Erewhon’s Post

Downtown revitalization is a common theme for cities looking to drive economic and community growth, and Olathe, Kansas, is no exception. According to Olivia Acree, KSHB / KMCI / The EW Scripps Company, as the city partners with Retail Strategies to implement its Elevate Olathe plan, the goal is to transform the area into a vibrant retail and restaurant hub. Business owners like Douglas Frick of Park Street Pastry Company have been anticipating this kind of change for years, hoping for more traffic and activity during business hours. Investing nearly $50,000 in consulting services might seem steep, but as Jenn Gregory, President of Downtown Strategies, points out, it’s a key step toward “locking arms” with city officials to jumpstart real progress. However, a major concern for local businesses is whether these efforts will truly drive meaningful foot traffic. Events are being hosted, but more retail and daytime business activity is needed to create a sustainable economic shift. The question remains: Will Olathe’s vision for a revitalized downtown align with the needs of its local businesses? Only time—and engagement with the community at the upcoming kickoff event—will tell. https://lnkd.in/gJdJhPzX #HalifaxWest #WinTogether #capitaladvisory #MandA #restructuring #operatingadvisory #DowntownRevitalization #UrbanPlanning #SmallBusinessChallenges #EconomicGrowth #CommunityDevelopment

Once Roanoke's sleepier blue-collar neighbor, Vinton has seen big things happening over the last decade, where $50 million of private investment has filled once-empty buildings with restaurants, coffee shops and retail businesses. Vacant former school buildings have become apartments, bringing residents closer to the business district, and more downtown development is on the way. Learn more: Story link in comments.

Find out how high-end steakhouse president leads others, what is happening with the redevelopment of DeSoto Square Mall, and what lessons Tampa deli owner reflects on after five decades. Read all about it in this week's #LQCRE #TampaBay #LQTPA #Retail #News Brief.

Buc-ee's - Known for clean bathrooms is their UVP (unique value proposition.) This convenience store has always fascinated me. There is no doubt that looking for bathrooms "off the highway" can be dicey. My wife and our daughters would almost universally say, high risk trying to find one that feels clean and safe to use - I have traveled for over 30 years but never went into one of these or seen one until reading about it a few years ago. If you are in the area where they are located, and you have interest in how brands win, this is worth a visit. - If you work for, own, or starting a brand, sometimes we overthink or undervalue having a UVP. It is worth exploring if your brand has the clarity for consumers. - They drive higher traffic, conversation, and ticket in their stores than most if not all other competitors and it starts with simply having clean bathrooms. Thoughts? #vistage #branding #leadership #innovation https://lnkd.in/eAJj2JiC

🏙️ Exploring New Paths for Charlotte's Growth! 🌟 The recent Axios Charlotte article about the transformation of Gibson Mill into a bustling community hub in Concord, NC, opens up a powerful dialogue about the positives of urban development. As Charlotte continues to expand, it's crucial we rethink our city's growth strategies and include urban success in the discussions if we want to be a healthy city.  While efforts have been focused on integrating the fringes into uptown, we might be overlooking a golden opportunity: creating regional centers. By developing these hubs, we can attract big businesses and employers, fostering economic growth and community in areas beyond the city center. Let's envision a future where Charlotte grows not just in size but in depth, offering multiple areas that cater to a diverse community. 🌍💼 🔗 READ MORE: https://lnkd.in/e69Jq8eA #charlottenc #charlotte #uptownclt #mecklenburgcounty #rebic #joinrebic #cltcc #concordnc #cabarruscounty #cabarruscountync #gibsonmill #gibsonmillmarket

