Local Entrepreneurships

A local affordable grocery store: Although there are some grocery stores in the area, neither are both close and reasonably priced. The Rams Head Market is overpriced while Harris Teeters is quite a long walk. A small grocery store with some basics- fruit, bread, milk, etc at decent prices would be a great asset to Franklin Street. To make this idea more innovative, buying groceries could give customers who wish to cook their own meals access to a kitchen in the back of the store where they are able to cook their recently bought groceries. edited 18:21, 2 Sep 2008

Since this is a college campus, how about an ABC store? I, of course, do not know of an ABC on or near campus and you know the upper class men would love the convenience. From frat parties alone, the store would be profitable. To make it even better, the store should also specialize in college night life beverages and games. On top of liquor, the store should sell a variety of beer, mixers, and materials common to legal college students residencies. These materials should include ping pong balls, solo cups, foldaway beer pong tables, and any other necessities.

I think that this campus could use a shoe store. Even though there are malls that have shoe stores the buses don't run all the time so it can be very difficult to get to the mall sometimes. Having a shoe store with all types of shoes would be very profitable. People could by walking shoes, dress shoes, or any other sports shoe. I think that there are enough clothing stores but it seems like the campus feels that people don't need shoes. A shoe store on Franklin street would make life a lot easier for people.

I think there should be a Waffle House within walking distance of campus. Waffle Houses are open 24/7 and that would be perfect for a college campus since college kids are out at all hours of the night whether it be studying or just going out socially. A waffle house would thrive here. It would be a great place for students to go eat in the morning when they get tired of the dining halls and it would be a great late night meal after a long night out.

Obviously there are a lot of bars on Franklin Street but I would propose a true sports bar for downtown Chapel Hill. This bar would include numerous big screen TVs with all the big games on every night. There is definitely a market for this in Chapel Hill and combining a sports bar with some awesome pizza would be an unbeatable combination yet to be seen on Franklin Street.

I agree with LRJ, if you could spice it up and host madden tournaments every once in a while, or other fun events, it could be a huge success.

I think that the only thing missing on Franklin street is a McDonalds, but this would not be your normal everyday plastic seat and table McDonalds, but one with the layout of a coffee shop with real sofas, and a more mellow and comfortable environment. With an Impressive wireless connection, and the dollar menu this would be the place to be on Franklin. ba da ba ba baa... I'm lovin' it.

Franklin Street needs a good mid-level Comedy Club. I've researched online and found only one place that actually books comedians, and that venue books mostly musicians, with comedians few and far between. This club would have a good mixture of local open-mic comedians and nationally-touring comedians, while focusing on viral marketing within the college community. If this place seated, say, 250 people, I really believe that they would do extremely good business. They could host student discount nights, open-mic nights where students could get up and perform, stuff like that. There are many nationally-touring comedians who actually seek out comedy clubs near college campuses because they know that college students make up a large percentage of their overall fanbase. If seating was removable, they could even book some bands to play there, and be like a closer Cat's Cradle.

Franklin Street needs a movie theater (with lots of movies.. not just 2 or 3 movies like the one that's already there) and a bowling alley. For the bowling alley especially, it would be nice if discounts were offered or something since bowling can be expensive. Lots of people enjoy doing both of those things, and I think that the businesses would be very profitable especially on the weekends. edited 22:05, 3 Sep 2008

Franklin Street needs a restaurant called 'Cuz You're High. Although even the thought of consuming THC in any form completely appalls me, I know that the average stoner is easy money. This sounds like I'm being funny and cute (which I am...ladies), but just think of the possibilities in this. The atmosphere of the restaurant could be an experience for the senses. If the name itself wouldn't bring every high person inside,colorful 3d art covering the walls, comfortable seating, cheesy foods, and psychedelic music would be sure to attract even the laziest stoner. You could even start a t-shirt line that would get really popular in the rebellious teen crowd. I wouldn't be encouraging the use of marijuana, I would merely be contributing a service to those who have already made the immature decision of smoking.

Sure, Franklin Street is filled with yummy places to eat and drink, but what about a place where you get to really have fun while you eat: a fondue restaurant! A fondue restaurant can be a fun place to go with friends, and a great place to go on a date (what a better way to avoid awkward first-date conversation than by having fun playing with your food??).

I think i would open up a gnc with a smoothie bar. Im so sick of waiting at Jamba juice after i get out of the gym or trekking it to my room to make a protein shake with water. I see so many people in the gym at so many hours of the night im not sure franklin street would be ideal for me because i live on south campus but if i could go someplace to get all my supplements and hang out with other people who lift, talk to knowledgeable people about supps and working out i would be there as much as possible. with all the athletes in this school and people who work out i think it would make a killing.

While I'm not sure if one of these is within a close distance from Franklin Street, I think that a bike shop would do very well on Franklin Street. The sports of cycling and mountain biking are growing, but a college campus compounds this growth with the demands for sales and repairs of bicycles on account of student transportation needs. I see hundreds of bikes a day, and I am sure that most of those bikers do not know how to repair their bikes in the event of a broken chain or a worn brake pad. A bike shop would make money and provide a valuable service that is in demand on the Chapel Hill Campus. edited 12:11, 4 Sep 2008

There should be a grocery store because we do not have one. And people may want to save money and not eat out all the time if you don't have a meal plan for every meal (which is actually very expensive). There's only convenience stores and I can't find coffee creamer anywhere.

Franklin St. should have a Karaoke Bar. These bars are huge entertainment hubs all over Asia, and I think it would also be a hit for college students. Not just the Asian students, but everyone who likes to sing or watch other people sing. A karaoke bar is set up with a lobby and many smaller private rooms which can be reserved for groups of friends. The private rooms usually consist of some nice sofas and chairs, a table, and a large screen that shows the music videos and lyrics. Food and drinks can be ordered, and the guests can stay as long as they want with a charge at every hour. People can talk, eat, sing, dance, etc. It's great. edited 12:42, 4 Sep 2008