Business Journal
• April 2009
Some folks will drive a long way for barbecue, and Black says that from talking to customers, it’s apparent that some have done so. Like most Salisbury eateries, the restaurant is on a major north-south artery and near the Salisbury bypass so travelers who are hungry are likely to see their signs. However, the restaurant opened at the end of September when the beach traffic was slacking off so much of the trade is local. Although the economic climate is “lukewarm,” he said, “we’re going strong.” He added that the carryout side of the business has yet to take off here as it has at other restaurants in the chain but that catering has done well because “we can take care of a lot of people at a low price.” Another chain that has found a home in Salisbury is the Green Turtle. General Manager Stacey Riggleman said that
the restaurant has noticed a “very slight downturn in business compared to last year this time.” Company wide, Green Turtle restaurants have responded to current economic conditions with “value-based meals – five for $20 that includes a shared appetizer, soup or salad and entrees two for $20.” In addition, they are offering half-price appetizers in the bar as well as value-priced domestic and imported beer. “Happy Hour is even more popular with reduced price food,” she said. “When the market is flooded with casual dining, you have to stand out.” One of the ways that Green Turtle stands out is that it features a TV set in every booth. The restaurant is a popular place for fans to come and watch a game. “We’re excited that Maryland is in NCAA, this year. Fans can cheer for their team here and no one will tell you
to be quiet.” Gordon Weitzel, at Dayton’s Family Restaurant said that they have been pretty lucky. They really have not felt the downturn. A line that extends outside the front door in warm weather is not bad advertisement, either. Weitzel attributes business conditions to “good food and reasonable prices” and adds, “Salisbury likes it.” Their down-home approach has given them a loyal following, 60-70 percent of which are senior citizens. The only indication that the economy has changed is that “we are starting to pick up younger clientele.” “You have to treat every guest that walks in with respect and give him/her the best product and service that you can,” Riggleman said. And that’s good advice regardless of the economy.
Looking for a healthier alternative to fast food restaurants at lunchtime, or something wholesome to take home for dinner? Want to promote a healthier lifestyle for your office staff when the company is providing lunch? Turn to Saladworks on the northern end of Salisbury for delicious salads, soups and deli sandwiches. "We were interested in a healthy lifestyle," explained Shane McCarthy, who owns the franchise, but admits
his wife Erin "runs the show." Both of them had careers in the medical field and wanted to try something different, so they opened Saladworks about 18 months ago. The restaurant is at 2737 North Salisbury Blvd., behind Tokyo Steakhouse. "Our variety is huge," Shane said, "and our fresh salads are diverse enough to please any palate." Order fresh from the menu, "FireRoasted Fiesta" salad, for example, with
fire-roasted corn, black beans, red peppers, onions, chicken breast, tomatoes and cheddar. Or create your own salad starting with a lettuce mixture, spinach base or radiatore pasta, and add five toppings and your choice of dressing. Add soup to your deli sandwich or wrap for just $1.99. Takeout is available, or dine in and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. Delivery is an option with a $20 minimum order. The McCarthys are happy to full service catering for any
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Fast food restaurants fare well Regardless of economic uncertainty, most consumers still want to eat out occasionally, especially when both parents work and ferry the kids to sports practice, piano lessons and such. Even though they are holding the purse strings more tightly, most families still visit a fast food restaurant weekly. Indeed, the fast food business has found the economic downturn a boon. Nationwide, McDonald’s has seen a more than fivepercent bump in earnings during January at locations open at least a year. And many fast-food restaurants are also offering reduced price deals to tempt hungry customers.
Saladworks in Salisbury offers healthy lunch alternatives sort of event, including weddings, business lunches and company parties, anywhere on Delmarva. "You have to go everywhere you can for business these days," Shane said. Salisbury, of course, is their main area, and their main focus is on small to midsize luncheon events. The restaurant opens daily at 11 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and at 5 p.m. on Sundays. To order take out or arrange catering service, call 410-572-6170.
Principals talk about concerns Public high school principals from throughout lower Delmarva recently gathered at Worcester Technical High School in Newark to gain insights from each other about managing in the highpressure world of today’s schools. The meeting was co-facilitated by principals Lorenzo Hughes of Wicomico High School and Tom Davis of Snow Hill High School and organized by the Delmarva Education Foundation. Thirteen of the 29 people in attendance were principals representing schools in Accomack (Va.), Somerset, Worcester, Wicomico, Dorchester (Md.) and Sussex (Del.) counties. Other attendees included representatives from local non-profit organizations, school system resource personnel, and two university faculty members specializing in educational leadership. The meeting agenda was organized around an informal discussion of best practices and concerns regarding attendance, high school assessment procedures, funding, and helping students explore colleges economically. A representative from a company called “Explore Colleges” gave a brief presentation about its services. The group plans to meet bi-annually, with the next meetings scheduled for early August 2009 and February 2010. Funding for the event was provided, in part, by the Community Foundation of
Meeting co-facilitator Lorenzo Hughes, principal of Wicomico High School, encouraged the group to compare strategies. Photo by Delmarva Education Foundation
the Eastern Shore. For more information, contact the Delmarva Education Foundation at 410219-3336.