'We're hungry for Applebee's & Chilis,' say West Sac residents
February 3, 2010
copyright News-Ledger 2010
A little restaurant row has formed at Westbridge Plaza, near Lake Washington Boulevard, as evidenced by the sign featuring Tsuki Sushi and Streets of London, and by the Panda Express in the background (red awning). Locals have told city officials, through a survey, that they still want more sit-down restaurant chains to come to the city. (PHOTO BY ERIC HARDING)
By Steve Marschke
News-Ledger Editor
West Sacramentans are hungry for more mid-priced restaurant chains and restaurant groups, according to a report just completed by the city’s economic development department.
The department commissioned a survey asking locals where they ate out and why. Over 8,000 people received the survey by email, through the city’s “My City” service online, and over 1,200 responded.
Survey-takers generally felt the city already has enough fast-food restaurants.
Their number-one reason to dine out was “weekday convenience,” followed by “out with friends” and “entertainment/recreation.” For dinner, most West Sacramento residents spend between $11-$20 per person when eating out.
“Several West Sacramento restaurants were named in the ‘regional favorite’ list – Carol’s, Club Pheasant, Emma’s and Vince’s, Eastside Chef, Poojah, Sal’s, and Vientane.” according to a report prepared by Diane Richards of the economic development department. “Responses included a desire for family dining, brew restaurants, steakhouses, buffets, crepes, wine bars.”
“The data supports the strategy recommendation to target regional (and) national chains and local and regional restaurant groups.”
Favorite restaurants of West Sacramentans in the region, in order, were: BJ’s, Chili’s, Olive Garden, Mikuni, Tower Café, Applebees & Mimi’s, Paesano’s, Chipotle, Carol’s (West Sac.), Jack’s Urban Eats, Club Pheasant (West Sac.) and Outback, Bernardo, Ernesto’s, Red Lobster, Crepeville USA & Crepe Bistro, Buckhorn, PF Chang, Emma’s Taco House (West Sac.) and the Sizzler and Spaghetti Factory, and more. Most restaurants on the list are outside of West Sacramento.
What specific table-service restaurants did diners want to see in West Sacramento?
In order, respondents chose Applebees and Chilis, BJ’s, Mimi’s, Olive Garden, Chevy’s, Outback, Red Lobster and Red Robin, Macaroni Grill and Sizzler, TGIF and IHOP (which is already located in West Sac. near Reed Avenue), 33rd Street Bistro and Bistro 33 and Jack’s Urban Eats, Thai Basil, Fresh Choice and Dos Coyotes, Paragary’s, California Pizza Kitchen and more.
Where did respondents say that had actually eaten in West Sacramento most recently? Taco Bell, In-N-Out, Round Table Pizza, Eastside Chef, Carol’s, McDonalds, Panda Express, Subway, Qdoba, Club Pheasant and Streets of London topped the list.
“A majority of residents’ dining expenditure are occurring outside of West Sacramento,” said the report. “Residents cite insufficient dining choices in West Sacramento other than fast food and ‘mom and pop’ restaurants.”