florida, I like to eat there.
Boo Radley
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 8:35 p.m.
Bonefish Grill would be good. I forgot about that one. Of course ... it is just another evil chain, though ...
Nic F.
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 6:54 p.m.
P.F CHAAAAANGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
kuriooo
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 6:35 p.m.
I'd vote "not a chain." I've eaten at a few of the restaurants mentioned, and I don't think they are that great, just overpriced with noisy ambiance. I'm not interested in spending my money there. There is a Bucca di Beppo in Pasadena, CA that I'd like to see replicated, or the Il Fornaio.
jen777
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 8:36 a.m.
Buca is a chain and great for larger groups but food is only so-so as others have indicated about chains
jen777
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 8:35 a.m.
Buca is a chain and great for larger groups but food is only so-so as others have indicated about chains
Julia Mattucci-Clark
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:39 a.m.
I LOVED ""IL Fornaio!! and of course "In and Out"
jcj
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:45 a.m.
kuriooo How much have you invested in what you want?
CLX
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:10 a.m.
I like Bucca, too, but it's a chain.
obviouscomment
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 7:32 p.m.
Buca di Beppo sounds great! We also really like Texas Roadhouse.
Chester Drawers
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 7:09 p.m.
Buca di Beppo IS a chain. Locally, there is one in Livonia and !(I think) Utica.
Eep
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 6:51 p.m.
But if you started replicating the restaurants you like, wouldn't that turn them into chains?
A2comments
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 6:35 p.m.
Cheesecake Factory and PF Changs are both overrated. Boggles the mind when you see people standing in line for over an hour to get in these places.
jcj
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:44 a.m.
No dumber than eating at most of the over priced places on Main st just so you can be seen!
CLX
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:13 a.m.
No dumber than eating at Zingerman's IMHO. To each their own on the restaurant scene - I think almost everything in AA is vastly overrated., but it's easy enough to just stay away and leave the lines for everyone else.
talker
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 9:49 p.m.
Are those the same people who once stood in line for Chi Chi's?
fjord
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 7:48 p.m.
I agree, A2comments. I can't believe most of the places people have mentioned here. Bland, dumbed-down food aimed at the lowest common denominator. That's what sells, I suppose.
Ignatz
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 7:01 p.m.
I don't stand an hour in line for any place. Nothing can be that good.
Alex Swary
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 6:09 p.m.
First thing I thought when I saw this article was, "Oh please let it be a Cheesecake Factory!"
LindaJ
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 6:05 p.m.
Or, if there has to be a chain (or the like), try Brig's. It's big in the South. You could check out the ones in Cary, NC.
DanAA
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 5:58 p.m.
How about "The Sunset Grill and Tap"?
treetowncartel
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 5:38 p.m.
I hope it is the reincarnation of Mr. Rib and I get myself a Soul on a Roll in the near future.
treetowncartel
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 4:29 p.m.
@ a2Gretta, I know all that but thank you for sharing the information. I was a patron from his days over by Summit party store until he was out by the Airport. That is by the best sandwich I have ever had.
a2gretta
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:49 p.m.
Bad news, treetown. Jesse Campbell died, and his family doesn't have his recipe. No Mr. Rib ever again. My family keeps searching for a replacement, but has found nothing so far.
treetowncartel
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 8:56 p.m.
Clearly, there are 4 people who never had a Soul on a Roll from Mr. Rib.
Gina
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 5:31 p.m.
P.F. Changs and B.J.'s Brew Pub
bunnyabbot
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 4:50 p.m.
Although they are the largest taxpayer and employ a lot of people I do not go to the mall or the restaurants there. I support local businesses as much as possible.
johnnya2
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 2:38 a.m.
Oh please, blaming Obamacare for low wage jobs in a mall that has been around for 40 years? Get over it. Tell me what people working at your"local" place make. I know HUNDREDS of restaurant operators in this state and I can assure you most of them are NOT paying wages higher than the national chains. If you think they are, prove it. Otherwise, you prefer a local person pay low wages as opposed to a chain? Oh and for the record, a CORPORATE employee of McDonalds tends to make more than an employee of a franchisee. THAT IS FACT
bunnyabbot
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 10:26 p.m.
@mady I have absolutely NO problem with capitalism! I think it is wonderful. I just choose to find local businesses to support as much as possible. This statement was independent of any political leanings I may have. I fault big gov't, high taxes used to fund programs that keep people poor and Obamacare as factors keeping people from earning a "make ends meet" wage or getting enough hours to do so.
mady
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 7:16 p.m.
bunnyabbott, I'm with you on this. As for the large number of people they employ, to me it begs the question, how many hours are these people getting? are they earning a wage that will actually help to make ends meet? i too support local whenever I can, which effectively cancels out B'wood, ESPECIALLY since they axed out the dollar movies. this monument to capitalism doesn't have one blasted thing to offer me that I can't find somewhere else at a much better price.
JustaThought
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 4:27 p.m.
