Comments

Josephine wrote on Jul 17, 2008 11:23 AM:

" It's amazing you read the story, and the comments really get off track. It's more amazing everyone is negative, but they wont use their name in the comment. Do any of you remember the tale "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all." The more the marrier, bring in the businesses. Born & raised here, plan to stay. We have a great community it can only get better. "




Arctic wrote on Jul 17, 2008 11:12 AM:

" If any new restaurant is thinking about this area, do us a favor and visit the Oahe Marina, just outside of Fort Pierre. They are the best in customer service, food service & all around GREAT PLACE. Prices, food & service are top notch. Even the older businesses in town should visit the Oahe Marina for tips, we have terrible service & high priced food in most of the Restaurants in town. "




To hillbilly from Missouri. wrote on Jul 16, 2008 11:26 AM:

" Those are great attributes, good for you, manners are the glue that holds society together. But I didn't see among them "thinking." That's the point. Thinking is important, too. When a franchise arrives, they bring in their own managers, use corporate supply chains, and ship the profits out. A local establishment always benefits the local economy more because they hire more locally, buy more locally, and keep the profits here in town where they're re-invested. Arby's is okay but don't think it's the same benfit to the Pierre economy as a local establishment. "




Hillbillie from Missouri wrote on Jul 15, 2008 11:38 AM:

" I was taught to respect others,have manners and morals,support people in my community,drink responsibly,treat my elders with the respect they deserve,work hard and help those in need. I do not need to demean you to disagree with you. I respect your right to your own opinion and do not gossip behind your back. Maybe this community needs more hillbillys. "




Good. wrote on Jul 14, 2008 6:56 PM:

" I think arby's will do great here. I'm not "bashing" pierre restaurants, but most of them DO have terrible service. Alot of them are great though, but we should always welcome new restaurants as everyone has different tastes. "




to Phx AZ wrote on Jul 13, 2008 9:22 PM:

" Dakotamart is not locally owned but sutleys is. "




about time wrote on Jul 11, 2008 12:08 PM:

" THANK GOD! Finally.....I can't believe the lack of restaurant's in Pierre. Isn't this the capitol? Plus the east side needed something for food!! "




Phx AZ wrote on Jul 10, 2008 3:58 PM:

" One reason everyone is so excited about these chains is only because Pierre doesn't have them. The grass is always greener on the other side. With all of this talk about local spending we should keep in mind that these corporate chains are not taking their profits and spending them in Pierre. Shop Korner Grocery and Dakotamart!!! "




just me wrote on Jul 9, 2008 1:29 PM:

" THIS ARTICLE is ONLY about ARBY'S coming to town, so I'm gonna comment on that and that ONLY........WELCOME ARBY'S, it's about time we get you here!!!!!!!!!!!!! "




When did all the hillbillies from Missouri show up in Pierre wanting Walmart and Arbys wrote on Jul 8, 2008 12:01 PM:

" No, I'm not an older gentleman. Gen X, baby. I'm a well-educated, well-read, citizen who follows news outside of CNN and have been noting the havoc box stores and chain food have had on the local American economy nationwide. Read, people. The Walmartization of America cannot be stopped without interested local officials (P/FP = none) but I'm also not going to don a skirt and pom-poms and cheer the demise of what used to be a sound local economy with lots of choices. "




shopper wrote on Jul 7, 2008 10:03 PM:

" I truely feel that people would shop in Pierre if the town offered what people are interested in buying. I have teens and young adults that can't find clothing in town on a regular basis or with a good selection. The young men in town have no where to shop! Not everyone likes to shop on line either. When we go out of town, we plan a week in advance of where we will eat and shop and sometimes leave town just to do these things while other times we are visiting or going to sport events. "




To Heaven JB wrote on Jul 3, 2008 5:41 PM:

" I'm guessing you are both from an older generation. National box stores and restaurants are an important part of what makes up a nice community. The fact is Gen "X"ers and definately Gen "Y"ers expect these types of establishments and will move to where they can find these places. If we don't start getting these places now good luck attracting a workforce in the future because each younger generation expects more of these type of establishments. "




JB wrote on Jul 3, 2008 2:58 PM:

" Heaven, perfectly put. We are looking at some very scary possible outcomes in both towns. Well said. "




Heaven is a box store and a chain restuarant wrote on Jul 3, 2008 9:31 AM:

" Eating and shopping options aren't what defines a community. Maybe for shallow consumers who spend too much on them, but not for those of us in the real world. Public space, museums, parks, swimming pools, public buildings, historical spots, etc., are what makes a place. It's sad to read these comments. Arby's will make Pierre? Wal-mart will? These are backwater, fake-American views I would've expected in Arkansas or Missouri. "




To Hello wrote on Jul 2, 2008 7:01 PM:

" I hope you were part of the "forum" this winter about spending locally. The problem is that our City, PEDCO, etc. can't even spend money locally. Funny how "Eagle Creek", PEDCO's "baby" is using an out of town Architecht and Contractor. We would love to spend money locally but where do you buy kids clothing, maternity clothing, etc? Not a whole lot of selection. You need to have the stores here to buy locally. "




Diner Guy wrote on Jul 2, 2008 3:22 PM:

" I wish the D&E was still around. That place put Pierre on the map ! "




Hello wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:05 AM:

" The only way Pierre can grow is if everyone stops going out of town for their business and stays local with their spending! You'd think people would wake up to that fact. There are several smaller communities in the area that understand this principal and are doing just fine because of it. "




Matthew Dial wrote on Jul 1, 2008 2:13 PM:

" I'm confused about these comment sections... are they for use about commenting on the stories above, or for use to bash other people's ideas and thoughts. By the way, I know Pierre isn't the best place in the state but who says we can't try, even though it would be nice to see more than just hotels, banks, and restaurants come to town. "




Jane Doe wrote on Jul 1, 2008 11:57 AM:

" First of all I'd like to say welcome to Arby's and Perkins! Second...local restaurants and businesses fail due to people like you who do nothing but bash them with your terrible comments like these. I moved here 4 years ago from a huge city. Yes, Pierre is small. The mall has NO stores in it. The choice of restaurants is slim here but get over it! You chose to live here! Want better service? Pull your nose out of the sky and enjoy your surroundings. Don't expect the world to cater to you! "




Randy wrote on Jun 30, 2008 5:25 PM:

" Finally it seems that the Pierre people are getting it. You are not going to get an Applebee,s or Chili,s unless you have some REAL jobs in that town. (notice I dont call it a City, It doesnt rate as one)Bring them and the Food chains follow, Thats where the money is. The computer software place is a start BUT! If you have any insentives for then to come and stay, then they leave along with the Food chains and your right back to where you started. NOWHERE. How many food chains have you seen come and go there? "




Welcome wrote on Jun 30, 2008 1:58 PM:

" I love Arby's and am glad to see them coming to town.
Rising gas prices are probably going to put an end to out of town shopping. "




Zach wrote on Jun 30, 2008 7:12 AM:

" What would some of you people do if the Capital Journal shut down these blogs? If you guys put in half the time doing something constructive to help Pierre, instead of whining on here about it, there would be no problems at all. Even great things like Eagle Creek are complained about. Even the all volunteer fire dept has been a target. Now I understand why young people want to get out of here. "




what a laugh wrote on Jun 28, 2008 3:43 PM:

" the only good thing about the Pierre Mall is the Dollar Store, how pathetic is that? ha!!! "




ME wrote on Jun 28, 2008 3:39 PM:

" Very excited about Arby's. But, have to agree 100% with the vast comments on here about Pierre's lack of everything!! We all go out of town for shopping, eating, entertainment, etc. That's too bad! I know I will be leaving in the near future. Town is way behind the times!!! People aren't even friendly anymore. What could be a great town is going down hill quickly! "




KP wrote on Jun 28, 2008 8:50 AM:

" A couple of things I've noticed:
The types of workers that I see in a new food establishment months after open are people (select any age, gener, or culture range you want) that just want to get their paycheck. Not much attention is really turned to making people feel good and want to come back. I genuinely thank the rare staff that treat me with a smile. Hardee's: They did switch their menu style. Take a look at the ads on their bags-restaurant style burger at a fast food pace. the beef is better quality than the BK knockoff. "




We Have Hope wrote on Jun 27, 2008 10:52 PM:

" July 1st a new law goes into affect that removes the cap on liquor licenses for restaurants. So just maybe we can get an Applebee's, Chili's, or some other awesome national chain restaurant. As for people not wanting to eat were there is alcohol that's not true. Smoking is why people would think twice about eating at certain establishments with children. "




Hols On Just TWO Minutes wrote on Jun 27, 2008 1:09 PM:

" To former resident I'd like to say I never said the LB or Bubba's were family restaurants, I just said they have great food. And one train of thought is we'll never get Appleby's, Chili's, etc, because we don't have liquor licenses. So everyone wants these chains to move in that serve alcohol, but won't eat at LB or Bubba's because they serve alcohol? OK Chuckie Cheese it is. My personal choice would be White Castle. Not a healthy choice but I love them. Want healthy? Stay home & cook. PS if you don't live here anymore don't complain. "




bc wrote on Jun 27, 2008 9:56 AM:

" They need to replace the Hardees in town here with a Wendys. Hardees charges you as much as a sit down restaurant and still gives you fast food. "




Response to typical shopper wrote on Jun 27, 2008 8:38 AM:

" The chamber continues to promote a "shop local" theme and work with businesses to improve customer service. The problem is many people like the ones you describe take your business out of town before looking at our local establishments first.

We've got to get our entire community to work together to promote our local economy - that means stores need to be prepared for what their customers want and the customers need to support our local retailers as much as possible.

It's a two way street and we all need to work together. "




returned local wrote on Jun 27, 2008 7:37 AM:

" To hold on a minute. I certainly was not putting them down. I was stating a fact. I have been a nurse for over 25 years. I know what it's like doing the nights, weekends, holidays. All I am saying is people will go where the service and food are good. I don't care how good your food is, if I have to wait 20 minutes for a waitress to bring me a menu I will not frequent the place, but this is about Arby's coming and as I said "Go Arby's. I hope they make it. "




To Better Quality wrote on Jun 26, 2008 4:27 PM:

" Try "Dishes" at lunch. No pathetic lettuce, huge salad bar. Not really a sit down, but it is clean, fast, cheap and healthy. "




Hold On Just Another Minute wrote on Jun 26, 2008 3:20 PM:

" In response to 'returned local' I am sorry you took offense to the comments about government workers from Sal,but how about comments from you & others bashing restaurants & their employees. You might work hard for your money, but nobody works harder than cooks, waitstaff and bartenders. I have done all three (among other service industry jobs)and now sit at a desk 8-5 Monday thru Friday. I don't get as many holidays as city/state workers, but enough to make me appreciate the people who don't get those holidays, and they're waiting on you when YOU'RE enjoying the day off withpay! "




Typical shopper wrote on Jun 26, 2008 2:50 PM:

" Pierre is lacking in so many basic conviences. It is embarassing for it to be this way & be the Capital. My family and MANY more,leave Pierre all the time to do shopping and eat at a decent restaurant. Until things change here, Pierre will continue to lose that income. Why doesn't PEDCO & the Chamber do something about this.The mall is horrible and as others have stated, customer service and the employment pool stink. Some people may move back to Pierre but many more do not and we can't keep people here once they come. Wonder why?! "




former resident wrote on Jun 26, 2008 1:09 PM:

" The Longbranch and Bubba Rays are not places for children/families to eat - especially with all the cigarette smoke (and the fact they are bars). I am not denying the merits of their food - just saying not a good family option.

Country Kitchen and Pizza Ranch both have salad bars...

Go Arby's! I wish it was there when I lived there. It will be a nice break from the fried food at other fast food joints.

If you want better dining options - open your own place. Otherwise, quit complaining. "




returned local wrote on Jun 26, 2008 7:43 AM:

" To Sal I take offense to the comment about government workers. I work for the state and certaninly do not feel like I am priviledged. I work hard for my paycheck. I grew up in Pierre and moved back after 25 years. I took a huge paycut to move back.I moved back from a large metropolitan area and all I can say is go Arby's. It will give people another option which is always good. People will go where the serivce is good. About the LB we waited for over 20 minutes for service. "




Hold On Just a Minute wrote on Jun 25, 2008 5:05 PM:

" Why is everyone on this site always bashing the Pierre restaurants? Not EVERY one of them has terrible food and terrible service. Sounds like everyone wants filet mignon at burger prices! Ever have a chicken fried steak at the Longbranch? I use to live in the heart of chicken fried steak country and never had one any better than at the LB. Their other menu items are good also and they have a salad bar which is rare in Pierre. Bubba Ray's has excellent burgers and chicken strips etc. So gimme (and them) a break ok? "




Perkins Reputation wrote on Jun 25, 2008 4:21 PM:

" Let Perkins worry about their reputation. "




Are you kidding wrote on Jun 25, 2008 4:20 PM:

