Portland, Tennessee Blog

Has anyone been to Debbie's County Cooking Restaurant in Mitchellville?

I saw it listed under the restaurants on the Portland website.

Mr. Wok is going to be next door to Charlie Biggs...LOL LOL ( in the Food Lion area )
I don't know why that strikes me funny, it just does.

Looks like it will only be big enough for carry-out orders, too...

Mr. Wok is a chinese restaurant. Why do we need another? Where is it going to be located?

I tried Charlie Biggs, too. The people who were there the night I went were very nice and the food I got was ok. I was one of the last customers of the evening....they were running low on food and they even offered to start a new batch; I thought that was VERY nice of them. I didn't take them up on that, I just got a couple pieces of chicken and some slaw.

I'm looking forward to seeing what Mr. Wok will be like.

Anybody ever heard of a MR. WOK ???

We tried the Charlie Biggs chicken tonight. I was disappointed. The chicken was overcooked but the bake beans were great. The cole slaw needs some zing. Prices are okay. I hope they get better with time.

In regards to Hollywood's, I posted the following just a few posts down...

"Also, while we are on the subject of good places to eat, I once again want to say how good the Hibachi-grilled entrees are at Hollywood's in White House, just at the end of Portland Rd. They also have good burgers, and video games for the kids."

The hibachi-grilled entrees are cooked in front of you, and you can get steak, shrimp, or chicken, with rice and vegetables. It is so good!

Rachel,
Glad to see it wasn't just an old sign! It's hanging over the old Helig Meyers Sign, which that building is in the same strip as Dollar General and Harvey's Gym. I used to shop at Peebles all the time when I lived in Columbia. Will be glad to see something different come to the area! Yes, even though it's in Franklin and not Portland....

Haven't been to Hollywoods either.

Any idea what they offer.

I did a little bit of hunting around on the Peebles.com website, and it seems they will be opening on up at 813 South Main Street in Franklin KY. It doesn't say an opening date, but its a little less than a mile from the WalMart.

I just looked at the Red Robin Website !!
I saw there was a location at Indian Lake in Hendersonville...and the prime rib dip caught my eye.....along with the Absolut Lemonade !!

Well, I'll be going there real soon !!

Someone told me today that Hollywood's in White House was really good.....have you been there ??

DeeAnna
I went to Red Robin today while I was in Nashville and I had the Bleu Ribbon Burger. I always like Bleu Cheese Burger but this one was to die for. Here is the desciption of the burger from there website. ( redrobin.com ).

Blue Ribbon Burger
A juicy burger basted with a tangy steak sauce and topped with crumbled Bleu cheese. Served with onion straws,lettuce,tomatoes and zesty Chipotle mayo on an onion bun.

Look at the website they show you what every item looks like on their menu.

CD- the Gengis Grill sounds exactly like The Big Bowl in Chicago ! I know I would love to go there....thanks for telling me about that.

I know you'll love Sky Mesa in White House.

If you want a different taste treat, and something you won't find in Portland or anywhere around here....try Anna's Greek Restaurant in Bowling Green, KY.....it's wonderful. Thursday nights, they have Greek dancing !

DeeAnna
That sound's like Moe's Southwest Grill in Brentwood which is very good also but a long drive. The Qdoba is the same thing also and then there is Salsarita's over in front of the Target in Hendersonville. All three are like Subway also Moe's has a Salsa Bar, Salsarita's doesn't and I don't know about Qdoba. They are all Good Places to eat though.

Then there is Gengis Grill which is also in front of the Target in Hendersonville. When you go there they give you a bowl and you go through a line and pick the ingerdient's for your bowl. Frist you get your meat which Is still Raw, next you put your seasoning on then you get the raw Veggie's and sauce that you want everything cooked in. Then the cook will ask you what you want with it noodle's or rice they have different type of both. Then they will take your bowl and cook it for you and you can stand and watch them or they will bring it to your table. This is one of my favorites and i have it about three times a month. If you like stir-fry then you should like this Place.

Thanks for the tip on Sky Mesa I'll have to check it out.

Red Robin sounds great..........will have to go there soon. Thanks.

Another neat place is in White House....beside the Dollar store down on 31.....it's called Sky Mesa ! It's very reasonable and it's like a Subway...only it's tacos and quesadillas, etc....and they have a salsa bar with different types of salsas to go with your chips !

Red Robin in hendersonville is open I think. If any of you haven't had Red Robin before they have great Burgers. The prices run about 8, 9, and 10 dollars but that includes all you can eat fries. I personally think they have the best burgers around. If any of you love Burgers as much as I do check them out.

