Franklin Street

[jonknee]

Originally Posted by jamesk

Has the food changed at all or did they keep the original staff?

It was and is still a family restaurant, so it's a new family making the food. As far as I know, it's an all new staff.

[ATampaArnold]

Is the food different. I thought it was just okay last time.

[jonknee]

Originally Posted by ATampaArnold

Is the food different. I thought it was just okay last time.

Since it's all new staff/owners, I'd give it another try. I liked the pad Thai I got, but I've only been once. It was quick for takeout too, which is nice.

[jamesk]

Oh it was quick? A couple times I was there under the old ownership, it was painfully slow.. That's good news!

[jonknee]

Originally Posted by jamesk

Oh it was quick? A couple times I was there under the old ownership, it was painfully slow.. That's good news!

Maybe 10 minutes, probably less, from walking in and looking at the menu to walking out the door. It was very quick.

[Del Mayberry]

Duckweed was on ABC news tonight but I can't find the video. It was just showing how DT is coming back to life.

[jonknee]

Originally Posted by Del Mayberry

Duckweed was on ABC news tonight but I can't find the video. It was just showing how DT is coming back to life.

Here's the article / video:

http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/new...tion-for-tampa

[jamesk]

The "Whatever" pops at Duckweed (from the St. Pete Saturday Morning Market lady) are a great treat.

Concerning the food at the new Si-Am Thai: I have been twice over the past few days, I tried the pad thai and the beef panang curry and the taste was much improved! I liked it a lot more.

I have had both dishes under the previous ownership and they can't compare.

This is a win!

[Del Mayberry]

Originally Posted by jonknee

Here's the article / video:

http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/new...tion-for-tampa

Thanks. This place is so small that people don't even notice it. I think a dt Publix would cripple it or even put it out of biz.

[Outsidethebox]

Originally Posted by Del Mayberry

I think a dt Publix would cripple it or even put it out of biz.

There is a Publix downtown, right off Platt and Bayshore! Walking distance between the two is under a mile.

I've been to Duckweed a few times. They have a few things going for them that Publix or chain stores don't. The few times I've been there they've asked if there is a particular product I'd like to see in the store, the one on one with customers is great. They also carry niche and local product which is cool. They cater to a different market imop than a larger store would.

The likelyhood of a larger grocer opening in the Core of downtown, probably wont happen anytime soon, gives duckweed time to develop a good customer base.

Channelside at Grand Central might be the closest to actually getting something, but we've been hearing that for awhile now..

[Del Mayberry]

I just wonder if people in Skypoint, Element walk to that Publix. They would still need to drive there if they need lots of groceries. I really love the Greenwise on Armenia and thought Publix downtown could be built the same way. But yeah, even though Publix is buying up Albertsons & they are dominating, it would still be a big risk for them in dt as welll as any other grocery store. Plus Franklin is too tight so it would have to go somewhere else.

[Outsidethebox]

I doubt many at all walk that far, ride a bike there maybe. I've walked/biked there a few times but I live much closer to it. I have a few times found it convenient coming off 275 on the downtown exit to stop and park right in front of Duckweed grab a few things and continue home.

I would like to see a larger non chain market open up that carries a fuller selection of food though.

I'm so jealous of my sister, she lives in downtown Seattle. She walks downstairs and across the street is a good size market that carries all the daily essentials. You never have to buy more than 1-2 days worth of food, you waste far less, and you always have a fresh selection as you never store anything.

[Del Mayberry]

Originally Posted by Outsidethebox

I doubt many at all walk that far, ride a bike there maybe. I've walked/biked there a few times but I live much closer to it. I have a few times found it convenient coming off 275 on the downtown exit to stop and park right in front of Duckweed grab a few things and continue home.

I would like to see a larger non chain market open up that carries a fuller selection of food though.

I'm so jealous of my sister, she lives in downtown Seattle. She walks downstairs and across the street is a good size market that carries all the daily essentials. You never have to buy more than 1-2 days worth of food, you waste far less, and you always have a fresh selection as you never store anything.

You also have to factor in the heat, humidity, a few bums and crossing Bayshore/Platt. Not sure if dt is ready for a store like that. I don't think there is enough people to support it plus some people don't shop at specialty places when they think the big boxes have everything they need. I'm glad you are posting more. This forum was getting kinda dull.

[jamesk]

As a skypoint resident for a year and a half, I've walked to publix zero times. In the short time Duckweed has been open, I have walked there probably around a dozen times.

[Outsidethebox]

This coming April will mark my second year on Harbour Island. The farthest I've walked from the Island would probably be to the Laurel St bridge. I've only done that maybe a few times at most though. Under normal circumstances I would bike or just drive for groceries. I have used the intown trolley a few times, it is nice to have that option. I have been stuck waiting parked in the trolley a few times though. I think they do it to keep the runs evenly timed.

[Del Mayberry]

Originally Posted by jamesk

As a skypoint resident for a year and a half, I've walked to publix zero times. In the short time Duckweed has been open, I have walked there probably around a dozen times.

Well at least you don't have to drive too far.

[ATampaArnold]

I have walked to public once in 2/1/2 years and duckweed 15x since it opened and sometimes twice in a day

[jamesk]

So, location is key?

[jonknee]

Originally Posted by ATampaArnold

I have walked to public once in 2/1/2 years and duckweed 15x since it opened and sometimes twice in a day

That's great to hear.

[jonknee]

I came across this photo of Franklin street from the 50s recently and loved it. The Cinchett Neon Sign company was run by a father and son who made the signs and innovated in their industry by financing them so shop owners could make payments. Obviously it worked. It would be great to have a few more of these signs out there--the Tampa Theatre is the only real standout now



You can fade between that and the present day here.