The Triangle is now amongst only a handful of metropolitian areas to receive 2 or more of the famous Cheesecake Factory Resturants. The second location will be at Durham's Southpoint Mall. And is expected to open this fall. This follows the opening of the first location at Raleigh's Crabtree Valley mall, a location that has been very successful.

Yes, another sign of the Triangle's steady income base. Now all we have to do is wait for Neiman Marcus to take over Lord and Taylors spot at Crabtree Valley, and the triangle will be in another league.

http://www.newsobserver.com/business/story/2314031p-8692367c.html (Raleigh News and Observer- April 15, 2005)

cool, I love the Moose Cheesecake, man it is soooooooooooooooooooooooooo gooooooooooood.

This certainly demonstrates that major chains have begun seeing the Triangle as a good place to operate. On the other hand, there is nothing about Cheesecake Factory that screams elegance and upscale feel. Judging from their Crabtree Valley Mall location, there isn't any reason for me to wait more than 15 minutes to be seated. Their cheesecakes are great, though. Upscale retail, however, is a far more desirable addition and would do a lot more to demonstrate the purchasing power of this area's residents, which is real. Realistically, I would expect Charlotte to get something major first; yes, I know, it could happen here, as well.

If we can get some upscale residential projects around Fayetteville Street, we may also see interest in a store as upscale as Neiman Marcus coming to DT Raleigh ;) Well, I won't hold my breath, at least for another 10-15 years.

McFabulous!
:D

Shut Up! hahahaha

McFabulous!
:D
McCheesy!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is Carytown Mall a 'major' player in the mall scene in the Triangle? I'm hoping they get some better retail there.

Is Carytown Mall a 'major' player in the mall scene in the Triangle? I'm hoping they get some better retail there.

You mean Cary Towne Center, or whatever the hell their goofy spelling is? :D

It is a decent but small regional mall, and it is convenient for people there in the older part of Cary (Walnut St, Cary High School vicinity, downtown, etc), but it just can't begin to approach the likes of Crabtree, et al.

People in NW Cary (Preston, Weston) and Morrisville often take the trip to South Pointe or Triangle Towne Center because they are much larger. Also the I-40 and I-540 freeways make access very convenient for such people.

People in south Cary (MacGregor, Wimbledon, Lochmere), may just opt for Crabtree or the new North Hills because it is only about 5-7 more miles or so up the freeway (US 1/I-440 Beltline).

Perhaps in the future Cary Towne Center will see a new assortment of retailers or another expansion (a HUGE one occured back in 1990, gives you an idea of how small the mall was back when it was built in the late 70s)

I liked it alot...it just had very limited clothing retail, IMO. Everything else was pretty impressive, IMO.

It is just another chain with some interesting architecture, but the Symphony Salad is awesome.

I have a feeling that sometime in the next 5-10 yrs a new, large mall will open in Cary or one of the surrounding towns that will kill Cary Towne Center. I mean Cary is such a wealthy and upscale area to have such a plain, not really upscale mall. I live a few miles down the road from the mall but I don't go there much, last time I did it seemed as if there were more empty storefronts then a few yrs back, and parts of the mall still has a '70's/'80's feel to it.

I recommend the bang bang chicken and shrimp

they have most delicious cheesecakes.

And the Salmon is decent too, but I shudder to think of what aquafarms they come from.

The real question is: Does RD have a Saks Fifth Avenue and if so, how many? :)

The real question is: Does RD have a Saks Fifth Avenue and if so, how many? :)

Yes, one.

This is great news for the Triangle. I know Durham is part of the greater Triangle area of over 1 million people, but I think it’s just so neat how a little town like Durham has such high end retailers like Cole Haan, Nordstrom etc.

On another note, I know this thread is about Durham, but could Charlotte see a possible trend here…

Morton's Steak House – Uptown location & SouthPark location

McCormick & Schmick Seafood – SouthPark location & Uptown location

The Cheesecake Factory – SouthPark location…Uptown location???

Cross your fingers. You got to think though that if Charlotte ever got another location, that’s where it would go.

Cross your fingers. You got to think though that if Charlotte ever got another location, that’s where it would go.

Of course that's where we'd all want it, but I wouldn't be surprised to see one in Ballantyne before Uptown...

