Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Daily Press article- Yield Black Friday success through planning andresearch
By Nicole Paitsel
247-4737
November 24, 2009
Shanee Pigate heads to the Prime Outlets in Williamsburg at midnight on Thanksgiving Day because it's fun. When she's finished, she drives to Target and Wal-Mart for the deals. It's usually still dark outside.
"I think I go to the Prime Outlets mostly for myself," the Newport News resident says. "But I do get almost all of my Christmas shopping done on Black Friday."
The day after Thanksgiving, referred to as Black Friday, is one of the most talked-about shopping days of the year. Traditionally, the weekend brought retailers' accounts into the "black," or making a profit.
But retailers are still reeling from last year's 3-percent drop in sales during the holiday season. They're expecting another 1-percent drop this year, according to the National Retail Federation, so consumers have seen some new tricks come into play.
For one, shoppers won't have to wait until Friday — or midnight Thursday — to grab deals. Some stores, like Old Navy and Big Lots, are opening on Thanksgiving Day.
But that tactic won't work on Smithfield resident Kathy Slade.
"I think I'll be too busy cooking and relaxing," Slade says of the Thursday sales. "And I never bother with Saturday, either."
She says that going shopping at 4:30 a.m. on Black Friday actually helps her miss the crowds.
"If you're still out at 11 a.m. or noon, that's when it's really a zoo," she says.
She's been tackling the shopping holiday for eight years with her best friend who lives in Poquoson. Their daughters — who are in their early 20s — help serve as place holders in line.
The group tries to finish their morning shopping by about 9 a.m. when they go for breakfast. After an afternoon rest, Slade says she heads back out with her husband around 4 p.m. to hit the second round of sales.
Pigate's husband takes a different stance.
"He came with me one year and pretty much threatened to divorce me," Pigate joked. "He said he would never ever step foot out on Black Friday again."
Crowds are the primary complaint of people who refuse to hit the stores on Black Friday. But there are effective ways to cope with the stress of shopping with the masses.
Slade has perfected her routine over the years, so she knows what to expect.
Having realistic expectations can help you stay relaxed, says Kathryn Tristan, author of "Anxiety Rescue." She explains that stress buildup happens when conflicts derail our expectations.
"If you expect to get all your shopping done, expect to not spend all that much and expect to check out quickly, you just might be setting yourself up for a huge amount of stress," she says.
Instead, be flexible about your list and expect to go a little slower.
Life coach Diana Fletcher suggests doing something nice for someone every hour you're out shopping. Whether it's holding the door for someone, giving some encouragement to a cashier or letting someone go ahead of you in line, it will bring cheer to the people around you and relieve the tension build up.
And remember that Black Friday isn't your only chance to save money. Retailers are fighting for your attention, and they will continue to do so throughout the holiday season.
Copyright © 2009, Newport News, Va., Daily Press
Daily Press article- hhgregg moving into old Circuit City building inNewport News
By Veronica Chufo
247-4741
11:41 p.m. EST, November 19, 2009
NEWPORT NEWS — The old Circuit City building will house electronics and appliances retailer hhgregg next spring.
Indianapolis-based hhgregg leased the 32,653-square-foot former Circuit City space in Yoder Plaza on Jefferson Avenue, as well as a 37,500-square-foot former Linens 'n Things building in Virginia Beach. The hhgregg stores typically employ 40 to 50 people.
David M. Smith, of Thalhimer, a commercial real estate firm, handled negotiations and announced the leases Thursday. That will bring a new electronics and appliances retailer to Hampton Roads.
With the two Richmond locations that opened Thursday, the company operates 128 stores in 11 states, said Jeff Pearson, hhgregg's vice president of marketing.
At a time when other retailers are going bankrupt or scaling back, hhgregg is expanding.
"Right now there's a good opportunity with real estate locations that are available that will fit an hhgregg location," such as former Circuit City and Linens 'n Things locations, Pearson said.