What? No one asking for a Cheescake Factory? Seems like a good location for one. If not that, then one of the steakhouses and a PF Chang or a Ruby Tuesday. These aren't my favorites (I prefer independent operations) but I can see them all being candidates. I don't know that an Italian restaurant would make sense given that Macaroni Grill and Olive Garden are already in that area. But, then again, who would think having Walgreen's, Rite Aid and CVS all within a few blocks is a great idea? Yet, so it goes...
jen777
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 8:32 a.m.
I believe there isone on carpenter rd near packard
Boo Radley
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 8:31 p.m.
Elaine, that's a TGI Fridays on Lohr Rd.
Elaine F. Owsley
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 7:31 p.m.
Isn't there a Ruby Tuesday on Lohr Road across from Oak Valey?
mun
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 7:04 p.m.
They have a Ruby Tuesday in Saline off Michigan Ave.
YpsiLivin
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 6:03 p.m.
Ruby Tuesday was at the mall and it closed. I can't imagine they would bring one back...
Eep
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 5:32 p.m.
Someone did ask for a Cheesecake Factory, but their comment was deleted by the moderators. Apparently talking about Cheesecake Factory is prohibited. I expect these comments will also be deleted.
daytona084
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 4:05 p.m.
The lot (especially the east side) fills to overflowing in the Christmas shopping season. Seems like a bad move to reduce parking capacity.
Sooze
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:27 p.m.
The area beyond Von Maur is very empty while the Macy's lot is packed. Put the restaurants there and people will drive around "to the back" to find them. Otherwise there will be much less parking for everyone.
John
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 4:55 p.m.
That area of the lot is terribly maintained as well. The lines for the spaces have long-since faded and crumbled, meaning people have to guess how the rows line up. This is, sadly, a skill that a lot of people find hard even on a newly-lined lot, so you can imagine how terrible things get in the winter on that side of the mall. There are times when people park so that you can barely walk between vehicles on either side of the rows. It's a total cluster...thing.
jcj
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 4:46 p.m.
Heaven forbid someone might have to walk a little. People will wait 5 min to get 5 spaces closer to the door! As opposed to walking 5 spaces further. Lazy!
Murf
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 4:34 p.m.
I was thinking that same thing. Not sure why that area of the parking lot seems to be a lot of people's 'go to' for parking. I prefer the much quieter westside (a.k.a JC Penney underwear door).
Julius
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 3:44 p.m.
How about an In&Out? Because it's excruciatingly difficult to do that at Briarwood. I tend to avoid the area because of the general traffic goofiness along State street. I just think the property just needs a redesign in terms of getting to and from the mall.
Ann English
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:28 a.m.
Julius, When I leave L.A.Fitness (they're the ones who bought out Bally's) and want to get onto Eisenhower, I don't use the entrance from State Street most of the time, for there are too many vehicles coming from State Street for me to make a left turn towards Briarwood Circle. So I use the other entrance/exit driveway from and to L.A. Fitness in order to reach Briarwood Circle (the circle itself). Those of us who get onto Eisenhower without using a light just have to remember that Mall Drive won't go to Eisenhower, but to State. Plaza and Market Streets do lead to Eisenhower.
Julius
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 7:25 p.m.
The problem is lane confusion. There's one exit that doesn't have a light and one that does. People try to turn out in the right most lane at one exit, but expect to be able cut over to the left lane. Other times only one side of state stops. There's two lanes going in, but one of them has to stop and turn left to go into the fitness center (used to be Bally's, don't know what it is know). You have to play chicken just to get across the road. . . . . And try exiting out to Main St when it's busy.
Julius
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 7:19 p.m.
Really, I just want to see Sbarro come back.
jcj
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 4:44 p.m.
I just went and came twice this morning to one of the peripheral buildings. No more of a problem than say Westgate, Arborland, Main St.. You are going to have traffic light anywhere there are cars. What's the problem?
jrigglem
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 4:38 p.m.
I agree with you, well to an extent. It isn't difficult just a headache. I hope with these new restaurants they decide to repave and reline the roads around the area. It's a very busy parking lot with only two major entrances and exits.
Pizzicato
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 4:04 p.m.
"Excruciatingly difficult"? Are you being serious? It's a standard mall with ringed by major roads and has 6 direct access points. If you have difficulty taking your "preferred" exit (for example, if you're the sort of person who insists on exiting the mall onto State road to drive north up State), then why don't you try something different (for example, exiting via Eisenhower and then using the convenient light @ State)?
TimmyH
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 3:34 p.m.
The picture show the entrance where the bus stop is, and that is the east side of Macy's. The map is pointing to the other side of Macy's, which is the west side.
Cindy Heflin
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 3:56 p.m.
We've changed the map.
Lizzy Alfs
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 3:46 p.m.
Sorry that's confusing. The dot on the map isn't intended to show where the restaurants are proposed. That's just where the Briarwood address pops up. I'll see if we can move the dot!