Why is it a big deal that another chain restaurant opened?

I think it would definetly go to Ballantyne or Northlake before Uptown, and that's fine. Have you seen the lunch crowd? It's soccer moms, and the dinner crowd is everyone celebrating some kids 12th birthday.

I've eaten at the two in Atlanta and the one in Charlotte a few times and while it's good, it certainly doesn't justify the wait by people thinking they are sampling big city cusine. It wouldn't fly with the corporate crowd downtown where dessert is pretty much taboo.

To be honest, I think the Cheesecake Factory is ruining its fun and upscale image by opening so many locations. I mean, there are now three in the metro Atlanta area alone! It used to be a destination, now it’s just becoming a new type of Chilis. Like someone said earlier, McCheesy, a not so experience. I’m getting tired of every great idea having to duplicate itself over and over again for the sake of money. Eventually, the great idea turns into a “theme” and becomes a franchise and from there is onto homogenous oblivion. Maybe I’m going overboard, and I’m not trying to say the Triangle isn’t deserving of a Cheesecake Factory, I’m just ranting about how nothing is unique and special anymore…

I am going to say something along the same premise, many 'upscale' chains lost their 'premier' status when they opened 543958 locations. (Saks, CCF, PF Changs) they never were that expensive, the only thing they had was that you could only get them in larger cities and no offence but now that you have them in Indianapolis, Louisville nashville (soon) etc basically anyone over a mil has em, its just like a red lobster now sadly ... now we wait for the next status symbol chain to mark us :)

I am going to say something along the same premise, many 'upscale' chains lost their 'premier' status when they opened 543958 locations. (Saks, CCF, PF Changs) they never were that expensive, the only thing they had was that you could only get them in larger cities and no offence but now that you have them in Indianapolis, Louisville nashville (soon) etc basically anyone over a mil has em, its just like a red lobster now sadly ... now we wait for the next status symbol chain to mark us :)


I’ll also echo what you are saying (and others) and add one more. The Mills malls!!!!!!! Now these aren’t upscale, but at one point it was thought to be pretty prestigious if your community had one. Charlotte residents boasted and bragged when they got Concord Mills. At the time it opened, the ones in Atlanta and Nashville hadn’t opened yet. Now look. Almost every single state in the country has one somewhere…and they all look the same. To me, you can’t even brag about them being “destination” attractions anymore. I mean really, if you visit Charlotte from Nashville, Atlanta, Dallas, DC, etc…are you really going to go to Concord Mills???? Why would you, they’re all the same!!!!!!!!!!

Franklin Mills!!

i wouldnt use this place to measure too much anymore. they are expanding a lot now that they created a name for their business. they will expand, make some money, and will fade into the 'regular' scene.

I am going to say something along the same premise, many 'upscale' chains lost their 'premier' status when they opened 543958 locations. (Saks, CCF, PF Changs) they never were that expensive, the only thing they had was that you could only get them in larger cities and no offence but now that you have them in Indianapolis, Louisville nashville (soon) etc basically anyone over a mil has em, its just like a red lobster now sadly ... now we wait for the next status symbol chain to mark us :)
Exactly my point. Just think of how much cooler the Cheesecake Factory would be if the only one that existed was, say, in Buckhead, then it would be something to take Aunt Tilly and the cousins to when they came to town.

I’ll also echo what you are saying (and others) and add one more. The Mills malls!!!!!!! Now these aren’t upscale, but at one point it was thought to be pretty prestigious if your community had one. Charlotte residents boasted and bragged when they got Concord Mills. At the time it opened, the ones in Atlanta and Nashville hadn’t opened yet. Now look. Almost every single state in the country has one somewhere…and they all look the same. To me, you can’t even brag about them being “destination” attractions anymore. I mean really, if you visit Charlotte from Nashville, Atlanta, Dallas, DC, etc…are you really going to go to Concord Mills???? Why would you, they’re all the same!!!!!!!!!!
I agree with you, the Mills are no longer anything more special than McDonalds, and I especially hate the Discover Mills in Atlanta. There is absolutely nothing to it except a flashy, neon design. The shopping is horrible, and the traffic sucks to get there. They located it in an area already saturated with mall retail, and I think they are actually struggling. They put an AMC Theatre in there in order to attract more business. Kinda funny. Me? If I must go to a suburban mall, I much prefer the Mall of Georgia a couple exits up the freeway.

i wouldnt use this place to measure too much anymore. they are expanding a lot now that they created a name for their business. they will expand, make some money, and will fade into the 'regular' scene.
They will enter Themeland, and live next to Planet Hollywood, Hardrock Cafe, and Fudruckers! yee haa!

i was going to say that but i didnt want that 'edited by style on..' line. lol.