"At the same time, there's also a number of individuals that are seeking employment, so you're able to find the talent in the field that you need to operate an efficient and well-run retail establishment."
Plus, he said, customers are looking for the type of service that hhgregg provides. The company offers lots of training to its commission sales staff, so they're able to explain to customers the difference between products and the latest technological advances in electronics and appliances, Pearson said.
"Our tagline is 'Price and advice. Guaranteed,'" he said. "We feel that's a model consumers are looking for."
The hhgregg stores claim to have more appliances on display than any other retailer. They also have a wall display of more than 100 large-screen TVs. Stores also carry an array of cameras, camcorders, computers and home audio equipment.
Services offered include delivery and installation, Pearson said.
The company's name comes from its founder, H.H. Gregg, who opened the first location in Indianapolis in 1955.
Copyright © 2009, Newport News, Va., Daily Press
This is good to know, I'd hate to see the building sit and rot away. The photo above was taken by me in August 2008
247-4741
11:41 p.m. EST, November 19, 2009
NEWPORT NEWS — The old Circuit City building will house electronics and appliances retailer hhgregg next spring.
Indianapolis-based hhgregg leased the 32,653-square-foot former Circuit City space in Yoder Plaza on Jefferson Avenue, as well as a 37,500-square-foot former Linens 'n Things building in Virginia Beach. The hhgregg stores typically employ 40 to 50 people.
David M. Smith, of Thalhimer, a commercial real estate firm, handled negotiations and announced the leases Thursday. That will bring a new electronics and appliances retailer to Hampton Roads.
With the two Richmond locations that opened Thursday, the company operates 128 stores in 11 states, said Jeff Pearson, hhgregg's vice president of marketing.
At a time when other retailers are going bankrupt or scaling back, hhgregg is expanding.
"Right now there's a good opportunity with real estate locations that are available that will fit an hhgregg location," such as former Circuit City and Linens 'n Things locations, Pearson said.
"At the same time, there's also a number of individuals that are seeking employment, so you're able to find the talent in the field that you need to operate an efficient and well-run retail establishment."
Plus, he said, customers are looking for the type of service that hhgregg provides. The company offers lots of training to its commission sales staff, so they're able to explain to customers the difference between products and the latest technological advances in electronics and appliances, Pearson said.
"Our tagline is 'Price and advice. Guaranteed,'" he said. "We feel that's a model consumers are looking for."
The hhgregg stores claim to have more appliances on display than any other retailer. They also have a wall display of more than 100 large-screen TVs. Stores also carry an array of cameras, camcorders, computers and home audio equipment.
Services offered include delivery and installation, Pearson said.
The company's name comes from its founder, H.H. Gregg, who opened the first location in Indianapolis in 1955.
Copyright © 2009, Newport News, Va., Daily Press
This is good to know, I'd hate to see the building sit and rot away. The photo above was taken by me in August 2008
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Fire at Sal's by Victor in Williamsburg
Article and photo from WAVY News 10.com
Flames rip through Strip Mall
Williamsburg firefighters work all night
Updated: Tuesday, 28 Jul 2009, 10:30 AM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 28 Jul 2009, 5:18 AM EDT
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - Williamsburg firefighters, along with crews from several jurisdictions spent all of Tuesday morning battling flames at the Williamsburg Shopping Center on Richmond Road.
Investigators believe the fire may have started inside "Sal's By Victor" pizza shop just after 1a.m. "A passerby spotted the smoke and called 911," Williamsburg Fire Dept. Spokesman Eric Stone told WAVY.com. Stone said crews arrived on the scene about 4 minutes after the initial call.
Crews found heavy smoke at the scene. Lt. Barry Kopczynski and his team were the first to enter the building. "We had no fire conditions inside, [but] I knew I had fire in the area above our head in the void area, " Kopczynski explaineded, "it was weakening the metal trusses, and a collapse was evident that it was going to happen, so the best thing to do was to pull the crews out."
Crews fought the flames from the outside-in, in what's known as a defensive stance. Firefighters poured gallons of water on the flames from ladders towering over the roof. Kopczynski said a portion of the roof finally did collapse.
