All the ones that don't mind driving those distances to get to stores must not have kids that you need to take places including to and from school and with gas at 2.75 a gallon, that extra gas money adds to the already strained weekly budget. Who has time to drive those distances, I don't since I do share a car with my son right now and I can't pop up and ride over to Pier Park when I need to due to work schedules. I certainly do not want a bunch of big name stores but opposing a chic fil a or a Fudpuckers is just silly.
Also, what fast food needs are served at Pier Park? By the time you can get back home with food from there it is cold but I didn't know there were any fast food places there.
many of us have raised our families here in SoWal (for lots of years). typically there is no need to do a lot of driving to get things done. when we do need to go to Pier Park or even further in to Panama City for other errands, we do it very infrequently. We have everything we need here. Fast food? We have no fast food habits as a result of living here for so long. and I rather like it that way. Eating at home is our first choice - and we do so on most days, with an occasional pizza pick up. or lunch at Red Bar on Sunday, etc. many of us do have a habit of picking up Royal Orchid or other asian foods whenever we go into Destin for an errand (on occasion).
I have no habit of running around to Destin or Panama City for the most part. but when I do go out past the Walton County line once or twice a month for a dental visit or shopping or errands, I can easily fit it into my family's schedule. Most everything I need to do on a daily basis is conveniently done right here within a few miles. and all our family, school and extracurricular/sports activities are right here too. our lives are lived 100% in SoWal. on occasion we may sign up for some swim team or other activity at Frank Brown Park - but that's 20 minutes up the road - no biggie.
I have no problem with Chic Filet coming in. They are an excellent company with a good product and it is one chain that will actually offer a pretty good employment opportunity with benefits for residents.
yes middlesister - it is all about one's perspective, as in all things. I do respect those who welcome the convenience of walmart and other chains to follow. I can understand it, and I will benefit form those conveniences. It is just a little hard for many of us to see these changes coming - and it seems to be coming fast. Our town will always remain special for many reasons. But much of it is going to look like and function like Anytown USA. Our only saving grace is the expansive state protected forests, beaches and parks we are blessed with having on Hwy 30A and Hwy 98, and in between. It is one of the big reasons this town is so special - its preservation of natural beauty is highly valued. It is one of the reasons we do not look like Destin or PCB.