More Local Establishments Are Better for Battle Creek, Some Say

It seemed like a rapid fire series of blows to Battle Creek recently. Announced job losses at TreeHouse Foods, Post and Kellogg's; then, closures of restaurants like Don Pablo's, a Wendy's and Lone Star Steakhouse. Then Macy's jumped on the bandwagon.

But, it does have people talking.

Job losses are one thing, and local economic development officials have been discussing it. Battle Creek Unlimited has been working in the Fort Custer Industrial Park to try and counter job losses here. But, get talking about where people like to spend their leisure time and eating-out budget, and they will likely have an opinion.

Battle Creek Enquirer reporter Dillon Davis asked folks to chime in on social media about what they would like take the place of closed establishments like the ones we've mentioned.

Several familiar names surface: Ikea, Costco, Five Below, Olive Garden, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Golden Corral.

Some callers to the morning show suggested Battle Creek needs more local establishments instead of national chains. Davis pointed to the Generation E Institute in Battle Creek, which is a mentor organization for budding entrepreneurs.

Click the player below to hear more.

Hear The Richard Piet Show weekday mornings from 5:30-9 on 95.3 WBCK.