No one was injured in the collapse, however, two firefighters were hurt during other duties and transported to the hospital. One suffered a leg injury; the other had chest pains, Kopczynski said. Both have since been released from the hospital.
It took fire crews nearly five hours to get the flames under control, Stone said. "Wow," Thomas Snyder said to the intense flames. "That's the largest its been in quite a while," his brother Thomas told WAVY.com.
While no dollar amount has been assessed to the damage, the biggest loss witnesses said was for Victor Minichiello, owner of Sal's for the past 20 years. "The building has been here more than 30 years; this is a shame," he said off-camera. "I'm glad no one was hurt, but I'm just worried about my employees."
"This is demoralizing, Victor used to send us pizza on camping trips for scouts, "Michael Mylkavich said. "He's a very great guy," he noted of Minichiello.
Members of the local Fire Marshals Office are waiting to begin their investigation as fire crews continued to put out hot spots.
Minichiello said he thought the cause may be electrical because employees had recently cleaned vent hoods in the past few weeks. "We just closed at 11:30 last night."
No official cause had been released.
Several stores remained closed adjacent to Sal's while other stores, like the Bloom supermarket, opened on time.
WAVY.com's Derrick Rose is still at the scene. Katie Collett will be headed to Williamsburg later on. Look for their updates on WAVY.com and on WAVY News 10 Midday.
I first heard this story at about 5:58 AM this morning in bed on the radio. I was suprised, because the over 30 year old Williamsburg Shopping Center has fought through a lot of storms and hurricanes over the years, and its still stood strong. I think Sal's had the most damage, wiping the store out completely, and 2 others had roof damage. I don't know completely. Luckily they'll re-build it, even better.
Sal's by Victor is located in the Williamsburg Shopping Center on Richmond Rd. Sal's is located next to a Hallmark gift card store an Advance America center, as well as a Bloom grocery store that was a Food Lion for many years (my aunt worked there years ago when it was FL).
Flames rip through Strip Mall
Williamsburg firefighters work all night
Updated: Tuesday, 28 Jul 2009, 10:30 AM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 28 Jul 2009, 5:18 AM EDT
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - Williamsburg firefighters, along with crews from several jurisdictions spent all of Tuesday morning battling flames at the Williamsburg Shopping Center on Richmond Road.
Investigators believe the fire may have started inside "Sal's By Victor" pizza shop just after 1a.m. "A passerby spotted the smoke and called 911," Williamsburg Fire Dept. Spokesman Eric Stone told WAVY.com. Stone said crews arrived on the scene about 4 minutes after the initial call.
Crews found heavy smoke at the scene. Lt. Barry Kopczynski and his team were the first to enter the building. "We had no fire conditions inside, [but] I knew I had fire in the area above our head in the void area, " Kopczynski explaineded, "it was weakening the metal trusses, and a collapse was evident that it was going to happen, so the best thing to do was to pull the crews out."
Crews fought the flames from the outside-in, in what's known as a defensive stance. Firefighters poured gallons of water on the flames from ladders towering over the roof. Kopczynski said a portion of the roof finally did collapse.
No one was injured in the collapse, however, two firefighters were hurt during other duties and transported to the hospital. One suffered a leg injury; the other had chest pains, Kopczynski said. Both have since been released from the hospital.
It took fire crews nearly five hours to get the flames under control, Stone said. "Wow," Thomas Snyder said to the intense flames. "That's the largest its been in quite a while," his brother Thomas told WAVY.com.
While no dollar amount has been assessed to the damage, the biggest loss witnesses said was for Victor Minichiello, owner of Sal's for the past 20 years. "The building has been here more than 30 years; this is a shame," he said off-camera. "I'm glad no one was hurt, but I'm just worried about my employees."
"This is demoralizing, Victor used to send us pizza on camping trips for scouts, "Michael Mylkavich said. "He's a very great guy," he noted of Minichiello.