" " As we'd all love Applebees, Red Lobster, Chilis, TGIF's, Olive Garden, Outback, Chevy's, or a vast multitude of other spectacular eats,"

Sir, there is nothing spectacular about any of them. I would rather have the D&E back. "




Sal wrote on Jun 25, 2008 4:06 PM:

" The big problem is Pierre is the customer base. They are some of the most demanding,rude and picky people I have ever encountered. Things dont go right they are swearing like sailors. I guess when you or privleged or work for the government you can get away with third class behavior. Give the rank and file worker a break. "




JB wrote on Jun 25, 2008 1:51 PM:

" Dave you hit the nail on the head. "




Roger wrote on Jun 25, 2008 1:35 PM:

" The only good thing about the Pierre Mall is Gators ! Great pizza...and service ! "




informed wrote on Jun 25, 2008 11:56 AM:

" A lot of fast food/restaurant chains have to appove of the location and many won't agree to Pierre due to work ethic/possible income, etc. I know because we have looked into a couple of different places and after they do their "study" of the town, they don't approve. It's too bad, really. This is a great town.
As far as getting other stores in the mall, I would imagine it's the same thing. You need a lot of money to get started and keep going until people in town realize they can get their clothes or whatever here. "




Dave wrote on Jun 25, 2008 9:35 AM:

" I'm worried about Perkin's reputation being ruined by the Pierre location actually. We don't have a great supply of good food service workers. Without a college of young profesional workers for those jobs, all we have available are the people that have been fired at every other place in town. The customer service could be pretty sad.
If I remember right, there is a new liquor license available now. All of the places you listed would be able to get one of the new licenses, but again, without good staff and a large customer base, they won't come here. "




JB wrote on Jun 25, 2008 9:00 AM:

" Thank you for giving me an answer. "




Mall is a laugh wrote on Jun 25, 2008 8:21 AM:

" Seriously the mall is a joke. They've had 6 stores close in the last two years. That's not right. Who's supposed to recruit businesses to Pierre? I know the answer. Hmmmmm.... Also why is the Econo Foods building still vacant? That's ridiculous! Guess we'll all have to keep going elsewhere to buy descent clothing that's not high priced. I would like to say welcome Arby's though! "




dedicated help wanted wrote on Jun 24, 2008 11:32 PM:

" A lack of dedicated, hard working, honest people is not just a problem for the restaurant business. Talk with construction companies, retail stores, etc., and you will hear the same complaint...Where are the employees who want to work for the money they earn? Are we in this area the only ones who are having a tough time finding help who have a work ethic? And, more importantly, what do we do to improve it? "




re JB wrote on Jun 24, 2008 8:59 PM:

" Being in the restaurant business ourselves, we have discovered that the gene pool of good workers is quite shallow. "




Just Wondering wrote on Jun 24, 2008 8:57 PM:

" Did Mesa's reopen after the last "owners" left? "




Reminder... wrote on Jun 24, 2008 4:28 PM:

" As we'd all love Applebees, Red Lobster, Chilis, TGIF's, Olive Garden, Outback, Chevy's, or a vast multitude of other spectacular eats, there's one crucial point you're all missing...

Pierre doesn't have any loose liquor licenses hanging around. Without a liquor license, these restaurants will never be a reality! "




JB wrote on Jun 24, 2008 1:45 PM:

" I am for this but I am saying this again. Who will work these jobs!!!! On paper everything looks great but vacant building and run down facilities is not what I want for the future of Pierre. "




What About the Shopping wrote on Jun 24, 2008 1:04 PM:

" Great....more variety for food. What about the shopping? Our mall is an embarrassment! If it wouldn't be for Gator's and Sears I would be able to go years without ever entering the mall. Obviously I'm not alone on this. Have you ever been to the mall on Saturday afternoons? DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE SHOPPING IN PIERRE!!!!!!! "




Supporter wrote on Jun 24, 2008 12:27 PM:

" Hey Dave..... where do you want to put the horse???? Glad Arby's is coming to town, hope they have great success. "




Dave wrote on Jun 24, 2008 9:24 AM:

" Growth is great, no doubt about it, but lets not put the horse before the cart people. We've lost 2 pizza places in the last couple years. Some of the diners in town have had issues also. While I wouldn't mind an Applebees or Red Lobster, realistically such a place would struggle to stay in business. Let Eagle Creek grow to max, lets get the fish farm, and see how the new food service places fair before we try to get more eateries. Bringing places in just to close 2 years later only makes it harder to get others. "




agree wrote on Jun 24, 2008 9:11 AM:

" i agree E Pierre needs more food options. It won't be long before there are an additional 200 employees looking for somewhere to eat in that area and not alot of options "




FrustratedWChoices wrote on Jun 24, 2008 8:22 AM:

" I agree with putting something like a nice family resteraunt on Harrison/Garfield. It is frustrating to drive up and down the avenue with such little choice or poor choice of "healthier" food choices. Arbys does have a great Market Fresh Line. I am glad to see that comming to town. "




Ann wrote on Jun 23, 2008 11:35 PM:

" Hurray for Arby's. Now, how about Wendy's or Chili's? The people of Pierre deserve some variety. "




Happy wrote on Jun 23, 2008 7:07 PM:

" I think that it is great to get a Arby's-when we moved from Rapid a couple of years ago we really missed it. They're sandwiches are great. "




Better quality wrote on Jun 23, 2008 5:29 PM:

" How about a decent sit down restaurant where a person can get more then a burger but not spend a bundle.Perkins will fill a certain niche but we need something like a Friday's or Applebee's.It doesn't even need to be a chain but a local restaurant that serves a decent sandwich,homemade soups,salads besides the sorry lettece salads here,seafood and healthy alternatives like vegetarian meals. Most of the restaurants here seem to get their food from the frozen food section at Sam's Club!Arby's is good but we need better.Enough fast food and pizza joints!Pierre needs a place with inviting atmosphere. "




Hungry wrote on Jun 23, 2008 4:58 PM:

" Please, somebody tell me Wendy's or Culvers will be next! "




agree with JB wrote on Jun 23, 2008 10:02 AM:

" I agree with JB since customer service and work force are hard to come by in this town. Having lived in the Black Hills region for 9 years and moving here, customer service here doesn't hold a candle to the Hills area towns. I am all for growth and development, however. Let's hope it all turns out well. I will definitely support it. "




Kim P. wrote on Jun 23, 2008 7:08 AM:

" To "More fast food"

Have you checked the listing of menu items and the nutritional info about Arby's? I'd have to say that with things like roast beef sandwiches, and the Market Fresh line (with whole wheat bread, and things like the Toasted Pecan Chicken Sandwich) I'd say it's a whole lot healthier to have a meal from Arby's than say McDonald's or Burger King. Though those other restaurants are making a slow switch to "healthy" foods, their biggest profits still come from oversized burgers. "




More Fast Food wrote on Jun 22, 2008 4:34 PM:

" To make your child larger. "




ME wrote on Jun 21, 2008 10:44 PM:

" Would be so nice, hope the plan goes thru "




Old Fogey wrote on Jun 20, 2008 3:59 PM:

" I agree with Outsider. I live and work in E. Pierre and would love a place to grab a burger on my noon hour. The A&W went bust due to terrible service but we could support a good fastfood joint out here. Check out the traffic up Garfield or Harrison over the noon hour. Somebody with a good work ethic and a better banker could make a go of it. May I suggest a Wendy's? "




Wayne wrote on Jun 19, 2008 6:19 PM:

" To GREAT: Ya, like the D&E "




outsider wrote on Jun 19, 2008 5:08 PM:

" It is nice to know Arby's will be downtown.Now if Pierre could get a restaurant near the mall end of town it would be wonderful!! "




Bill wrote on Jun 19, 2008 2:57 PM:

" Whens the Olive Garden coming ? "




JB wrote on Jun 19, 2008 12:45 PM:

" WHO IS FILLING THESE POSITIONS! "




AJ wrote on Jun 19, 2008 11:57 AM:

" I am so excited about this. When me and my family first moved here we were so bummed to not have an Arbys. Everytime we leave town we make sure to find an arbys along the way. Finally we'll have our own. I hope it does well. "




mmmmm wrote on Jun 19, 2008 11:40 AM:

" mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm "




USD Student wrote on Jun 19, 2008 9:44 AM:

" Is our town on a roll or what. Couple hundred jobs here and there with Eagle Creek and the potential fish farm; new hotel and convention center; Perkins restaurant; a new bank moving in from Presho I think; new deep water marina with hotel and restaurant; several new housing developments... Yep things are on the up and up in Pierre everyone should be quite pleased, I know I am. "




GREAT wrote on Jun 19, 2008 8:33 AM:

" YAY! now we need a good old fashioned american diner to be opened! "