A push is on to make the Golden Mile shine again.
Vacant commercial buildings along West Patrick Street are evidence that the area west of U.S. 15 has seen better days, but businesses and volunteers are making long-term investments that reflect optimism about its viability.
A Bon-Ton department store, a landscape business, a movie theater and 84 Lumber have gone out of business in recent years. Smaller shops in and around Frederick Towne Mall have come and gone.
Famous Dave’s has been in the 1000 block for about 11 years, said Jonathan Carothers, area director for the restaurant chain.
“We don’t plan on leaving,” he said in a telephone interview.
Famous Dave’s and the Red Lobster across West Patrick have struggled like other restaurants during the recession, but their parent companies are putting considerable money into the Frederick locations, representatives said.
Both restaurants are renovating inside and outside. They are two of eight construction, relocation and renovation projects that are good to see, said Richard Griffin, the city’s economic development director.
The two restaurants, along with CVS Pharmacy, McDonald’s, Outback Steakhouse, Goodwill Industries, Verizon and If the Shoe Fits are moving in, renovating or plan to build on the Golden Mile.
Corporate executives considered whether Famous Dave’s should extend its lease at the West Patrick Street location or move elsewhere, Carothers said. They looked at options along Md. 26 near Wegmans and at the Westview Promenade on Buckeystown Pike.
“We all came to the agreement that this was the place,” Carothers said.
A “significant amount” of money is going into renovations, Carothers said. When the restaurant reopens Wednesday, the remodeled interior will have new tables and chairs, and a carryout area. The outside is freshly painted, and a big new sign marks the location.
“There was no reason to move,” Carothers said. “We felt very confident staying.”
When Red Lobster general manager Theresa Cooper came from Hagerstown a year ago to run the Frederick location, she was unfamiliar with the Golden Mile. She was hired to increase business, she said, and is focusing on customer service and elements she can control inside the restaurant to make diners want to come back.
Darden Inc., Red Lobster’s parent company, remodels and makes improvements to its restaurants about every eight to 10 years, she said. She is pleased with the Bar Harbor, Maine, decorating theme, a new interior, furnishings and carpet.
Cooper expects the work to be finished this week. The restaurant remains open during construction. She hopes more offices and businesses will come to the area to supply lunch and dinner traffic.
The all-volunteer Golden Mile Alliance is setting bylaws and electing officers to spearhead a promotional effort with the aim of fulfilling Cooper’s hope and more. Members, who represent residents and businesses, agree the area is a destination for future business development and customers from inside and outside Frederick.
The group meets monthly and will determine ways to promote opportunities for more retail, office, business, residential and support services.
“I think it’s great that people are investing in the area,” Carothers said. “We’re very excited.”
Copyright 2011 The Frederick News-Post. All rights reserved.