Members of the local Fire Marshals Office are waiting to begin their investigation as fire crews continued to put out hot spots.
Minichiello said he thought the cause may be electrical because employees had recently cleaned vent hoods in the past few weeks. "We just closed at 11:30 last night."
No official cause had been released.
Several stores remained closed adjacent to Sal's while other stores, like the Bloom supermarket, opened on time.
WAVY.com's Derrick Rose is still at the scene. Katie Collett will be headed to Williamsburg later on. Look for their updates on WAVY.com and on WAVY News 10 Midday.
I first heard this story at about 5:58 AM this morning in bed on the radio. I was suprised, because the over 30 year old Williamsburg Shopping Center has fought through a lot of storms and hurricanes over the years, and its still stood strong. I think Sal's had the most damage, wiping the store out completely, and 2 others had roof damage. I don't know completely. Luckily they'll re-build it, even better.
Sal's by Victor is located in the Williamsburg Shopping Center on Richmond Rd. Sal's is located next to a Hallmark gift card store an Advance America center, as well as a Bloom grocery store that was a Food Lion for many years (my aunt worked there years ago when it was FL).
Saturday, June 20, 2009
7-Eleven store design history
You can't go anywhere without seeing one. 7-Eleven. This store was founded in 1927 when Southland Ice Company employee Joe Thompson sold convenient items at an ice dock, which he discovered was popular. He bought the company and opened several locations in the Dallas area, which were open from 7 am to 11 pm. In 1946 the 7-Eleven name started to be used. The original design was a small simple store like this (photo credit goes to Roadsidepictures) from 1947:
In 1952 the 100th location opened. In the 60s they were starting to expand because of convenient popularity. In 1967 the company decided to make up some new building architect. Among the few was the well known "colonial" a-frame stores:
The original a-frames consisted of a black-shingled a-frame roof with white-lining on the roof, and a cupola. The front had the small square 7-Eleven logo beside two red squares, which are now orange, green, and red. Some locations also had a longer rectangle logo with the same design. Below was poles on the sidewalk and entry area, with orangish-brown brick. Most stores consisted of the actual store, an employee's office, the vault where frozen foods were kept, a warehouse, and an outdoor closet, and a few had bathrooms and an ATM room. In front was the familiar upright rectangle 7-Eleven sign, which was white with the logo that extended into green, on a black pole. Some variations also had a red "Open 24 Hours" sign, or a white-letter "Food Mart" sign.
Here is a late 60s 7-Eleven with the cupola, which is now a laundromat, and an early 70s 3-squared store sign:
Here is a vintage sign and an old sign mentioned above:
In the late 70s/early 80s 7-Elevens started to experiment with gasoline, which some competition had. The a-frames were also removed and replaced by a single triangle frame, or no frame at all, the stores started to get bigger, and existing stores started to get gas. Here is an example:
The gas signs also varied. Above was a small 2-square stacked sign with the logo and the Citgo (now either an "Oh Thank Heaven!" sign or a "Fast & Fresh" sign) and the 3 prices. Another was a tall 3-square stacked sign with the logo on top, the Citgo (now either an "Oh Thank Heaven!" sign or a "Fast & Fresh" sign) logo in the middle, and the gas prices on the bottom.
Here is a building with gas from the late 80s:
The stores without gas had a square sign on two poles with the logo. Sometimes they replaced the rectangular ones. Here is an example:
In the 1990s stores were getting even bigger, and a lot of small 70s stores began to move into bigger, Citgo gas stores. The buildings also had khaki colored bricks and bigger restrooms, and the inside was roomier. Here is a late 90s store:
I don't know much about the early 2000s since none opened over here at the time. I do have a picture of a unique 2002 one:
Today, 7-Elevens are getting more upscale. The buildings are beautiful and still consist of red brick. The signs are now small rectangular signs with the logo, small slogan, and gas prices. Here is one that opened in 2007:
In conclusion, even though 7-Eleven has went through many changes, the concept still remains, and America will always thank heaven.
