I’ve written a few posts regarding the many multi-tenant commercial retail buildings that are still empty. I’ve written about other businesses that have also noted this as a concern. So, now is the time to reframe the situation: What can we do as Champlin residents? E-mail your favorite businesses that have not yet moved to the area! Tell them why we need them.
I’d like to start with my plea for Panera Bread. Their mission is “A loaf of bread for every arm.” Well, I don’t have a loaf (do you?), so my mission is: “A loaf of bread for every arm in Champlin!” That’s right. We want a bakery—fresh bread, made-to-order sandwiches and bread bowls filled with French onion soup.
Here are a few reasons why Panera Bread should open their 26th bakery-cafe in Champlin.
- Champlin has no bread store, no small cafe-type restaurant. Yes, all of our coffee shops such as Caribou Coffee and Dunn Brothers offer bakery items and some sandwiches, but they are coffee shops. Champlin needs what Panera describes as a bakery-cafe with fresh bread and made-to-order sandwiches.
- There is a location Panera Bread could easily move into: The Highway 169 Retail Center. It has two end-unit restaurant pads with many windows, a drive through, an outdoor patio, and it faces Highway 169. According to the web site, there are more than 37,000 cars who drive by its location on a daily basis, and I can attest to that traffic because I get stuck in it on my way home each day. And, I would be willing to bet my car there is more traffic in the summer when people are headed up North to their lake homes—people who might be looking for a healthier alternative to lunch at McDonald’s or perhaps some fresh bread to take with them on their trip.
Help me out, Champlin! You want a loaf too. Post your comment on why we need Panera Bread. E-mail this link to their Contact Us page. While you are inspired, what other businesses do you think Champlin needs? Post it in the comments.
I agree, it would be nice to have some places that helped Champlin become more of a community, somewhere to sit relax and socialize. A pub would be perfect. I don’t think we have any buildings big enough for a big chain bookstore but that would be nice.
Just so long as we don’t get any more credit unions, tires, tobacco etc., i’ll be happy.
Panera would be a good addition, as would a good bakery. But I suppose the big box stores already have that covered. Really tiring to have so many fast food joints around.
The city could also use a few more sit down type pub/restaurants rather than fast food. (And I consider Buffalo Wild Wings fast food). I’m thinking like a place like the old Kicks on the River before they closed. hey had fabulous meala nd the best Sunday brunch. A place to enjoy a burger and a beer or a steak and a glass of wine any evening.
Punch Pizza would be the best addition to our city I can think of. Real Neapolitan pizza, the best pie around.
A travel agency, for, you know, when you want to leave town. But please, no more banks.
Panera would be excellent! I would visit at least monthly to pick up some bagels for work too. Actually there’s a dearth small restaurants here – a donut store (wait, they are all gone – isn’t that so odd that Krispy Kreme went from a phenom to a bust?!) or something like Chipolte / Noodles. I think in additon to a grown up place to sit and relax there needs to be more teen outlets as well.
Actually, Ann, who works at Dr. B’s, told me she called Chipotle and told them about that retail center. It would be a perfect location for them.
What are some examples of teen outlets, Ronalee? Do you mean like Holister? Or do you mean places for kids to socialize?
And Dusty Lens, I agree BWW is fast food. Punch Pizza is a good idea, but we have so many pizza joints already. How about a small cafe type place? I have to admit I’ve never been to Hudy’s Cafe, and perhaps I should check them out. Maybe they fulfill that need? I also like California Pizza Kitchen in Maple Grove; good food, wine on the menu, good service. That might work here?
I’ve also wondered why we have no clothing stores? Can you name any in our community?