I think Qdoba Mexican Grill which is behind Red Robin is getting close to opening also. They have a great Mexican Gumbo which I think is the same thing as Tortilla Soup.

There is no comparison between Kroger the store and Peyton's the warehouse, even though they are "related". Kroger the store has good benefits and decent pay, flexible schedules, you name it. There is also much room for advancement in the Kroger franchise.

However, I, too have heard of the ridiculous conditions of the Peyton's plant. Low pay and crappy conditions. The fact that they bus in many of their workers (or so I have been told) should be an example. Once again, I wish the city of Portland would do a better job of actually trying to attract DECENT places to work here to Portland. Not just, thankless, poverty-level paying sweatshops. If the people of Portland could work here at home AND make decent money doing it, it could change the entire culture of our town.

Your welcome Deanna the only reason I went to work there was to get some warehouse experience and I got it. I'm sure they treat there employee's at the store's better because you don't want Peed off employee's working with your customer's. I liked everyone I worked with there except some of the bosses that treated everyone like crap. Most of the people there are from east nashville and can't get a job anywhere else and they have to put up with what ever the bosses dish out. There are alot of bad places out there to work and peytons is one of the top ones.

Ok...well, that explains it....well, I hate to hear that about Kroger/Peyton's. I had always thought/ been told/ believed that Kroger treated their employee's well or better than this. Yes, you're right about making the change you did and I'm happy you made it. Sometimes people just get used to a job and don't realize that there are better opportunities out there for the taking. Thanks for your reply to my question.

When i got my W-2 each year it had Kroger on it. I'm just thankful I got out of there alive. They'll keep treating people like slaves until someone dies. I was a fulltime picker and had to maintain a high pick rate just to keep my job. The temps that did the same job that i did got more money if they could get the same rate i had to maintain.
If any of you think it can't be that bad of a place to work go try it for yourself. The worst thing is that the people that still work there don't realize how much better there lives would be if they had a different job even if it payed less. I took a huge paycut for the last year but life is so much better and my pay is about to increase to a very comfortable level. A little financial sacrfice was worth it.

Still wondering: Is Peyton's an actual Kroger owned company OR is Peyton's a wharehouse that Kroger has a contract with to handle it's products.

Hate to hear that about Kroger. Not too familiar with Publix, but they always seem to be pretty pricey. Peebles is a dept store, sort of like Belk, but not as pricey. Check it out at www.peebles.com

What is Peebles?

Not a fan of Kroger anymore since i worked at Peyton's here in Portland and saw how horrible a company can treat it's employee's and get away with it. In case anyone is wondering what I'm talking about Peyton's is a Kroger warehouse. I wish it could be a Publix instead.

Heard they were getting ready to build a Kroger next to Lowe's in Franklin. Don't know if it's true or wishful thinking. Also saw a billboard that Peebles was coming soon to the old Helig Meyer building there. Hadn't noticed it before, but not to say it may have been there for a while....

My wife and I go to El Azteca quite often. Service is pretty good, as long as you don't go there after church on Sunday. I don't know if they just don't have enough staff or what, but I have experienced the problems some of you have mentioned on Sunday afternoon, but I don't remember having to deal with that any other time I went.

I miss the Taco Bell that used to be here, I think it's been gone a while. We went to El Azteca a few times several years ago (until we found El Moro!) and experienced poor service even then. Hadn't been back since so don't know if it's improved any.

I think Wendy's would do well here. Taco Bell also. I have driven to Franklin before just for both. We will most likely not see anything other than fast food for the next several years, so we might as well try and attract another one or two additional places like these. I think the added choices of even more fast food restaraunts would make the others do more business, because there WOULD be more choices, and we would not tire of any of them as easy if we had a dozen or so to choose from. I mean how many times have you driven through town and said "I want SOMETHING, but I am tired of all the places we have and I don't want to drive out of town"?.

I know I have. Also, while we are on the subject of good places to eat, I once again want to say how good the Hibachi-grilled entrees are at Hollywood's in White House, just at the end of Portland Rd. They also have good burgers, and video games for the kids. I wish we could lure the owner to open a place here. But then again, he gets a lot of Portland folks as well as WH and Cross Plains folks at his one location....Try it out if you haven't..The owner is a very nice man, and like I said the food is GOOD and at a reasonable price, especially his lunch menu.

El Azteca has gotten no better period. Ate there Sunday after church.

