We need better restaurants not another care care/tire place.

I think what would be ideal for the Border's location would be a Trader Joe's store or even a small scale Whole Foods. We don't have anything like that in the area and it would be a perfect fit. It has adequate parking and is easily accessible. Restaurants are certainly always a good thing, something more than fast food, we do need more sit down locations and more upscale. With only O'Charley's and Red Lobster in that immediate area, we could use more choice locations.

First, I think a Trader Joe's would be a WONDERFUL boost to the economy of Austell and the west cobb area in general. It's a healthier forward-looking goal that Austell could use. Also a friendly, safe, senior citizen focused community park and garden. Lastly, I think the city should really seek out and encourage locally owned businesses much more-so then other companies to open around Austell. I grew up in this area and it breaks my heart to see how flip-flop the businesses are and run down the area has become. Austell needs conceit commitments for a longer and frankly more polished-cared for city.

How about Bed Bath and Beyond?????

One would think with Cobb General Hospital being a major employer and a draw for that area, we would have at least better restaurants around it. Its not like its South Fulton Hospital that very close the hoods of Atlanta. I'm glad to see more business openings in that area as it needs it, this was our regional destination years ago that drew people from neighboring areas to shop. When the other areas got built up, we lost the regional shoppers. We need more things that will excite locals such as a coffee shop, sit down eateries, family entertainment and more. Big Box is not going to be our saving grace anymore. We need some innovative entrepreneurs and small business owners to come in and setup shop.

Why not put another grocery story somewhere along that cooridor. There are 3 on Floyd Road right across the street from one another and they all seem to be doing fine. Initially I thought a restaurant, but we have Red Lobster, and O'Charley's. Chili's is across the street from them and Long Horn a block away. What upscale restaurant chains are there and would it survive in that area?

A Trader Joe's would be a delight! We use the organic products from Publix all the time (often begging the management to order our favorites). The drive to Harry's is a chore, not the delight it should be. If folks drive the distance to those items, they will appreciate the shorter trip to a place that offers healthier items locally. Bring on Joe's or Whole Foods!
I also think a healthier buffet option would do well. I would visit Sweet Tomatoes twice a week if there was one up the street. The thought of their blueberry muffins alone make drool. A well-done salad bar could give the Corral's chocolate fountain a run for it's money.

Also, when it comes to restaurants, don't overlook our hidden gem. Giovanni's (in front of empty BJ's) is fresh and delicious. Well worth the wait for a properly prepared meal.

I would also suggest a Panera Bread - coffee/bagels/muffins for the am.

Glad you mentioned Giovanni's, forget about them.

I drive all the way to Roswell, Sandy Springs & Monroe to shop at Trader Joe's. My sister is the store Manager at the Sandy Springs location. They put their stores where the demographics show prosperity. The closest may be Smyrna if ever.

Being a retail online business owner, we've been trying for over 2 years to find a retail spot in the area that doesn't take everything from our profits in overhead. Property owners would rather take the loss off on their tax returns than to come down on the price of their leases. Property owners don't care about the community - if it sits empty for years or has a title pawn leasing from them. It's about their bottom line!

Thanks Kiri, for revealing the BALANCED ATTRITION! All change is NOT bad; most make room for GREATER opportunity for our area. Thank you and South Cobb Patch for all you do!!

We need a Chipolte! The problem is, if no one in the area supports the businesses, they will fail. Our family enjoyed Taco Mac and Ted's and frequented both often. We are so sad to see them go. The lesson is shop local! It would be great if some of the old empty buildings were leveled! Trader Joe's would be a nice additon. Then the Smynings group wouldn't have to drive to Buckhead or East Cobb either!

I contacted the Real Estate division of Trader Joe's and gave them the address of the old Border's store. It is in a nice shopping center, adequate parking and yes with the Vinings to the SE and Douglasville to the west, I believe it could draw in a nice crowd from several areas. It's centrally located for drawing people from Smyrna, Douglasville, Austell and Vinings. It would fill a need for the type food they have that no one else near us sales at this point. If more of you go on line to Traderjoes.com and suggest this location, who knows? We have some great facilities nearby, do we have anyone in our area that oversees economic development, a commissioner or anyone? Do we have an economic development group to work for our area with potential bubsinesses and the local government to offer tax incentives? If not let's put one together and help move the Austell/Mableton area forward.

A local TJ or alternative to the regular Harry's/whole foods drive would be awesome. It would draw folks from Mableton as well. I agree, let's dream BIG and continue to support local endeavors.