Opening a new business isn’t for the faint of heart, but anyone can daydream about what they’d bring to a vacant storefront.
That’s what we asked our readers to do—contemplate the future of four Market Street properties that could currently use tenants.
The properties
- A) The former Applebee’s space at the corner of Market and 4th streets
- B) The John Ross Building adjacent to the old Applebee’s, also on the corner of 4th and Market
- C) The former 212 Market location near the corner of Market Street and Aquarium Way
- D) The old Buehler’s Market, which is next to Taco Mac, near the corner of 5th and Market streets
First thing’s first...Let’s talk about Trader Joe’s
OK, CHA. We hear you loud and clear. You want a Trader Joe’s here.
Many of you responded by asking for the grocery store chain to come to Chattanooga, and this is not the first time we’ve heard that from you.
Thousands of people like this Facebook page about bringing a store here, and a recent River City Co. survey also showed that it’s on many local residents’ wish lists.
We reached out to the grocery chain to ask about the criteria for moving into a new market but didn’t hear back. And a 2010 Fortune article called the business’ management “obsessively secretive,” so we aren’t holding our breath.
In 2015, AL. com writer Ben Baxter said that history shows that household income, education status, and total population play a part in whether Trader Joe’s enters a market.
NextCity.org published an infographic that shows that it’s generally affluent communities that draw in the chain.
Here’s what some of you had to say on the matter.
“@traderjoes is seriously wanted and needed!!!” — @BrandyBran13
“Not Trader Joe’s because of the insane TJ traffic. Let’s get @traderjoes to Chattanooga, but not downtown. Aquarium/Tourist traffic already maxes out my patience.” — @chattanoobie
More responses
A. New local-based restaurant
B. Literally anything to get rid of that ugly building
C. Upscale restaurant
D. Brewery/brewpub
—Jason L.
“D: amazing local bodega grocer. Doesn’t have to go full Balducci’s but affordable yet selective is good. Greenlife meets enzos meets cigarettes and candy.” — Mary B.
“How about something like @CineBistroATL. Upscale movie and dining [experience] with alcohol and no kids … Atlanta has several ‘cinema drafthouse/grill’ style theatres ranging from family friendly (@studiomoviegril ) to higher-end like Cinébistro and I miss that option here.” — @dsloandownes
“A multi-cultural city market with food stalls, produce, butcher, gifts, art, etc. And a parking lot with free validated parking for patrons with proof of purchase. There isn’t enough foot traffic currently to sustain more businesses - especially restaurants, but the availability of parking could be a draw. Plus these locations are on the bus routes. Chattanooga needs affordable accessible options for all residents.” — Lavonda S.
“Honestly, Bueller’s location needs to become another REASONABLY PRICED grocery store. Not a gourmet/upscale/organic grocery. Downtown is a food desert now and the folks on fixed income, living in public housing/relying on public transportation/Golden Gateway LOST THEIR GROCERY STORE. The only responsible thing to do is to return that to the neighborhood.” — Lindsay W.
“Food hall like Ponce City Market in Atlanta. All different kinds of mid/up scale food stalls.” — Nicole D.
“A kind of permanent, indoor market for local farmers would be cool. It could function like a cross between a grocery store, gathering place, and a farmers market.” — Dava S.
“C-Ethiopian cuisine.” — Robert M.
“Is there anything needed more than decent parking?” — Cindy R.
“A really good upscale Chinese or Ethiopian restaurant.” — Stephanie R.
“No but really.... chipotle chipotle chipotle chipotle chipotle and chipotle.” — Mariela M.
“Need to decrease parking costs so whatever it is people will use it.” — Mike M.
“Whatever the property owners feel would get the most economic value for them in a free market.” — Chris B.
“Drugstore/pharmacy.” — Laura G.
That snark, though
What’s social media without some good ol’ snark? Some of you took the sarcastic route with your responses. We can appreciate that. 👌
“Well the trend is tear it down and drop in overpriced condos. I just wanna know where in this town is the jobs to pay for 3/4 million dollar condos.” — Joe M.
“Obviously what this city needs in any one (or several) of these locations is a Tire Discounters. Or, close second, a check cashing place. — Lindsay W.
“Could use another Starbucks.” — @jlogancarey
“My first response is to leave them the f alone. We have enough half empty gentrified apartments and not enough parking. Chattanooga is more than downtown. Be creative, build somewhere else.” — Mike K.
A) Vape Store B) Adult Theater C) Church D) Subway — Alex W.