Has anyone been to the el azteca lately and if so has the service gotten any better. I haven't been for a couple month's. The last few times i went the waiters would take your order and would never come back to the table to see if we needed drink refills or anything else. They wouldn't even bring the tickets to the table we would have to go to the register and tell them what we ate.

If anyone's been recently then how was it.

From time to time we have gotten fried chicken, and tater logs at Charlie Biggs at the Drakewood market, and yes they were a good alternative to fast foods. Sounds like they will be offering more than fried chicken at the new location, like rotissery chicken, they are GREAT to eat, so tender.

I'm really glad to hear that....it'll be nice to have another good food place to stop for a snack.

Five Chefs would be a wonderful dinner place.....wish it were open in the evenings,too !

Charlie Biggs chicken is really good. Use to get it at Drakewood Mkt. I think they still have it, the sign is still up.

It would really be nice if 5 Chefs would start serving dinner.

Charlie Biggs "restaurant" will be opening soon by Food Lion ! It's not O'Charley's.....but....it's chicken ! LOL

I asked the following question because I don't work in town anymore. When I used to work here in town someone always seem to know when something was coming. I just wonder if anyone knows the latest restaurant rumors or if there are any.

Does anyone think we will at least get one new name brand restaurant this year. I'm trying to be positive and keeping my fingers crossed because I'm hungry.

Judy......LOL LOL. Thanks for the reminder...LOL

DeeAnna - Snap... Snap... wake up... lol you're in Portland remember. Would be nice though!

Judy, thanks. Ooooh, ok.....well, I had never heard of Charlie Biggs. It sure would be nice if we could be talking about an Applebee's opening up here, huh ? Or a steakplace, O'Charley's or something......

DeeAnna - The Drakes Market out 52E used to, not sure if they still do or not (sign is still there)have a Charlie Biggs Chicken & Sauce inside that gas station, it's ok, nothin to write home about. Don't know that I will get too excited but I guess it's another option rather than a burger.

Talking about restaurants, I notice we're getting a new place by Food Lion called Charlie Biggs ....has anyone ever eaten at one of those ?

I just though I would share one thing I like to do. I like to go to restaurants websites I think would be nice to have in town and send them an email telling them so. Everyone should do this and maybe if they see enough interest they will consider putting there establisment here for all of us to enjoy.

I wish we had a Taco Bell, Kfc, Zaxby's, Captain D's, Shoney's, Dairy Queen, etc...........

My pet peeve isn't just with McDonalds, it is with most fast food places. What is the deal with handing you drinks without straws? Lots of times I have to wait for the actual food (you know pull forward to the X) & could be pacified somewhat with being able to drink my cola while I wait. I also believe you should take pride in your work no matter how menial.

RC - I have worked minimum wage jobs in the past, thank you very much. I also did the best job I could, which enabled me to advance on to better paying jobs. I guess I can thank my parents for teaching me a good work ethic.

Rc I worked for McD's in Gallatin for 1 Year for $3.25 an hour. It was a few years ago but I know how it is. The managers I worked for Wanted everything just right. We had a good crew back then. The crew that opened the McD's in Portland was good also but when the Owners own kids took over running this location things changed. I went there to eat a couple days ago and it was better. I just hope that it keeps getting better.

When I go out with friend's and they get mad and start raising their voice I'm alway's the frist to stop them. I know that you don't want to make the wrong one's mad. I've seen what people will do to your food and it isn't very sanitary. These thing's don't happen all the time but they do happen.

If i go to a sit down place and the server doesn't do there job then I simply leave a small tip. If they want a good tip all they have to do is do their job.

Well first comparing buying a tv to buying a burger is not a fare comparison at all but I do understand the analogy you tried to make. SL no I wouldn't say the TV being different however wasn't so bad, I'd simply do the grown up thing, take it back, explain my situation and get what I ordered originally. I wouldn't bad mouth the company, I wouldn't say this company sucks, and I wouldn't cry about it.

Mak, I understand that problems an employee has shouldn't affect his/her performance, I'm not saying that's excusable. But I'd also like to see you work at McDonald's flipping burgers, making minimum wage and how much PRIDE you'd really take in the job. I don't have problems with taking pride in things but taking pride because I put the right condiments on someones burger isn't something I would WANT to say I took PRIDE in doing. If I got it wrong I'd say oh well I'll try to remember next time, not beat myself up and lose sleep over it.

Problems do also usually go back to the management but unless people calmly explain their order was wrong to management they wont know how often they are right or wrong. If you've had bad experiences with McD's I'm sorry, however I never have in the 10+ years I've lived in this town.