Plans for 168 new homes have been submitted for the site of the historic Caledonian Brewery in Edinburgh. The brewery closed in 2022 after 153 years, with the loss of 30 jobs. It was the last major brewery in the city. At the time its owner Heineken blamed the Victorian infrastructure at the plant, which they said meant it was no longer economically viable as production fell over the last decade. Artisan Real Estate announced its takeover of the 1.9-acre site in December. Its development proposal includes plans to repurpose the old brewery buildings and roll-out a mix of sustainable flats and houses across the site. Its development proposal includes plans to repurpose the old brewery buildings and roll out a mix of sustainable flats and houses across the site. The Caledonian was founded in 1869 by George Lorimer and Robert Clark. Most of the listed buildings on the site date from the late 19th to early 20th century. The existing brewhouse and maltings were built in 1892 following designs by Edinburgh architect Robert Hamilton Paterson, who also designed the Royal Scots War Memorial in the city’s St Giles Cathedral. Heineken took over the operation of the brewery in 2008 after acquiring Scottish & Newcastle. But the company later said modernising the site was not financially viable. Read more ➡️ https://buff.ly/3yai6t4 The Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network is here to support your business - reach out to share your views, concerns and opportunities. #SCCnews #businesssupport #businessnetwork #businessvoice #businessleader Sign up for the Scottish Chambers of Commerce enewsletter at https://buff.ly/3CpsQnu

There are two types of downtowns. The ones that have convenient, small businesses in ground floor storefronts, and those that have a district brand and each business offers brand engagement opportunities and an experience for each visitor, local or not. Both work in their own right, both offer needed services and both have a place. The first type is more prevalent. It exists in both stagnant and active downtowns. It makes up the bulk of Main Street districts. There’s a few mavericks that are ready to become something different. Downtowns are not a bunch of businesses, just like a restaurant is not a bunch of dishes. The successful restaurant has a solid story, superb hospitality, managers willing to step into the line if a cook doesn’t show up, and an unparalleled experience for both staff and guests. Few downtowns market them from that perspective. Most just show the dishes and hope some will pick up on how delicious they look. People, however, are looking for the whole experience, not just a dish they can order online. Restaurants that succeed don’t sell dishes but time well spent. Downtowns spend countless resources marketing details. See the difference? Be a Main Street Maverick.

🍂 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝘁, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵: 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗤𝟰 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 Klocke Estate Distillery Michael and I had the pleasure of visiting the stunning Klocke Estate in Hudson, NY, which recently opened its doors this August. We were fortunate enough to meet the owners, tour their beautifully crafted distillery, and learn about their vision for creating various types of brandy. One moment that truly stood out was hearing them say, "𝙄𝙛 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙣𝙤𝙬, 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣?" — an inspiring reminder that dreams are worth chasing. The view of the vineyards, where they are just beginning to grow their own grapes, was a metaphor for their journey and growth. During our tour, they were receiving a plum delivery for their next venture in brandy making—another dream in the making. As we discussed their inspiring path, it made me reflect on my own achievements and the dreams I continue to work towards. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗼 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀' 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴. 💡 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗤𝟰: • Cash is King: Ensure your financials are in order as you pivot into the new quarter. • Efficiency Matters: Explore new tools that can support your business as we wrap up the year. • Plan Ahead: Use this moment of reflection to strategize and ensure success into 2024. As we enjoy these final moments of summer, now is the time to set the groundwork for a strong finish. 💬 What dreams are you working towards? Care to share? #KlockeEstate #Q4Planning #LeadershipInBusiness #StrategicSuccess #CashIsKing

Here’s the scoop!

Price Brothers Development is thrilled to announce the next phase of growth at Bluhawk, reinforcing our commitment to investing in Overland Park’s continued development. The upcoming expansion will feature an exciting entertainment hub designed to enhance community engagement and attract visitors from across the region. Key highlights of the new development include: ● A state-of-the-art 18-hole miniature golf course and family-friendly playground ● A two-story indoor/outdoor bar and restaurant offering a unique dining experience ● 12 pickleball courts (8 indoor and 4 outdoor) for year-round recreation ● A significant retail expansion with over 230,000 square feet of additional space, including multitenant restaurant and retail buildings This new phase will seamlessly connect the existing AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk with a dynamic retail and entertainment district, reinforcing Bluhawk’s position as a premier destination for sports, dining, and leisure. Construction is set to begin this summer, with completion expected in 2026. We are excited to partner with JLL, Klover Architects, and Olsson to bring this vision to life and continue fueling Overland Park’s growth and economic vitality. Read More: https://bizj.us/1qmung