In 1952 the 100th location opened. In the 60s they were starting to expand because of convenient popularity. In 1967 the company decided to make up some new building architect. Among the few was the well known "colonial" a-frame stores:
The original a-frames consisted of a black-shingled a-frame roof with white-lining on the roof, and a cupola. The front had the small square 7-Eleven logo beside two red squares, which are now orange, green, and red. Some locations also had a longer rectangle logo with the same design. Below was poles on the sidewalk and entry area, with orangish-brown brick. Most stores consisted of the actual store, an employee's office, the vault where frozen foods were kept, a warehouse, and an outdoor closet, and a few had bathrooms and an ATM room. In front was the familiar upright rectangle 7-Eleven sign, which was white with the logo that extended into green, on a black pole. Some variations also had a red "Open 24 Hours" sign, or a white-letter "Food Mart" sign.
Here is a late 60s 7-Eleven with the cupola, which is now a laundromat, and an early 70s 3-squared store sign:
Here is a vintage sign and an old sign mentioned above:
In the late 70s/early 80s 7-Elevens started to experiment with gasoline, which some competition had. The a-frames were also removed and replaced by a single triangle frame, or no frame at all, the stores started to get bigger, and existing stores started to get gas. Here is an example:
The gas signs also varied. Above was a small 2-square stacked sign with the logo and the Citgo (now either an "Oh Thank Heaven!" sign or a "Fast & Fresh" sign) and the 3 prices. Another was a tall 3-square stacked sign with the logo on top, the Citgo (now either an "Oh Thank Heaven!" sign or a "Fast & Fresh" sign) logo in the middle, and the gas prices on the bottom.
Here is a building with gas from the late 80s:
The stores without gas had a square sign on two poles with the logo. Sometimes they replaced the rectangular ones. Here is an example:
In the 1990s stores were getting even bigger, and a lot of small 70s stores began to move into bigger, Citgo gas stores. The buildings also had khaki colored bricks and bigger restrooms, and the inside was roomier. Here is a late 90s store:
I don't know much about the early 2000s since none opened over here at the time. I do have a picture of a unique 2002 one:
Today, 7-Elevens are getting more upscale. The buildings are beautiful and still consist of red brick. The signs are now small rectangular signs with the logo, small slogan, and gas prices. Here is one that opened in 2007:
In conclusion, even though 7-Eleven has went through many changes, the concept still remains, and America will always thank heaven.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
The (dead) Shops at York River
The York River Crossing shopping center was built on George Washington Memorial Highway in
Hayes, VA, in 1990. With tenants like Food Lion, Peebles, Regal Cinemas, KFC, Taco Bell, Burger King, Advance AutoParts, Crown gas, Little Caesars pizza, Subway Station, Regal Cinemas and more, this was one hot new spot.
In 1998, a new strip opened in front, called "The Shops at York River, fit for 9 tenants. I know all the first tenants, there were 6 (3 of them used 2 stores). They were:
and Eastern Eye Associates optometry
The Eastern Eye when it was open
Subway when open
Liberty Tax and the old Radio Shack
The FDR before closure
KFC. When you hear that, what do you think of? Probably, you think of Kentucky, Colonel Sanders, Fried Chicken, Rotating bucket, right?
Nice, beautiful, old KFC isn't it? I love KFC, their original recipe chicken breasts make me have to eat two pieces. And their popcorn chicken and boneless honey bbq wings, dee-lish! Its no wonder Hampton Roads has so many locations.
So, the first time I saw Grafton's new signs (June 2008), I thought it was odd to not have any rennovations (like the old Newport News store above).
J Clyde Morris? That's NOT nearby!
The J Clyde Morris location is about 10 minutes up the road in Newport News. It is actually a conjoined restaurant with a Taco Bell, so that means no buffet. I don't like the food at the conjoined ones, its terrible, at least at Poquoson (KenTacoHut).