You're absolutely right about expecting orders to be right -- it all reflects back to the management, I think. They need to spend more time training these kids and telling them they expect excellence in their work -- I know what you mean about McDonald's here. The orders are messed up more times than they are right and I can't tell you the times that place has been a mess. If the oorporate offices got enough email about this McDonalds, perhaps things would improve. In the meantime, I would simply not go there.

Cantstandcrybabies ---- No one said anything about losing there temper or what type of food they Desire. Look's like someone had some trouble in reading class.

You are good at guessing. I do have good taste in food.

Sorry, but if I am spending $12-$18 at a place I want my order to be right.I work hard for my money. Your attitude about, oh well, is what is wrong with alot of these places. They don't have any ownership or pride in their work, because it is not expected of them. I also don't go to these places anymore.

Are you flippin serious? How in the world do you compare a big screen TV to a value menu burger? If you are gonna lose your temper over some fast food you might consider anger management classes.
I mean seriously....if you have such discriminating taste in food, what are you doing at a fast food restaurant anyway? Am I the only one who see the irony in that?

RC a work place is not a daycare if a kid can't handle 2 or 3 orders because of personal problems they need to be sent home. When I'm paying for something i expect it to be correct just like these other people. If you went and bought a new 50 inch TV and got home and the box only had a 32 inch in it would you just relax and say "is this REALLY so bad?" I don't think so.

I said before that McDonald's is my favorite Fastfood spot but I won't go to the one in Portland. One simple reason the service is Bad. I use to work at other McD's in other town's not Portland and our goal was to get the orders out quick and correct. The Portland McD's doesn't seem to care.

Another bad thing is that I shouldn't have to tell them how much Change to give me back. It seem's like none of the kids know how to count change these day's. They get to use calculator's in school now and can't count without one.

I dont understand why people say a restaurant sucks just because they've gotten someone's order wrong a few times. I've had my order wrong before because I requested no onions on a burger. When it came back with onions I simply said oh well and pulled them off. No one got hurt, no money lost, just a minor inconvenience. I feel too often people take things that aren't JUST their way as being wrong. Or if something isn't perfect it is ruined. Keep in mind that teenager that might be fixing your meal has been on the clock for 5 hours and is dealing with 3 orders at once, might even be going through relationship problems or health problems in their family. We all need to step back sometimes from situations that upset us and just relax and really say to ourselves, "is this REALLY so bad?"

portland restaurants suck, and they suck for one reason: no competition, no incentive to better serve the customer, 'cause, hey, they'll be back where else they gonna' go. now pick that burger off the floor and sell it.

MAK.... you are so right about McDonald's. I would say out of the last 5 times I went, they got my order correct 2 times. Do like I do, email McDonald's Corp. Headquarters and complain. I have also started refusing to "pull up" and my food gets to me real quick. If it wasn't for my grandson I would NEVER go back.

In my opinion, McDonald's has the worst service in Portland. Krystal may be slow, but at least they get your order correct. 9 times out of 10, McDonalds gets my order wrong or I have to pull up and wait for 10 minutes(for a 4 piece chicken nuggets) and then it is still wrong. I try and check it everytime, but then what is the point of going thru the drive-thru. I am sure this happens everywhere, but it is consistent at McD's. They don't even attempt to apologize that you just spent $20 and still didn't get what you ordered. Their customer service is almost non-existant.

I agree about the Ponderosa the service and food were horrible after a couple month's. The management was bad and they had to many teenagers working there. I went in there to eat one night and the kids that were off work were sitting at a booth in the corner smoking and getting wild and the managers didn't seem to care. I knew they wouldn't make it much longer after that visit and I was right.

I fell the opposite about McDonald's and Krystal. I think the service at McDonald's has gotten worse over the past couple years. I like to eat inside and thats their problem. All they seem to care about is the drive through. I love McD's but I stay away from the Portland one.

I loved the Krystal when it opened and then the service went down hill when it changed hands. Every time I went there to eat it seemed like all the employee's were always outside Smoking. I stopped eating there for a while but started back several month's ago and They have gotten alot faster and now I'm happy Again.

Arby's is ok but don't eat there much. I may be weird but I like Pickle's on may roast beef sandwich and they DON"T HAVE PICKLES.I also don't care much for curly fries.

Wish the old CONOVER'S was still in town. It was a pretty good place.