:D

Good news I guess.. Louisville will probably open its second location in the next year in the new Jefferonville Town Center in Indiana (5 miles from downtown). It isnt set in stone or even talked about but I would not be surprised. Im not surprised at the Triangles new location either.

http://www.somethingcreative.ca/archives/erico_04-Feb-05.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/MIIAIIRIIK/ForumFun/Interesting.jpg

:lol:

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Richmond has all of these chains in the suburbs -- CCF, PFChang, Flemings, Copper Grille Lobster & Steak House, Ruth's Chris, Brio Tuscan Grille, Maggiano's, etc. etc. etc. And, as in every other Metro, long waits are the norm.

But the good food is downtown in Richmond's excellent home-grown restaurants. One of them, LEMAIRE in the Jefferson Hotel, carries 5 diamonds from AAA and 4 stars from Mobil. Others are POMEGRANATE, the famous TOBACCO COMPANY, MILLIE'S, SENSI, and THE DINING ROOM AT THE BERKLEY to name a few. There are only two chains downtown -- MORTON'S and OLD ORIGINAL BOOKBINDERS.

Ahh and Old Original Bookbinder's is hardly a chain. They have the original in Philly and a lighter Bookbinder's Grille in Midlothian.

This thread has lots of information!!!

And yet, these chain businesses are valuable to a city. My aunt from Winston-Salem always laments when she visits me in DC how the Triad doesn't have the basic shopping and dining options like the Cheesecake Factory, Ruth's Chris, Trader Joe's, Johnny Rockets, Urban Outfitters, or Neiman Marcus. Just having the option of going to these familiar businesses does signal to people that a city or area is a major metropolitan area.

So by only having just one Cheesecake Factory, does that make Birmingham a one horse town...lol.

No - at least it has one!

No - at least it has one!

I hope you didnt take my post the wrong way, I was being sarcastic. If having a Chessecake Factory or any other retail chain makes or breaks your metro area, then something is wrong.

wow. this thread was and OLD one.

I hope you didnt take my post the wrong way, I was being sarcastic. If having a Chessecake Factory or any other retail chain makes or breaks your metro area, then something is wrong.

pretty much.

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http://www.somethingcreative.ca/archives/erico_04-Feb-05.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/MIIAIIRIIK/ForumFun/Interesting.jpg

:lol:

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:hilarious :rofl:

So by only having just one Cheesecake Factory, does that make Birmingham a one horse town...lol.

One horse is still better than no horse.

OMG, GOTTA HAVE TRENDY STORES LIKE EVERYWHERE ELSE TO DEFINE THE METRO!!!

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I could not possibly care less about this if I tried. Nothing like having all the same chain store crap as every other city in the Southeast to give a place some personality!!

The Triangle Area has officially arrived.

Congrats.

And yet, these chain businesses are valuable to a city. My aunt from Winston-Salem always laments when she visits me in DC how the Triad doesn't have the basic shopping and dining options like the Cheesecake Factory, Ruth's Chris, Trader Joe's, Johnny Rockets, Urban Outfitters, or Neiman Marcus. Just having the option of going to these familiar businesses does signal to people that a city or area is a major metropolitan area.

These "upscale" kinda places are slowly making its way to the Triad. Brooks Brothers is opening a retail store (not outlet store) at the Shops at Friendly west of downtown Greensboro. It will be the first major upscale chain to enter the Triad market. As for Cheesecake Factory, dont be surprised to see one open at the Shops at Friendly (phase 2 development). In the meantime Greensboro and Winston-Salem can enjoy their home brand cheesecake store called "Cheesecakes by Alex" located in both downtowns. They have delicious key lime cheesecakes btw.

