Blockbuster closing

[macuu222]

It finally happened. Actually I never thought it would last as long as it did. Scheduled to close in late March. I wonder if a business is eyeing the space? With a little fixing up it would be a perfect Olive Garden or Chili's!


http://www.staradvertiser.com/s?action=login&f=y&id=188004661

[kalakoa]

Good riddance. I hate blockbuster for two reasons:

1. Their notion of "security" is "we can charge your credit card whenever"

2. The movies are (often) censored, as in a special "blockbuster edit".

I sort-of doubt there will be a "casual dining" brand in that space, Hilo would already have one if the economy would support it. My vote: Macaroni Grill.

[Frank]

i vote "Shiro's Siamin Haven"...what with these cool days lately

[hikatz]

Would like to see PETCO!

[Loretta]

I vote for Applebee's.

[kalakoa]

I've heard that mall tenants must pay a percentage of sales (in addition to the expensive rent).

The only upside seems to be that County permitting process is magically "streamlined" if you rent from a big local landowner -- in much the same way that permits are "difficult" when you try to develop your own.

[ericlp]

I hate Blockbuster for all the late fee's that they charge. But now the day of the internet ... I don't see any use for them at all. I haven't been to a movie rental place in a long time. I highly doubt it will be turned into a mainland food chain. But... I suppose anything is possible. If it's one thing I do miss is the 2 for 20 applebees had. Probably be 2 for 30 here. I actually think the people here would can support it. If IHOP can make it I don't see why a chili's or applesbee gig wouldn't make it.

Maybe we should all pitch in 10K bucks and make it happen! Who's in?

[punafish]

Funny how folks here love chain restaurants. I used to live in suburbia where chain restaurants were everywhere, so all WE wanted was a mom-and-pop restaurant with some character and "local flavor."

But if we MUST have a chain, and I'm allowed a vote, I'd love to see an Outback.

But at the top of my wish list is a tasty, authentic, Japanese-style Ramen shop.

[ericlp]

Yeah a noodle shop would do well here... They have outback in Kona but I know you already knew that.

[bluesboy]

always had a love/hate relationship with blockbuster. i'm sure they made a fortune in the 90s, and that time is over.