I think a problem Portland has with restaurants is that they are great for a little while when they are new but then quality of service and food goes down. I'm sure that happens everywhere but isn't it supposed to get fixed by management? That happened to Ponderosa and it's happening to Krystals. Krystals was once a very fast, efficient, nice place to get a bite to eat. Last several months it's a lot slower on their service. Example, I went through the drive through, got a simple #1 combo, and it took 25 min for me to get my food with only one car ahead of me that only ordered two combo meals from the looks of it. That kind of wait doesn't happen at any other Krystal I been to or any other fast food place I go to. I hate to see Krystals go the same way as Ponderosa. I do like the place but when I know I can get my food in 5 min at McDonalds vs a 20 min wait at Krystals, guess where I'm going? Sorry Krystals.

I never said that Portland was ready for a Starbucks. In fact, I don't think we would support one. I was just trying to prove my point that I think that White House or Franklin would get one soon. (Which, I think WH would get it before Franklin) I, myself, like the quiet, quaint feel of Portland, also. I would like to have a couple more places to eat, but, I just don't think Portland is going to support a big name restaurant. The restaurant would do good the first month or two, but, everyone would get tired of it and still go somewhere else to eat. And, people from Franklin and Gallatin are not going to drive here to eat. People from Westmoreland wouldn't either. They are closer to Gallatin and Gallatin will always have much more to offer. It should, it's bigger. If I really don't feel like driving anywhere but want to sit down to eat, I like going to the Panther Den. I think their food is good and very reasonably priced.

We are relocating to Portland are on March 1st.
We liked this area because of the hometown attitude. We will not mind driving for shopping or dining out. We just want quaint and simple.
We have found in researching the area that everyone that we spoke to was kind and considerate.
We look forward to our relocation.
Thank you to all that have been so informative and kind.

I can't see Starbuck's coming here any time soon. Portland probably couldn't support it unless it was really small.

I would much rather have a Taco Bell, KFC, Zaxby's, Captain D's, or even a Shoney's.

I guess it never hurt's to DREAM.

Just my opinion -- but Portland is sure not Starbucks territory -- and as far as how the casinos at the stateline would impact Portland....the only way I think is = with as much indignation as the liquor vote....LOL LOL.
You'll see signs in yards saying, Say NO to casino's.. or something like that.

We, who like other things besides a Big Mac, a McFlurry, or a pizza, will continue to have to leave Portland for everything else.

kh- there are definitely a lot of people who think it's nuts . . . but those aren't the people Starbucks is targeting anywway. It's all about demographics. The question is whether Portland has enough people in their (Starbucks) target market to sustain a store. I personally don't think we do at this time. And this is coming straight from someone who loves her locomocalatte as much as the next person.

Yes, they are closing 100 stores and they are cutting back on the number of new stores they are going to build. That's all I said.

You're right...it's just a drop in the bucket, but it does show that they are slowing down a bit on new stores, that's all. They aren't going to build the number they had projected they would.

I never said it was nuts to pay $5 for a cup of their coffee.....I buy it myself sometimes.

So, they are closing 100, BUT, are opening 1,175? Could it be that the 100 they are closing are the ones they have more than one in the same city? For example, there are two in Hendersonville? By the numbers you gave me, there are still going to be 1,075 NEW Starbucks.

Also, I did google it and checked it out. The 100 stores that they are closing is only 1% of all the stores they have. There will still be 12,000 left. That 100 doesn't hold a candle to how many Starbucks are still out there. Hence, not a lot of people think that $5 cup of coffee is nuts.

Starbucks is closing 100 stores in the United States, and is downsizing it's growth from the 1,600 stores it was going to build, to 1,175.

A quote from the news :

"Starbucks Corp. said it will close down 100 stores and slow down its opening of new U.S. stores from 1,600 to 1,175 this year.

"By reducing the number of openings, we expect to optimize our resources and potentially reduce cannibalization of our existing stores," said CEO and Chairman Howard Schultz in a statement."

Check it out -- Google it. It's all over the news.

What Starbucks are closing? I have not heard of any closing, not around here, anyway. Everytime I go to Starbucks, which is either in Gallatin, Hendersonville, or Bowling Green, I have to wait in a long line. Doesn't seem to me business is to slow.

I will be the cheapskate here, but I think the $2.00 I pay in restaurants for coffee is ridiculous ....I think the new McDonalds coffee is great.....and being a "senior" and able to get that senior dicount makes it taste even better !

Seriously, I do like to go to Barnes and Noble - Bowling Green, and get their coffee....I think I like the whole atmosphere of the books and the coffee....I don't think I'd go in a regular Starbucks coffeeshop ...it's just not the same to me. As for new Starbucks opening, I don't think so, either...especially not here. They are closing stores, like you said...so I'm not optimistic about that.