Since when has the Cheesecake Factory been upscale???

yes they have good cheesecakes and some good dishes, but I dont think I consider this place upscale, nor unique. maybe just overpriced for some dishes. I hope Kona Grill doesn't turn into a major chain ever. thats a place I really like.

Does columbia have one yet?

Does columbia have one yet?

nope; none in SC...nor Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas.

three in North Carolina though...they're so haute and urbane.

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I guess the sun will shine brighter and the sky will be even more blue when Neiman Marcus, and the like finally arrive in the Birmingham market. What happened to the days when Wal-Mart coming to your locale ment something..LOL.

Shouldnt it be a crime for paying too much for cheesecake?.

Exactly my point. Just think of how much cooler the Cheesecake Factory would be if the only one that existed was, say, in Buckhead, then it would be something to take Aunt Tilly and the cousins to when they came to town.

Hmmm, I have an Aunt Tillie in Atlanta. (not a real aunt, one of those "friends of your parents' aunts, lol)

:banana:

I enjoy the cheesecake factory. Why the hate? Any metro would desire to have one if possible in my opinion. Their cheesecakes are definitely not overrated.

Crabcakes are excellent with many other dishes that they serve.

It's definitely one of the better chains. The notion that non-chains and urban makes it BETTER is rather mindboggling to me.

One of the BEST seafood chains is Pappadeaux; can't wait for the Triangle to get one of those.


Having the ability to cater to certain high end restaurants and retail (non-chain or chain) does state something about your metropolitans overall economic viability; just a fact, no matter how you slice it, no pun intended.

^ Pappadeaux...now that would be a cool chain to have.

personally, i find regional chains more interesting, something you can't eat at back home.

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I think that Durhamite summed it up pretty well :okay: I never had problems with Cheesecake Factory's food, plus their cheesecakes are very good. A bit too pricey for my taste, which is why I go to the nearby Barnes & Noble and I enjoy a smaller, but cheaper slice - Cheesecake Factory supplies B&N with cheesecakes. Allow me to say that some of you guys are making a big deal out this. In the Triangle, we couldn't care less about Cheesecake Factory, but there is an advantage, particularly for an area that has about a dozen hotels - I am talking about Crabtree Valley, where our first Cheesecake Factory location opened. As mentioned above, having this type of chains has to do more with the economic growth of the area and less with the options. Just my 2 cents...

Out of morbid curiosity how much does a slice of cheesecake cost at the Cheesecake Factory? It's not in the $5-$10 range is it? I've heard that the food at the C.F. is blah and overpriced and the cheesecake is good but kind of expensive as well, not really worth the wait and price (hearsay, I've never been there)...

What is The Triangle or Triad in N. Carolina? Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill or Greensboro/High Point/Winston Salem? Or perhaps another trio of cities?

Whew! I'm glad this thread was started in 2005.
For a minute I thought there was still someone that thought that cheesy (or cheescakey) chain restaurants make a city any more special than the 100s of other places that have the same chain. :gossip: Some unique and local establishments on the Raleigh main street (name?) would be 1000 times more interesting.

@NCMike1981: The food is not really overpriced. You get enought to take home with you, and it is tasty - I can only speak for the Raleigh location. The prices for the cheescakes are between $7 and $8, which is a lot, but if you split it with someone else it sounds like a better deal.

@Burt: The Triangle consists of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. The Triad consists of Greensboro, Winston Salem and High Point.

@gwiATLeman: Raleigh's main street is called Fayetteville Str. It has a far more unique look and character, so even a chain restaurant wouldn't look as bad if located here. As for the food, it all depends on the cooks ;) For visitors not familiar with Raleigh, a decent chain establishment is a safe choice. I work P/T for a family-owned restaurant and I know how much people appreciate the uniqueness, but not everybody knows us. I guess, chains are mostly good destinations for visitors and newcomers. Personally, I prefer a more unique place.

LSyd.....do you think greenville will get a cheesecake factory before columbia or vice versa or do you really care ( probably not)?

LSyd.....do you think greenville will get a cheesecake factory before columbia or vice versa or do you really care ( probably not)?

not that i care, but i bet if they opened one in SC, it would be in Charleston. and not really for the locals.

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I enjoy the cheesecake factory. Why the hate? Any metro would desire to have one if possible in my opinion. Their cheesecakes are definitely not overrated.

