Put Panera in there!

Buffalo Wild Wings!!!

My vote is for JP Licks

How about a burrito place? A Boca Grande would be great.

Panera Bread. I think they'd actually be able to stay open in that spot.

I would like to see Curves move in there

Panera Bread. There used to be a Curves down the mall and it didn't last.

I think Panera would do well there...

how about a parlor with a bunch of benches and ash trays so all the old Townies can loiter inside rather than in front of the stores?

I'm very happy in the community Elaine. Seriously. I don't know where in my post I said something that wasn't "nice", as you put it. My only point was that Charlestown particularly seems to have a loitering (and let's face it, in the open drug dealing) epidemic, and it would be nice if something could be done about it. That's all.

The Panera Bread menu has something for everyone and their homemade bread prices are really competitive. They create a nice ambience too.

How about a Deli? Something like Zaftigs in Brookline. Corned Beef and Pastrami Sandwiches; a great breakfast and brunch.

How about a Dairy Queen that sells hot dogs and penny candy!!

Jason Shea

I like the panera idea .. but we need an ice cream place too!

Panera is a GREAT idea!

I'd love to see a bakery and by that I mean a small business bakery; not a large coorperate chain like Panera. Although I've heard the rent in the mall is astronomical and not many are able to survive; I do think Charlestown would enjoy the benefits of a fresh bakery.

Might be too tight for Panera, love the burrito, deli or bakery ideas though.

I am a lifelong Townie and I like Panera. Let's not resort to nastiness. It's just ideas of what we like would like to see. It's not going to make it happen.

why is the rent in the mall so astronomical?
is that to keep out any potential tenants...or to keep the owners of the mall with a tax break at the end of the year carrying a "deficit mall". My guess is the latter.
I would love to see a Panera or another Ice Cream parlor...something - anything but another vacant storefront.

Mary beth I am with you. Long time townine who LOVES Panera as well. broccoli soup is awesome. I wouldn't oppose. What are thoughta about a shoe store like we had back in the old days.

I don't know if the space is big enough to hold an arcade. I think it would be great if it gave the younger kids/ children a place to go. Penny candy was a good suggestion too.

Panera!!!

Jimmy the barber topless? I think I'll take a pass on that one.

Panera Bread

panera is ok ... Being new to CTown I think a bakery that also sells things that a cook could use .... Like rubs and marinades .. Cooking oils ... Vinagars .... Kitchen sundries ..

Okay I would like a bakery because I think the people of C-town need one!! I would like a place that has Breakfast I miss going out for breakfast with the family on weekends!! Some may not want a Panera but It has both. I'm open for an alternative, I just want a good Pancake, Fresh Pastries, and Ice cream would be nice. I'm sorry but arcade what are we 11. Save your money and buy a Kinect Box. I love the OLD townies I grew up here! They are what makes this town, Just like every other towns older population. Lets be proud of them! Just a reminder some day It will be you hanging out of DD. lets stay on the topic!! What do we need?

I have it on good authority that my dog will love the new place going in there.

I not a vet. I said my dog would like it, my dog doesn't like the vet. lol

We need more food options in Charlestown. I hope it is something that will be able to survive in the mall.

What I find interesting is the amount of turnover this mall has. One could surmise that the that rent is too damn high and the owners of this mall don't really care whether these places are vacant or not. Either pay up or you can't occupy this space. It's absolutely their right to charge as much as they want, but wouldn't a constant flow of income be a better option than months of no rent? I've always been confused by this business decision. I think there's more to this than meets the eye. Something smells fishy.

A Petco is going in there. The plans have already been sent out for bidding. My dogs will be happy like I said. I hope it does well then it wont cost me an arm and a leg to buy dog food down at Johnnies. I'll get a bigger bag of dog food at a better price then Johnnies, and treats too. So that is what is moving into the Friendlys space.

Judy - You can come down to Durty Harry's in the meantime, we price against Petco, carry most of the same foods and some really fun treats! I had actually looked into opening Durty Harry's in the mall as well and they stated that they didn't lease to animal businesses. I'm thinking Petco has more money than Durty Harry's though!!

Hey Joseph, frankly, the conversation never even got that far. I've called twice and both times, once I told them my desired use, they firmly stated they didn't lease to animal businesses. Options are always great and what Durty Harry's offers that Petco never will is the community involvement, the countless charities and Charlestown organizations we donate to, the parties we throw, not to mention "Ruff Week Friday's! " and the personnalized service we pride ourselves on. Sorry I couldn't be of more help with cold hard numbers!

I really hope it isn't a petco .. that's the last thing we need.

Ugh...Petco? We don't need another pet store - we have what we need with Durty's. I am loving that Panera idea.

I can almost guarantee you all that a Petco is not going in there. Their stores average 12,000-15,000 square feet. They aren't going to take a a 60%+ size discount to go into a small community that can barely support it where there is already a first mover in Durty Harry's.

I stand corrected:

http://unleashedby.petco.com/

That's exactly the division of Petco I would have assumed would take over a space of that size. There's one about 3 blocks down from our Brookline location, we're just a little different, that's all. They don't offer bathing or grooming services, or free food delivery, etc. Ahhh, a competitive marketplace is a good thing! Seamus, I just went to that link but didn't see anything about "coming soon" or anything for a Charlestown location, did you see a press release of any type or any mention that I perhaps missed?

Michelle, there was no news (at least from what I could tell) of the opening on the site. I was more pointing out the Unleashed small-box concept, which I was completely unaware of. I like your attitude!

Michelle, I noticed your building is for sale. Are you staying in Charlestown? I hope you're just moving to a new location in town and not leaving all together!

We're not going anywhere! We'll be here, and the building is under agreement ;-)

Old fashioned dinner... I mean the counter, stools, and booths are already there

How about a local business instead of another chain store? Doesn't matter what - I'm just tired of the big box stores. I like local ownership.