PersonX
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 3:30 p.m.
The city has no need for more chains. Any hope for something original operated by a local chef?
johnnya2
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 2:32 a.m.
A false dichotomy. Chain does not equate to bad and local or independent does not mean good. Would you care to check the number of restaurants in A2 that have come and gone that are locally owned and independent? For every Mani or Knights there are hundreds of other failed ventures. I am sure you would be thrilled to see a vacant restaurant building in the middle of Briarwood after the local guy fails miserably. OR, how about YOU buy a property, and then YOU decide what can and can not be placed on it. Until then, you are just a whiner who wants everybody else to do something while you sit on your couch and complain
Tom Teague
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 2:04 a.m.
@John of Saline - Well Played!
PersonX
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 9:36 p.m.
I am baffled by the love of chains- a chain may be made of gold but it is still a chain! Original restaurants that stay opened for a year or two? Look at Mani and other places in town and see if they are short-lived. I find most chains have bad, mass-produced, ordinary and often unhealthy food; they mostly look horrible, adding to the homogenization of the whole country. Nothing Soviet about expressing an opinion, quite the opposite. But it seems that so many readers of this blog like such places, and no one is stopping them from indulging. There certainly are enough of them around to make y'all happy if that is your preference. Enjoy! What we all need is hundreds of more pizzerias and hamburger joints!
Boo Radley
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 8:27 p.m.
The city has no need for more original restaurants that can't stay in business for more than a year or two. As Pizzicato said, chains are successful for a reason, and there are many very good ones.
John of Saline
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 7:18 p.m.
In Soviet Russia, chains visit you!
Pizzicato
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 3:59 p.m.
Chains are successful for a reason, and because we don't live in Soviet-era Russia it means that people chose to visit them.
Jamal Kasham
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 3:45 p.m.
What about Main Street?
Ben Freed
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 3:43 p.m.
It seems unlikely that a local chef would be able to open in a 7,000 square foot new restaurant building in a mall parking lot... stranger things have happened though.
seldon
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 3:34 p.m.
Seriously.
SonnyDog09
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 3:27 p.m.
Blimpies.
jns131
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 10:59 p.m.
The way they are with money? I really don't see it happening. Great idea but seriously? They are already looking at an established building. There is an empty furniture store in Ypsilanti once cleaned up would make an excellent idea.
DanAA
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 5:56 p.m.
Blimpies? (Actually, Blimpie) Yech! On the other hand, Blimpy (or Blimpy Burger) would be quite welcome!
Ben Freed
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 3:44 p.m.
Wouldn't that be a curveball! It would certainly change the foot-traffic patterns a bit after football games in the fall.
Lizzy Alfs
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 3:05 p.m.
FYI: Ida said Briarwood might reveal the two restaurants next week at the public meeting. It would be two large restaurant buildings -- roughly 7,000 square feet. Any restaurants you'd particularly like to see at this site?
tosviol8or
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 12:09 a.m.
Burger King and Wendy's. You can't have enough of those in any town! Actually, any two chains will do. We need to run all those pesky independents out of business. I HATE not being able to get the exact same thing in Anytown, USA.
Ichibod Crane
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 10:27 p.m.
Maggiano's and Zingerman's
Jane
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 2:44 a.m.
Yes, Rain Forest Cafe, or Ci Ci Pizza!
tom devero
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 8:53 p.m.
I would like to see Ruby Tuesday come back to Briarwood. The second chouce would be Cracker Barrel.
Boo Radley
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 8:30 p.m.
Cheesecake Factory and PF Changs
81wolverine
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 7:25 p.m.
I would love to see an El Torrito's. We used to like going to them on the West Coast, but they have few locations out east. I know they're in Chicago though. It's better quality Mexican food than most places around here, excellent atmosphere, and the service is usually very good too.
Andy Frazier
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 7:17 p.m.
Carrabba's, Longhorn Steakhouse or PF Changs.
Jennie Clark
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 7:10 p.m.
Pei Wei or PF Chang's!!!
LindaJ
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 6:04 p.m.
Not another chain, please.
Sparty
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 5:08 p.m.
Champps and On-the-Border would be terrific !
LaMusica
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 5:07 p.m.
I agree with A2Reality, I would love a PF Chang's! I thought I had read on an article for development of the Meijer parking lot at 94 and A2-Saline Rd might get a PF Chang's, but everything is rumors at this point!
NSider
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 4:51 p.m.
Clearly if they are 7000 ft^2 then one will be a dining hall for all the UoM students hanging out at the mall. That way UoM gets a foothold into the property and can start buying Briarwood too, removing it from the tax rolls.
Unknown
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 4:41 p.m.
Champs The Library Pub
A2Realilty
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 4:06 p.m.
PF Chang's!
Elijah Shalis
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 3:59 p.m.
On the Border
fjord
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 3:50 p.m.
Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill and Native Foods. (It'll never happen, but I can dream...)