When the staff of
molovinsky on allentown recently visited Tim Hortons on a weekend evening, we were the only patrons. Likewise, when we visited Johnny's across the square on a business morning, there was only one other table occupied. Despite that reality, Starbucks will now be occupying the third corner. Although City Center Real Estate Company and the Pawlowski Administration wants people to think that the Starbucks entrance symbolizes something exclusive, the shoppers at Target on Cedar Crest Blvd. know better. The reality is that the existing coffee shops, which are only doing marginally at best, will do even less. Whatever failure or disappointment that visits these businesses, don't blame the Morning Call. They have been promoting the shops in a shameless manner. After multiple articles announcing the opening of a Philadelphia cheesesteak business, this weekend they will review the cheesesteak. How cheesy is that?
above reprinted from January 30, 2015
UPDATE MARCH 30, 2022: Yesterday morning, although I had to cross under a giant crane over Hamilton Street in the 900 block, there was not a person on the street before Government Center at 7th... She was getting coffee to take back to her county job. Seven years later, and nothing has changed on Hamilton. Reilly's City Center continues to tear down our history and build his new taxpayer funded, privately owned empire. The Morning Call continues to put out its Subscriber Exclusives, omissive of the real story downtown.
Although donuts now cost a buck I still like the express so I continue to use; dollars to donuts Mike, you will be reprinting this post 5 years from now.
ReplyDeleteMike: I have to concede on this issue, you make valid points. On the bright side, coffee lovers downtown can walk right in and get served immediately. I had to wait in line 15 minutes to get a cup of coffee two Saturday mornings ago on Main Street in Bethlehem...businesses were booming and the sidewalks were packed with patrons.
ReplyDeleteMain Street Bethlehem is great.
ReplyDeleteAs quality of life issues rise, the mentation of build it they'll come don't care about what comes. This being of course that the minimum monthly obligation is being taken care of by the pa tax dollars.
ReplyDelete