Crabcakes are excellent with many other dishes that they serve.

It's definitely one of the better chains. The notion that non-chains and urban makes it BETTER is rather mindboggling to me.

One of the BEST seafood chains is Pappadeaux; can't wait for the Triangle to get one of those.


Having the ability to cater to certain high end restaurants and retail (non-chain or chain) does state something about your metropolitans overall economic viability; just a fact, no matter how you slice it, no pun intended.


See I think Pappadeux is awful. I ate at one in Houston and it was just this side of Red Lobster.

BTW, I don't know when a Cheesecake Factory will open in Columbia, but I prefer to support locally-owned businesses whenever possible so I doubt I would eat there much.

LSyd.....do you think greenville will get a cheesecake factory before columbia or vice versa or do you really care ( probably not)?

Not that it matters, but since Greenville received the states first P.F.Changs, the first Flemings, Whole Foods, etc. there is a good chance it would be Greenville. P.F.Changs and Cheescake Factory tend to cluster together as they serve the same demographic.

I too detest chain food and like to support local places, however these mega chains do major demographic studies, and when cities receive these places, it's a testament to the cities buying power, consumer expenditures, etc.....for what that's worth. :blahblah:

These "upscale" kinda places are slowly making its way to the Triad. Brooks Brothers is opening a retail store (not outlet store) at the Shops at Friendly west of downtown Greensboro. It will be the first major upscale chain to enter the Triad market. As for Cheesecake Factory, dont be surprised to see one open at the Shops at Friendly (phase 2 development). In the meantime Greensboro and Winston-Salem can enjoy their home brand cheesecake store called "Cheesecakes by Alex" located in both downtowns. They have delicious key lime cheesecakes btw.

Winston doesn't have a "Cheesecakes by Alex."

The "F" in P. F. Changs stands for Fleming. He owns (or did own) both chains.

The only things "Chinese" about Changs are the name and food.

See I think Pappadeux is awful. I ate at one in Houston and it was just this side of Red Lobster.

BTW, I don't know when a Cheesecake Factory will open in Columbia, but I prefer to support locally-owned businesses whenever possible so I doubt I would eat there much.

My experience at the Cheesecake Factory was observing a bunch of overweight people become even more overweight by the huge portions.

I know this is a triangle thread and all, but will Charlotte ever get a Houston's?

The P.F. Chang's stands for Paul Fleming. He started both P.F. Chang's and Fleming's Steakhouse.

into another Atlanta with all the chain resturaunts. This is why cities like Boston, New York, DC , Philly and Baltimore are much more exciting.

Not that it matters, but since Greenville received the states first P.F.Changs, the first Flemings, Whole Foods, etc. there is a good chance it would be Greenville. P.F.Changs and Cheescake Factory tend to cluster together as they serve the same demographic.

I too detest chain food and like to support local places, however these mega chains do major demographic studies, and when cities receive these places, it's a testament to the cities buying power, consumer expenditures, etc.....for what that's worth. :blahblah:

into another Atlanta with all the chain resturaunts. This is why cities like Boston, New York, DC , Philly and Baltimore are much more exciting.

Sounds like another person that visits Atlanta's suburbs and thinks they know anything about Atlanta.:nono:

^ Indeed. I don't think I've ever eaten at a chain restaurant in the city of Atlanta (except a bad experience at Hard Rock Cafe). And what's the deal anyway? So Applebee's makes your town boring?

I am going to say something along the same premise, many 'upscale' chains lost their 'premier' status when they opened 543958 locations. (Saks, CCF, PF Changs) they never were that expensive, the only thing they had was that you could only get them in larger cities and no offence but now that you have them in Indianapolis, Louisville nashville (soon) etc basically anyone over a mil has em, its just like a red lobster now sadly ... now we wait for the next status symbol chain to mark us

Yep the only difference is now that most of the country can taste the crappy food at the Cheesecake Factory etc.

Perhaps if the shortened their menu be 10 or so pages and (and also the ads in it) they might make a few good things than a lot of crap.

into another Atlanta with all the chain resturaunts. This is why cities like Boston, New York, DC , Philly and Baltimore are much more exciting.

Uh, you do realize that Boston, NYC, DC, Balt, and Philly have all these popular chain restaurants, have more of them, and have had them longer?