I doubt that will happen. Starbucks has been closing down some stores.

Yes kh, I do think $5.00 for a cup of coffee is nuts. Just like I think $3.00 for a gallon of gas is nuts.

Dontmakemelaugh,

We go to Starbucks quite frequently. I know when you think of a $5 cup of coffee, you think it is nuts. But, that $5 cup of coffee is really good. I can't afford to go everyday, but I would go at least once a week.

I bet it won't be too long before White House or Franklin gets one.

I do most of my grocery shopping in Portland. I go to both FL and Hills. It depends on which one is having the best sale on the stuff I need that week. Sometimes, I will go to both. I use coupons everytime I go to the store, and Hills will double your coupons up to .50 everyday, so that is an added bonus. I know that Wal-mart will price match, but, they will not price match buy one get one free, and most grocery stores are doing that now. Also, it is a big hassle for me to take all those sale papers with me and have to find that item to show the sales lady. Also, I don't have to listen to the cashier huff and puff and roll her eyes at me because she is having to wait on me. Also, Hills has a lot better customer service than Wal-mart, and I don't have to waste gas driving to Franklin, which I guess the tax would cancel that out. I don't hardly ever go to Wal-mart anymore, but when I do go there with my mom or someone else, I will look at the prices, and they really aren't that much cheaper than anyone else.

The only time I eat her is for lunch. If my husband and I want to go out for dinner, we usually have to drive somewhere else. I am so tired of Mexican, burgers, and pizza. That is the only choice we have. White House has great places to eat, and we also go to Cracker Barrel in Franklin if we don't want to drive too far. If we are willing to drive a little farther, we will go to BG, RG, or Hendersonville. Now that Hendersonville has so many new places to choose from, we probably won't be going to RG much anymore. You can watch a movie, eat, and shop there, just to name a few.

Where do I do shop, eat, and play?

I don't shop in P-town I do my grocery shopping at Hendersonville Wal-mart. I would do it here if we had a Wal-mart or Publix. I don't think of Hills or Food Lion as real stores due to poor and limited selections.

I use to eat at El Azteca until the service went down the toliet. I go to China Buffet Once every 2 or 3 months and Krystals when I just need a Quick bite. I normally eat at the new Gatti's Pizza in Gallatin once a week it is in front of the new theater. They have a really good salad bar, wish they would locate here. Some of my other Favorites are Genghis Grill and Salsarita's, Both in the same building complex in Hendersonville in front of Target.

I also love Red Robin and eat There ( mt juliet ) when I can. They are opening a new one in Hendersonville soon (can't wait). They are a bit pricey but worth it to me. If you haven't been to any of these Check-em out. They all Have web sites.

I quess i play here at home on the computer all the time but this is my Frist time to post on any Blog. I like reading what other's are saying about Portland. I feel the same as a lot of you.

anyone visit any of the holiday open houses at the businesses in ptown? spent about a half hour and went to a few Ive never been in what a waste of my time like the so called flower shop where the outhouses are on 109 perfect example of portland businesses nothing worth going to. Oh well maybe some day it will change til then off to KY I go.

If you like Starbucks, you might try the coffee shop next to the gym on the 109. They started out with lunches and treats and now are struggling to stay open. They don't have quite the variety of Starbucks but for the price, you can't beat em. If they had more business I am sure they would bring back lunches and the variety of treats. 5 Chefs is a great place, but they aren't open for dinner. Portland should have a nice sit down restaurant. It always amazes me that McDonald's is full of people on Friday night.......is that what people look forward to? Steak and Shake and/or Chic Fil-A would be good.......anything would be a great addition to Portland. It is a Zaxby's that is going in in front of Lowe's.......When is the next town meeting? We should band together to improve Portland.....after all the sign does say, "A City on the Grow"......a little growth and clean up never hurt anyone!!

I know that a Zaxby's is going in the front of Lowes...I don't know what else. I have hear they are getting a Target and an O'Charley's. Does anyone know for sure??

Isn't Chick-Fil-A going in front of Lowes' in Franklin? I would really like to see a Steak 'n Shake go in someplace close. They are not your usual burger joint.

Oh yea! A Chik-fil-A is good too! From all the input I have seen on this subject, sounds like a lot of us need to go to some town meetings. When, where and what time is the next one???

I admit Starbucks is a bit pricey, but their coffee and other treats are still yummy! But, the underlying point here is that Portland needs to upgrade and update!

