Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I'm back in town for the Holidays and noticed some things happening around town.
In Kanawha City, they are building a new small shopping center (Name: MacCorkle Avenue Plaza)beside Highland Hospital. It looks like it will have 4-5 tenants and could be the location of the rumored Five Guys. No news on it, other than it is coming along and will be a nice addition to that part of MacCorkle Ave.
Also noticed a new building being constructed beside Lowe's in Kanawha city. It was too small to be anything significant, but will no doubt be some kind of retail due to its location. I honestly have no clue, but it could be a restaurant. I know a few years back they were interested in putting a Starbucks there, so this might be it.
Also in Kanawha City, Penn Station is building a new building that will also have space for an additional tenant. It was very far along and I was very impressed with the design choice.
The Marriott Courtyard downtown looked finished, but obviously isn't opened yet.
I have adventured too much into the area since I've been back, but if I see something else I will post it.
My wife and I tried Celsius last week (the former Vandalia Grille building). The food was very good, and the wine and cocktail lists were pretty decent. It's owned by the same folks as Laury's, but a very different atmosphere -- very modern lounge-like restaurant (if that makes any sense). We'll be back there, frequently.
At long last, there's also been a lot of activity this week at the former Cafe Paris on the corner of Capitol and Quarrier. There's an article about it in the Gazette today, but so far, it's pretty tight-lipped on what might be going in there.
My wife and I tried Celsius last week (the former Vandalia Grille building). The food was very good, and the wine and cocktail lists were pretty decent. It's owned by the same folks as Laury's, but a very different atmosphere -- very modern lounge-like restaurant (if that makes any sense). We'll be back there, frequently.
At long last, there's also been a lot of activity this week at the former Cafe Paris on the corner of Capitol and Quarrier. There's an article about it in the Gazette today, but so far, it's pretty tight-lipped on what might be going in there.
The Charleston Area Alliance will not disclose what is locating there, but something tells me that their hush hush mentality means that it is going to be something great for that corner. I could see anything ranging from a coffee shop/restaurant/or a high end clothing store.
Oct 29, 2014 Kanawha County Health Dept inspection of a popular South Charleston restaurant:
4-601.11(A) Corrected During InspectionCritical Toilet plunger stored in contact with food serving utensils. corrected Maintain food contact surfaces clean
The place was not closed upon this finding. You might have, or be, eating there! I'm not.
I offer a solution (I don't just complain): I think the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia should take up the challenge of training restaurant staff. It's a wide reaching educational goal that will benefit many, now, and into the future. It's minimal cost, simple certifications and promotes the state, tourism and education at a higher level.
Five Guys in Teays Valley is coming along, and the building they are building is very attractive.
Planet Fitness has opened in the former Direct Buy location is Cross Lanes, this is the first in the area.
Auto Zone is building a new store beside Chick-fil-a at Southridge Center. Honestly I hate that this lot is being wasted on yet another Auto Zone. This should have been another restaurant or a Dunkin, but not the 100th auto parts retailer.
Speaking of Dunkin, I finally checked out the Dunkin in Hurricane. Wasn't the best Dunkin Coffee I've had, but is certainly better than not having it close by. Where I live in NY now I drink a lot of Dunkin Coffee, so I am glad they they are expanding their presence in the state.
I was in the mall this weekend, and Steak Escape had a banner hanging saying that they would be relocating from the food court to Capitol Street in Spring 2015. I do enjoy having food options nearby (I work downtown), but I'm going to hope that Steak Escape is unrelated to the Cafe Paris building. That would be a bit anticlimactic, I think.
Caitlin Cook @caitlincookWV · 2h 2 hours ago
We're still waiting to learn more about who/what is moving into the Cafe de Paris space in downtown Charleston after recent activity inside.
Caitlin Cook @caitlincookWV · 2h 2 hours ago
Matt Ballard, of @CAAlliance, has been working with biz that plans to move in. Today, Ballard confirmed it's a restaurant that's not a chain
Caitlin Cook @caitlincookWV · 2h 2 hours ago
Ballard added the business planning to move into the Cafe de Paris space is West Virginia based.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
