Last week, we reflected on a Toledo Free Press story from 2008 that asked readers to name the restaurant and entertainment franchises they would most like to see in Lucas County. Some of those — a casino and a large-format movie screen — have come true. Others, such as Trader Joe’s and IKEA, are rumored but not yet a reality. During the past week, scores of emails — and calls during my Monday hosting gig on WSPD’s “Eye on Toledo” — contributed to this “most wanted” list.
Tori Crowell suggested Quaker Steak and Lube and Cosi restaurants and department stores Ross and Beall’s.
Leah Owell mentioned Sweet Tomatoes restaurant, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, Heart Attack Grill, Steamers, a wild game restaurant, a Moroccan restaurant and a Russian restaurant.
With all due respect to Sonic, Five Guys and Burger Bar 419, many people mentioned In-N-Out Burger and Culver’s. We mentioned that there is a Culver’s in Adrian, and Thomas Blaha, executive director of the Wood County Economic Development Commission, wrote in to say there is a Culver’s in Findlay. He said it was financed in part through the SBA Regional 504 Loan board, hosted by the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority.
Barb Meyers was enthusiastic about IKEA, and agreed Culver’s would make a “wonderful addition. My son-in-law took us to Culver’s in Ypsilanti, and I found out they have frozen custard, wonderful stuff that I haven’t had since I was a kid.”
Tom Glassmoyer wrote about Firehouse Subs, praising the food and the chain’s dedication to charity and local fire departments.
Romaine asked for a Zingerman’s Deli, a request that came up during the radio show.
Jeannine Reilly’s wish list included Noodles & Company, Mad Mex (“Downtown needs a great Mexican restaurant”) and wrote, “When and if the riverfront is ever developed, someone should look into bringing back Tiedtke’s, making it the center of attraction and try to make it close to the original … how cool would that be?”
A retro Tiedtke’s Downtown? That would be very cool indeed, Jeannine.
Michael S. Miller is editor in chief of Toledo Free Press and Toledo Free Press Star.