I maintain that a new Outlets Mall with brand name shops and eateries (such as fresh hot pretzels, cookie store, and yes a Starbucks), and a few nice resturaunts like our own Cracker Barrell, Logans, Outback, O'Charley's, etc. located at the intersection of Hwy 109 and Hwy 31W would be a perfect fit for Portland. It is in the middle, between Franklin, KY and White House, TN, and it would be different from anything they are doing (yet!).
Spruce up Main St and surrounding area, coordinate the "look" and as DeeAnna mentioned, give it a Depot Square nostalgic feel and appearance. There is lots of traffic going up and down I-65 every day to support the Outlet Mall and we can pull in some of what Franklin and White House are getting...plenty of those travelers can and will pay $5 for a cup of coffee at Starbucks, they will spend their money and we might as well be there to take some of it.
There can and should be lots more to Portland than Main Street, but it all needs to be renovated and brought into this century.

ACE Hardware is my new #1. My husband and I recently returned to Portland to do some work on our home after our renters trashed it. Each and everytime we went to ACE to buy supplies we were greated at the door. My list of supplies was taken from me and next thing you know I had everything I needed right at the register. I didn't have to hunt for a thing. It was like nothing I had ever experianced before. You will not find that kind of service at other stores or even other ACE stores across the country. They saved us hours of time and stress by doing this for us. Thanks to everyone that works at ACE in Portland. Don't change a thing.

I admit that Starbucks is a bit pricey, but the coffee and other treats are still yummy! Besides, the underlying point here is that Portland needs to upgrade and update!

I am still convinced that a tastefully done Outlets Mall with brand name shopping and eating (i.e. pretzel shop, etc.) and maybe even a nice place to eat, like Outback, Logan's,O'Charley's or even our own Cracker Barrell, all located out near the Intersection of Hwy 52 and Hwy 31, would be an awesome addition to the city. Travelers always like the convenience of places that are close to the Interstate so they don't have to drive very far to get to them. The Main Street area of Portland needs to be remodeled to coordinate with each other, put in a red-brick cobblestone street, nice street lamps, and as DeeAnna mentioned, give it a nice little Depot theme and some nostalgia! Draw the money in from those travlers that are stopping in Franklin and White House now with an Outlets Mall located in between those two cities. I, myself, would much prefer to drive from town to that intersection for shopping and eating rather than having to go to Franklin or White House, cause' believe me, those cities are movin' on and very shortly, Rivergate and Bowling Green won't have to be our only alternatives for dining and shopping. We could also use a good Kroger. There will always be cheaper places to shop, but the variety of choices is what is appealing and stores will compete with each other on pricing. Personally, as much as I end up having to go to Wal-Mart, I get tired of all the same stuff. I enjoy the different things that I can find at Kroger, or Hills, or Target, or Lowes, etc. There are plenty of people driving up and down I-65 every single day that we could entice to shop and dine in our area. There could be a lot more to Portland than just the Main Street area.

I do my grocery shopping in Franklin. I would like to see a nice grocery store in Portland. The Walgreens is a great addition and a grocery store would be nice as well. I too think Portland needs something other than Pizza and Hamburgers to eat. I love the gym......too bad the coffee shop had to cut back it's hours.
We don't want to make another Rivergate here. I don't think that is want the people want. A few improvements would be nice.

Starbucks?? You have got to be kidding. Who around here wants to pay 5 bucks for a cup of coffee.....hmmm... anyone??

Hey, we need an Outlets Mall and especially a Starbucks!!!!!

Why is every building in Portland older than me?
The whole city looks like it hasn't been upgraded since the 1950's. It's junky looking and I can't seem to find anything about it to attract "shoppers," even local ones...

We need to take some king of action. When is the next town meeting and where??

My wife and I have lived here for about 2 years now. We moved up here because the houses were cheaper and yes as someone else stated, the builders up here are PATHETIC!! Danny Groves and his partner are big jokes.. They will never get my money again.
The Food Lion is like going to the dentist, you need to go but you really DO NOT want to. HG Hills eventhough it is an older store, the employees are super nice and the plate lunches beat anything else in town.
This town is behind the times, we need a revolution, a change in this town to bring much needed business and income would do us good.
Please Portland stop resisting change. This place has potential to be a hot spot but its just a cold dribble.... Who will help lead the way?

At the introduction to this section, it said we could rate businesses here....I have to say...I love Stroud's BBQ....and give them a 5 and am happy they are in town !

Where does he keep the limo ?? Haven't seen the limo .....

