I'd often heard you should set up shop within 1/4 mile of your toughest competitor...

I'd only ever seen it with gas stations but it wasn't until these past couple of years that I've noticed it with other businesses and REALLY seen it since working here. It makes sense and it doesn't at the same time I guess.

Maybe I'm remembering completely wrong, but I thought that for a long time, this was standard OP for McDonalds -- across the street from their competitor.

hmm.. going north, I pass 2 McDs (one is in a Wal Mart), a KFC, Checkers, Chipotle, Boston Market, Jerry's Subs and a Wendy's before I get to another McDs. Going south, I pass Taco Bell and Wendy's before I get to the McDs. In addition to 3 Subways, 5 7-11's, 2 Papa Johns, 2 Quiznos', Panera Bread, 2 post offices, 2 CVS's, 2 Rite Aids, an Eckerd, 3 Pizza Hut deliveries', 2 Dominos deliveries', soon-to-be 2 Walgreens, 1 Giant, 2 Safeways, 1 Bloom (Formerly Food Lion), 2 Shoppers Food Warehouses, and 10 gas stations.

And this is all within a 3 mile stretch of road.
Whew.

Love Panera, especially the iced green tea. Wish I could buy that by the gallon jug.

Never heard of ABC before this thread, but it does sound good!

You have an Eckerd and a CVS???? :eek:

What part of the country are you in???

Eckerds actually started in the Tampa Bay area, but was bought out several years ago by CVS. I wasn't aware of any Eckerd's still existing.

We had Eckerds here until a couple of months ago when they were bought out. Now, we have Rite-Aids.

We have a few Eckerds, Rite Aids, CVS and Walgreens is entering the picture now.

I'm in Northern VA.
I miss People's Drug. :(

Boy do I miss Eckerd's. CVS is pure crap. It doesn't even look like a drug store and you can't find anything you need. CVS bought them out down in this neck of FL. We don't have Rite Aid's anymore (wish we did cos they have great promotions) and haven't in a long time. I love Walgreen's now. CVS can suck it!

As far as ABC vs. Panera,, we JUST got a Panera in the neighborhood within this year or so... I haven't eaten there yet, but I did eat at an ABC (that's no longer in that location) when I was in high school. My friend had to help me pay for it...I didn't get why a half a soup and some sandwich cost $7 and change! We shook our heads and said something that I will not repeat for fear of offending some...I never ate there again, I don't think anyone else did. If they tried again now though I'm sure they'd be successful now that people are very familiar with these types of chains.

We don't have Firehouse this far south as far as I know (although I think there MAY be one somewhere in Davie)...I'm a huge Quizno's fan. And what is this So and so's Deli thing? We don't have that either.

ETA:Okay so I lied-apparently there are 6 in the vicinity, but none within a decent drive of me.

The name Rite Aid make me :mad::mad:. The last two times I went to fill my prescription they told me that they were out of it and it would not be in until a few days later. When I went yesterday, they told me it won't be in until Monday. Luckly, if I can't pick it up, my mother can swing by there.

I also agree that Firehouse is on the same level as Quizno's and Subway. They are pretty good, but I like Quizmo's better.

$5 foot long subs has me addicted to Subway.

I'm not a fan of Rite Aid, never have been.

PANERA!!! I like their salads a lot more than ABC, and they seem to have more lighter soups.