Back on subject, I called my mom and told her that we would have to start getting KFC from Riverdale (in Hampton on Mercury, not a buffet, but their food is good). A week later, we were in Hampton, and the KFC received a fresh coat of paint:
Inside, the lights were off, and the chairs were on top of the tables. All the faded old KFC art, except for the one of the Colonel (which was a photograph) was still on the walls, along with the classic tan wallpaper and wooden structures. The Pepsi machine was still on the counter, along with the black menu boards that once had pictures of chicken. The kitchen was pretty empty though.
Sad to see this one flip so soon. I don't know what will become of this, maybe another restaurant might move in since the furniture is still intact (maybe a Popeye's or Bojangles). IDK, but I'll stay updated.
RIP KFC fried chicken, 350 George Washington Mem Hwy, Grafton, VA.
Hayes, VA, in 1990. With tenants like Food Lion, Peebles, Regal Cinemas, KFC, Taco Bell, Burger King, Advance AutoParts, Crown gas, Little Caesars pizza, Subway Station, Regal Cinemas and more, this was one hot new spot.
In 1998, a new strip opened in front, called "The Shops at York River, fit for 9 tenants. I know all the first tenants, there were 6 (3 of them used 2 stores). They were:
and Eastern Eye Associates optometry
Liberty, Subway, and EEA took up 2 tenants. GNC, Allstate, and Liberty were larger stores btw. Anyways, all of those opened 1998-1999. And all but 1 have closed in the past 11 years.
I think it was around 2003 when GNC closed, followed by Allstate in 2004 who moved up the street with their orthodontist friend. Don't think I ever went into the GNC, I had no business in there. We're members with Allstate, and I used to take in the bills. When you entered, it was a big lobby with a desk in the back, and couches w/magazines in the front. I think the walls were light blue. After both closed, Carolina Cuties, a child's boutique shop, occupied the former GNC store, and Weight Loss for Life occupied the former Allstate. Both closed in 2007.
Also, in 2007, in York River Crossing, little Langley Federal Credit Union moved to the "Lighthouse" up the road at the old Hayes Shopping Center, in a former Chesapeake Bank that also moved. Radio Shack decided to move there, and they died. They are now Tech Zone. The old Radio Shack at TSAYR still sits vacant.
I think it was around 2003 when GNC closed, followed by Allstate in 2004 who moved up the street with their orthodontist friend. Don't think I ever went into the GNC, I had no business in there. We're members with Allstate, and I used to take in the bills. When you entered, it was a big lobby with a desk in the back, and couches w/magazines in the front. I think the walls were light blue. After both closed, Carolina Cuties, a child's boutique shop, occupied the former GNC store, and Weight Loss for Life occupied the former Allstate. Both closed in 2007.
Also, in 2007, in York River Crossing, little Langley Federal Credit Union moved to the "Lighthouse" up the road at the old Hayes Shopping Center, in a former Chesapeake Bank that also moved. Radio Shack decided to move there, and they died. They are now Tech Zone. The old Radio Shack at TSAYR still sits vacant.
In February 2008 an FDR Restaurant opened in the former GNC and Allstate. There was also a Newport News location. The dining room was the GNC, and the kitchen was the Allstate. This restaurant closed in late 2008 after a buyout (the Newport News store is now a pizza parlor), and it sits vacant with the sign still up.
In September 2008, Subway found opportunity for a better store at the Hayes Shopping Center, in an old pet center. The opportunity was more space, the current yellow wallpaper look with the ingredients on the counter, and more parking. The two stores it took up sit vacant. The sign left behind a very dirty labelscar, but it was cleaned and painted over.
Soooo.... what's left? Liberty Tax and the Optometry. Beginning in late 2008 a brick building was being built a few miles down the highway. Eastern Eye decided to move. The new store opened on June 1st, 2009, and the two stores it occupied currently sit vacant. The sign hasn't been taken down yet (6-19-09).
Liberty Tax sits all alone in the once thriving new strip. I have a feeling they'll be leaving soon, and the whole strip will be torn down.
