It’s sad to see “yet another” small business fail in Suwanee Towne Center. The issue is NOT “what’s next” in regard to another restaurant, art gallery, ice cream shop, wine bar, café, etc. How many small business have come in gone in Suwanee over the past year(s)? Sadly, plenty. It’s a matter of math. Small businesses have fixed cost and when the economy softens, they can’t recover fast enough. Rent needs to be determined as a % of sales – just like any franchise. Rent is the biggest expense next to payroll. You can change payroll costs by cutting staff, working more hours yourself as an owner, but you CAN’T change rent. Additionally, you have no leverage when you rent because you don’t have an appreciable asset. You CAN’T borrow against the asset. Time to wake up – fixed leases are generally a very poor way to go. You will never own the space and the costs are the same whether you’re struggling or thriving. If you want to fix the problem, over a better solution to small business operators “fixed” costs. Maybe get creative and let the small business operator “own” the space after a period of time. This way, everyone has an equal, long – term VESTED interest in the deal surviving.

A gathering place that can offer a small bite to eat but also have live entertainment. No so much a bar then a place to kick back play cards or board games grab some coffee and snacks and listen to mellow music.

Thanks for the comments.

I would love to see Olde Towne Tavern revived or a similar type of restaurant. It has that "bar food" type of VARIETY that none of the other restaurants there have! A great place to meet with local friends, where no one has to be in the mood for a particular type of food. I did feel the prices were high on most items, but I will really miss that restaurant and the opportunity to watch Auburn games there! I really believe that menu VARIETY is important in that location to bring more widespread appetites, adults and families. If not Olde Towne Tavern, then something similar to Chili's or Applebee's would still bring some variety. I'd really rather it not be a "chain" like those, though. I know Tavern was somewhat of a chain, but it seemed more individualized than that.

The rent is too high. You can get a much better price on rent in other locations and the landlord needs to be willing to work with tenants until they can get established. The location is great -- the hub of the city with the park and events that go on all the time. I think a lot of folks would be willing to set up business if they could just afford the spot!

I would love to see a Panera Bread restaurant go in there. The other restaurant space would do great with a Bonefish or Marlows or Dominicks type restaurant! It was nice having Olde Towne but it was never run in a way that was efficient, the food quality was uneven, the servers seems inexperienced. What ever happened to the Lil River Grill that was supposed to go in there?

All the condos on the Olde Towne Tavern side are occupied with happy tenants. All the condos on the Mellow Mushroom side are empty and unfinished inside -- they're not on the market. Kinda overpriced!

Too bad the downtown food and entertainment can't be as nice at that of Buford. Perhaps the rent in Buford is more afforadable.

We are unfortunately a terrible restaurant town. The only places that survive long term are mediocre chains. Go to any small business restaurant on a non weekend night and there are no crowds at all or anytime after 8. Very disappointing..

Quit with the old grill/pub/sports bar look and modernize with something cool and urban. This place needs a style overhaul. The Tavern had the worst service EVER!!! The staff was talking in the back rather than wait tables. The management was vacant. So they got what they deserved. Eateries have to stay in style and provide good food with GREAT service and a nice atmosphere - something exciting and different brings the crowds. Suwanee is tired of sports bars. Too much look alike. Rent there is too high for the same old same old.

We need some atmosphere like Pure in Duluth or Cinco's but not necessarily a mexican eatery... just better vibe and more exciting decor to create some fun and interest.