Patch Readers Express Concern Over Potential Bennigan's Restaurant
A recent Patch story garnered lots of chatter on the site and on Facebook. Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
With the news of a Bennigan's restaurant possibly coming to Richfield, Patch readers and Facebook followers sure had a lot of say.
Last week, Patch reported on a strategic partnership between the restaurant chain and Brixmor Property Group to put franchised restaurants in multiple shopping centers across the country. Richfield's former Blockbuster space at Hub Shopping Center—which is owned by Brixmor—has apparently been pre-selected to house a Bennigan's in the future. Of course, an interested party wanting to buy into the franchise is still needed.
While many readers were happy to hear the long-vacant space may be filled, most concerns centered on the sometimes nightmarish parking situation the Hub presents:
On Richfield Patch's Facebook page, Rissa Pahl wrote:
"There is no way they could put a Bennigans there, or any eatery for that matter. That parking lot is a nightmare as it is. PizzaLuce doesn't even have a big enough parking lot, and they don't share theirs with other businesses. If I were them I would consider theold King Oscars location."
Lisa DeMore Rudolph wrote:
"Parking will be a nightmare!"
Sean Johansen referenced the former Bloomington Bennigan's location, which was chain owned and shut abrubtly on Juy 29, 2008 after the company filed for bankruptcy that morning. While he had good things to say about the restaurant, he agreed with others on the parking lot:
"When it was by Southtown in Bloomington it used to be awesome with the specials they did. Not sure if the Richfield location or the new menu is anywhere near as attractive. The hub is a nightmare to navigate as it is."
Others mentioned not being impressed by the food and atmosphere at Bennigan's restaurants as being a turnoff, too.
So, Patch asks: What are your concerns with Bennigan's coming into the Hub? Or are you excited about the prospect? Do you have another idea for the Blockbuster space? Is it another restaurant?
Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
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JoAnn
6:34 am on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
The Hub parking lot should be fixed--regardless of wether or not Bennigan's is there.
Caitlin Burgess
10:05 am on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Agreed. And honestly. I think Brixmor is totally aware of the difficulties the parking lot presents.
On the comments thread of the first article, I mentioned that parking would also be eased during evening hours, as that will likely be a peak time for the restaurant and closed or low points for other shops. Just my two cents, though.
Sherree Stratton
7:42 am on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
I think the parking would be okay if they made the main door on the 65th street side.
Barry L
8:33 am on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Wow who would not want a Bennigans ? Parking issue might be, but only at peak hours...We need quality business to come to Richfield. We send a message that we are not welcoming and business will not even look. at Richfield..Just a thought, if the owners are reading this blog, redesign the entry into and out of the Hub Parking lot, Or here is another thought. Look what they did at Pin strips in Ednia, build a Retail store on the bottom and parking on top. Invest money into the property.
Tony Zimmerman
9:34 am on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Knock down the hub and re-do it. That place is ridden with crime and looks old.
Mike E
11:32 pm on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Tony, We (the citizens of Richfield) just finished paying for the hub with TIF expiring. Let us at least get SOME benefit before throwing more TIF at it.
Tony Zimmerman
8:36 pm on Saturday, January 19, 2013
I am a Richfield citizen. The Hub has been around since my mother-in-law was a child. To give you perspective, her house was destroyed for TH 62, it is old, has a terrible parking lot, and we always see police activity while I am there.
barb teed
9:54 am on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Bennigans had terrible food and service when it was at Bloomington's Southtown area. Parking was eased with the adjoining large parking lot that also serves Southtown Bowling Lanes; the St. Patrick's Day tent/event was packed so I can't even imagine the parking nightmare that already is The Hub.
Angela
9:59 am on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
I agree that parking would be a night mare and that The Hub needs to be updated/redone, altogether. But I do like Bennigan's, although I can't imagine it in that space. We could use a Taco John's or Ci Ci's pizza around here!
Jodi Olson
10:13 am on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
I think Bennigans would be a welcome sight to a place that is getting run down. Parking would not be good in front of the place but on the side, closer to Rainbow, there is often a lot of open space. Bennigans offers great food and specials which will encourage people to dine in Richfield.
Juniper
11:58 am on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
We used to go for the 2-1 burger specials .... and the veggie burger was yummy. I think they revamped the menu since they went under.
ann delaney
12:21 pm on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
I liked Bennigan's and went there often. Why do we need another pizza place. We already have six in the area. True, parking is a nightmare. If that was redone, then another restaurant would be possible, And there already are two entrances from 65th.
Annie S.
8:17 am on Thursday, January 17, 2013
I agree with the person who said if they do this, the main entry should be on the 65th street side. There's actually quite a lot of spots back there that are rarely used. Evidently it's not common knowledge (or people forget) that you can "cut thru" to the front of the mall via a hallway (In between Foot Locker and the Dollar Store).
Melissa Brager
9:59 am on Friday, January 18, 2013
Hilarious comments. This isn't about the restaurant or the food or the amount of available parking. It is about general displeasure around the worst parking lot ever created. It's the Hubs little claim to fame.
Lisa
4:57 pm on Thursday, February 7, 2013
I'm just curious as to how a Bennigans would fit in the old blockbuster. I mean you need to put a kitchen in there and then a bar plus tables. That blockbuster was tiny!!