Now, here's some pictures:
The Eastern Eye when it was open
Subway when open
Liberty Tax and the old Radio Shack
The FDR before closure
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
KFC in Grafton, VA
KFC. When you hear that, what do you think of? Probably, you think of Kentucky, Colonel Sanders, Fried Chicken, Rotating bucket, right?When you live in Grafton, VA, when you say "Heritage Square", the first thing that you might think of is "KFC".
This KFC:
Nice, beautiful, old KFC isn't it? I love KFC, their original recipe chicken breasts make me have to eat two pieces. And their popcorn chicken and boneless honey bbq wings, dee-lish! Its no wonder Hampton Roads has so many locations.As you probably know, that look, with the biscuit box, is outdated. The restaurants are supposed to look like this now:
So, the first time I saw Grafton's new signs (June 2008), I thought it was odd to not have any rennovations (like the old Newport News store above).Okay, I'll stop rambling, I'll explain my Kentucky Fried Knowledge from Grafton:
So, we all know what the KFCs looked like during the 60s and 70s, right? Of course, little boxes with striped roofs, like this:
So, Grafton, had one of these decades ago. I don't think my parents ever ate there, which is now a cleaners and tux rental, they had to be gone by the early 80s (my dad said he rented a tuxedo here back then).
Very cool, old black and white building. I don't know if it was a re-location, thats my theory, but Heritage Square was built in the 70s, one of the first in Grafton. So, KFC decided to open a store there.
That picture was taken in December 2007, when the store still had the 1991 logo (and they had the 80s logo before, note the "Kentucky Fried Chicken" sign. So along with Pizza Hut, First Virginia Bank, McDonald's, Revco pharmacy, and Giant Open Air supermarket, KFC was a main tenant. However, like most KFCs today, they didn't have a buffet, but I liked their old school atmosphere.
The food was okay here, the buffets are better most of the time. The place wasn't reall
y busy most times I went in. In June 08 I was sure they were going to get renovated. All they did was put up the current logo on the sign and biscuit box, and take down the window decals of the Colonel's face. I wasn't expecting them to close.
On the night of May 16, 2009, I was staying with my dad in Yorktown, and we were in Kiln Creek that night. We drove by the KFC on the way home, and I noticed the absence of the signs. I thought it was just changing the lights or getting them cleaned. I was wrong. We drove to the McDonald's in Tabb in front of the Wal-Mart, and I noticed the signs were still gone, al
l the ads in the window were gone, and there were no cars in the parking lot, only a big dumpster. It was obvious: the old KFC closed. Permedantly.
After we ate I told him to drive there to let me take pictures. Inside the lights were on, and a sign was outside of the door.
The J Clyde Morris location is about 10 minutes up the road in Newport News. It is actually a conjoined restaurant with a Taco Bell, so that means no buffet. I don't like the food at the conjoined ones, its terrible, at least at Poquoson (KenTacoHut).
Back on subject, I called my mom and told her that we would have to start getting KFC from Riverdale (in Hampton on Mercury, not a buffet, but their food is good). A week later, we were in Hampton, and the KFC received a fresh coat of paint:
Inside, the lights were off, and the chairs were on top of the tables. All the faded old KFC art, except for the one of the Colonel (which was a photograph) was still on the walls, along with the classic tan wallpaper and wooden structures. The Pepsi machine was still on the counter, along with the black menu boards that once had pictures of chicken. The kitchen was pretty empty though.
Sad to see this one flip so soon. I don't know what will become of this, maybe another restaurant might move in since the furniture is still intact (maybe a Popeye's or Bojangles). IDK, but I'll stay updated.
RIP KFC fried chicken, 350 George Washington Mem Hwy, Grafton, VA.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
I'm pro again
For those who didn't see, I'm a pro member as of May 9, 2009 on Flickr again. Thanks to Jeff! I don't have anything to really post right now, but what I'm wanting to shoot pictures of now is some cool local abandoned houses, something I've never really done. I'm still in school so theres less store ones, most being taken on the weekends. So I'm glad I'm back!
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