This Just In...
Kevin Fischer is an award-winning veteran broadcaster who has been seen and heard on Milwaukee TV and radio stations for nearly three decades.
Kevin, who is a legislative aide to state Sen. Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin), can be seen offering his views on the news on the public affairs program, “INTERchange,” on Milwaukee Public Television Channel 10. He lives with his wife, Jennifer, in Franklin.
THE TOP TEN FRANKLIN STORIES OF 2007: #6
By Kevin Fischer
Wednesday, Dec 26 2007, 06:00 AM
In the game of economic development, Franklin finally hit a home run in 2007.
The grand opening of Sendik’s Food Market at 51st and Rawson on October 31st provided a much-needed boost to the Franklin economy and a shot in the arm to a city whose residents crave some, hell, ANY high quality shopping options.
I wrote in one of my first blogs earlier this year:
The citizenry of Franklin, one that is growing by leaps and bounds, is crying out for high-quality destination places to dine and shop. I’m not talking Applebee’s and Family Dollar. I’m talking the kinds of places that have people excited about getting in their cars and driving to Mayfair or the new Bayshore Town Center. The point is, wouldn’t it be nice to have those opportunities here so a trip to Brookfield or Wauwatosa wouldn’t be necessary?
Sendik’s opened to great fanfare, with anxious shoppers ready to ignore the customary opening speeches and ribbon-cutting and break down the doors.
The reviews were very positive and it appears the arrival of Sendik’s won’t close or hurt nearby Pick ‘n Save and Sentry, but will make them better. (A reliable source tells me Franklin’s Pick ‘n Save did over a million dollars’ worth of business Christmas Eve Day).
Franklin is blessed to be the only community to be the future home of not one but two of these quality stores.
Earlier this year, I posed the question whether this city of roughly 35,000 can sustain them? The more I pondered the question, the sillier it seemed. As I blogged not too long ago:
It’s like asking if Franklin can support two gas stations, two McDonald’s, two Pick ‘n Save’s, two pizza parlors, two ice cream joints, two sub shops.
Each Sendik’s is spaced far enough apart that both, I am confident, will do well. Sendik’s is so top-shelf that each of the stores will draw from their respective parts of town. My guess is the folks at business-savvy Sendik’s would never have entertained the prospect of opening two markets within miles of each other if they didn’t have the greatest of assurances they would succeed.
Franklin, shed your doubts. For years, the city has cried out for high-quality shopping venues. Sendik’s historically never even dreamed of crossing Wisconsin Avenue to the south. When they did, they chose Franklin, twice.
I truly believe Franklin and surrounding areas will welcome Sendik’s with open arms. No need for the inferiority complex here. Opening day at Sendik’s will be a celebration times two.
Doubting Thomas’ need to put their skepticism on hold. The beauty of two Sendik’s Food Markets competing and succeeding is that other potential developers who definitely are keeping track will take notice. If Sendik’s succeeds, Franklin succeeds. It’s like a domino effect. Others will see, others will take notice, others will want to set up shop, even if it means a dozen or so appearances before the Planning Commission to kiss the members’ rings.
I have no apprehensions whatsoever that each of the Sendik’s Food Markets will do exceptionally well. Hello!!!!……..they’re too good to fail.
The customer –service is top-rate. So are the quality and the variety of the food.
Sendik’s was, by far, the most exciting, positive Franklin news story of 2007.
I repeat what I wrote to close one of my earlier blogs:
This is what Franklin wants. It doesn't want a Dairy Queen. I hope the people in power who were at the ribbon cutting get it.
THE TOP 10 FRANKLIN STORIES OF 2007
1) ?
2) ?
3) ?
4) ?
5) ?
6) THE GRAND OPENING OF SENDIK’S
7) THE EMERGENCE OF THE FRANKLIN BLOGGERS
8) FRANKLIN CITY TAX LEVY GOES UP 5.7%
9) SUPERINTENDENT SZAKACS FORCED OUT
10) THE LACK OF PROGRESS AT FOUNTAINS OF FRANKLIN
