Rapid City's
MOST WANTED Residents express interest in new retail and dining options in recent survey BY ELEVATE RAPID CITY
Chick-Fil-A was the clear winner with more than double the votes of the next closes chain, Cheesecake Factory. To maintain consistent quality service, Chick-Fil-A is incredibly strict with their franchising. The company chooses the location, buys the real estate, constructs the restaurant, and purchases the equipment. Now that a Chick-Fil-A is adding their first standalone restaurant in the state, the opportunity for continued expansion remains strong.
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ore than 60 out-ofstate businesses are currently looking at Rapid City for relocation or expansion. These businesses represent a wide spectrum of industries like manufacturing, technology, construction, and professional services. They also pay bring higher paying jobs and create an avenue for college graduates wanting to stay in the Black Hills region. As much as these discussions center on infrastructure, taxes, and workforce, they also revolve around quality of life and amenities. The Black Hills are one-of-a-kind. But amenities also mean shopping, dining, and entertainment—opportunities for existing businesses to expand and grow. More than 2,400 people responded to a recent survey from Elevate Rapid City to understand what kinds of opportunities people wanted most. Take a look at how the region voted.
DINING 1. Chick-Fil-A
Closest location: Sioux Falls, SD (Fall 2021)
2. Cheesecake Factory Closest location: Denver, CO
3. Red Robin
Closest location: Sioux Falls, SD View the top 10 dining options at elevaterapidcity.com
Local Opportunities One of the more notable trends from the survey was the desire for more brunch options and the need for outdoor, pet-friendly options. Be sure to email matt.brunner@ elevaterapidcity.com if your business is looking to expand and wants to know about how Elevate Rapid City can help. elevaterapidcity.com 15
