cthayes75

Instead of trying to "level the playing field" through incentives, why not just reduce the corporate tax rate here, making our existing businesses more competitive and the state as a whole more competitive to businesses wanting to relocate. Incentives might be worth it if they actually entice someone to do something they aren't arleady planning to do. Unfortunately for a overwhelmingly majority of the incentive packages offered by the state, they are simply blackmail payments to businesses who are going to do something anyway. For example, Goodyear couldn't close it's Fayetteville plant due to its labor contract, and was going to have to modernize its US facilities to remain competitive. Yet they feign desperation and get the General Assembly to give away $20 million of our money for something they had to do anyway.

Yes, it is always good to give away our tax dollars to billionaires and their companies. This is corporate welfare gone mad.

There's a sign up announcing the opening of a new bar/lounge at the former BBQ & Ribs/Creamery/whatever else it used to be at the corner of St. Mary's and Johnson St. Hopefully it will stay open past 8 pm on weeknights, unlike the former occupants.

NOW I hear that the rumor is false and it's not closing. Sorry for the misinformation.

The email I received from them said they were moving to the upstairs location. I highly recommend the restaurant. Food is fantastic and a little eclectic.

Heard a rumor today that Hideaway BBQ is closing Jan 1.

The threshold is $10. But most, if not all legislators will not accept anything from a lobbyist, no matter how small. I tried buying one a Coke and he wouldn't accept.

And with the General Assembly in session on Monday-Thursday, the expense accounts provided business on the slower nights. But to think that these restaurants will fail simply because of fewer lobbyists and expense accounts is quite overstated. There are enough other people in Raleigh who eat at restaurants like Sullivan's on a regular basis for them to survive. That being said, if you want to see a legislator or twenty, hit up the K&W at Cameron Village on a weeknight. El Ro at City Market is popular as well.

There was $17 million for the library in this year's budget that passed in August.

Tried to go to Dos Taquitos today and the line was practically out the door. The space was much smaller than I thought it would be. With the limited seating, looks like they'll be doing more takeout business than anything else.

Best burger in Raleigh. Hands down. The problem is: a burger, fries and a drink with tip winds up being a $15 lunch.

Old Time may be the best in West Raleigh cause it is the ONLY bbq joint in West Raleigh. I ate there once and it was way below acceptable. Pig had no flavor (no smoke, no heat), and the veggies were straight out of the can (I could almost taste the aluminium). You would think a good BBQ restaurant near the RBC/Carter-Finley area would do well. And the only ones ITB now are the Q-Shack, Hideway (horrible), and Coopers. (Until Red Hot and Blue opens at Oberlin/Hillsborough). Sorry, I'm a bit of a 'cue aficionado and I'm severly disappointed in the options in Raleigh. Good thing I travel 70 East to the coast often to broaden my options.

Frankly, I thought BBQ & Ribs had the best pig in Raleigh and I'm very sad to see it go. Every time I went there for lunch it was packed. Their problem at dinner was they closed at 8pm! I couldn't believe it one time when I showed up at 8:05 and the doors were locked. That area draws a late dining crowd, and closing that early definitely hurt. I don't think Boddie-Noel gave it enough time. That place had only been open at most 2 years. There is no way they were losing money that fast unless rent there is unbelievably high. ITB/West Raleigh needs a good barbecue spot very badly. (And please don't say the Q-Shack qualifies, that place is horrible and completely overpriced). Don Murray's closed a few months ago. The only spots left in Raleigh are Cooper's, Barbecue Lodge and that place over off Hwy 54 in Cary. Someone build me a Smithfields on this side of town quick.

Is there going to be anything to connect the two proposed developments other than the main road that runs beside the creek? Seems like there should be some way for shoppers to walk between the two areas without having to get in their cars and drive.