Patch Readers Express Concern Over Potential Bennigan's Restaurant

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.

Read the full story here.

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."

Read the full Facebook chat here.

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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