Yeah..seems kinda funny....well, maybe it will be rented out for the Prom or a wedding or something....what color is it ? Is there more than one ??

You gotta laugh at the irony of a limo place in Portland....LOL

Question: Where Do I eat and shop??

Answer: NOT in Portland

The Limo place is located in the row of buildings next to City Hall.

I also hear good things about the teen place.

where is the limo place?

sounds like a good place for kids to hang out and the price sounds good too!

The grandkids went to the new teen hangout over the weekend and had a great time. My daughter went in and checked it out. She said it is very nice. They escort the kids out when their rides arrive and assured her that no one is allowed outside without a worker escort and they are familiarizing themselves with cars and parents as much as possible - black lights and neon - music, ping pong, pool, air hockey, etc. Cost $5.00 to get in but the games are free. It is located in the back of the Limo place. They have not put up a sign yet.

Hope this place stays around awhile.

jwmason -- I'm not convinced that the demand is "really" greater than the supply....I'd venture to say there is plenty of oil/gas; hence, gouging....but, like you say, if I could sell something of mine for waaay over the actual cost and get rich, then I sure would!

GW

That's my whole point:

I have heard often of how expensive gas is in Europe and other countries, so it is my opinion that the oil companies figure we will pay whatever we are charged and if other countries will pay $5 or more a gallon, then so will America! Unfortunately, they are right.

If I was a Oil Company that could sell gas for $5 or more why would I want to sell it for less. I'm in business to make the most $$ I can.

the oil companies are just gouging the consumer because they can!

I don't agree. The demand is greater than the supply so the price is higher.

While I don't live as far from work as you folks seem to. I do drive my auto that gets the best mileage and so does my wife most of the time. ;-0

Anybody here ever heard of "carpooling"? That will really cut you gas budget down. Yes, there are carpoolers right here in Portland that go to Nashville everyday!!!!

I have to say this "gas thing" is getting way out of hand....while it is true that "supply and demand" is how the economy is controlled; it is also true that I have no choice but to drive to work in Nashville everyday! So, what are ya' gonna' do? Me, I'm still fillin' my tank twice a week and just shakin' my head...I've heard we will see $4.00 per gallon by Christmas and at $3.06 now, that is not too far off...yes, I'm sure that if we all stopped buying gas we would see a dramatic decrease in price; but, hey, I have to work 5 days a week and cutting back is not an option for me....the oil companies are just gouging the consumer because they can! Our lifestyles have progressed to the point of no return...We are also a much larger commuting society now, and yes, we are primarily an immediate gratification society as well, but even that is no excuse for this kind of gas price increase...I have heard often of how expensive gas is in Europe and other countries, so it is my opinion that the oil companies figure we will pay whatever we are charged and if other countries will pay $5 or more a gallon, then so will America! Unfortunately, they are right. I can't afford to quit my job, can anyone else?

J.A.Dude,
I was not talking about driving to work and if you have cut back then I was not talking to you.I was talking about the American people as a whole.We are an instant gratification people,we want what we want when we want it,right now!Yes i drive a full size SUV and I am part of the problem.Yes, i do work in the town that I live,but I have also worked a job where I drove an average of 700 miles per week so I know what its like to pay a big part of your paycheck for work.Do you remember the 70's?They dropped the speed limit to 55mph now it's back to 70.They encouraged everyone to carpool,now everyone drives their own vehicle to work.I'm not saying it's ok for the gas companies to charge what they are,in fact it IS a big ripoff.But if you did business with a store who continued to rip you off then why should they stop.We have to make drastic cuts to cut their profits so that THEY feel the bite in the wallet instead of us.

jwmason, I didn't understand a word you said. But wow...I can't believe that me driving to Nashville to work everyday is the reason gas is so high.

Puh-leeze.

Terry George said :

"Now don't get me wrong,I love my big SUV.But until we as a people stop paying whatever they ask for gas,we shouldn't complain about the price."....

What's my alternative? Filling it with water to drive to work? I don't have the pleasure of working in the same town where I live as you do! So your while your trips outside the city limits might be for pleasure, mine are not. I have to go to work.

Enjoy your gas guzzling SUV. WE are to blame? Not quite. I have cut out all weekend excursions to Bowling Green and what not, and according to other people, most others have as well. I refuse to accept the blame as you say I should, for high gas prices.....Just about everyone I know has cut back, yet the prices keep skyrocketing...and that's with no hurricane in sight....It costs me almost $75 a week to drive to work. You say we CHOOSE to drive and pay these prices? What else can I do but stop going to work? I DON'T HAVE A CHOICE!!! I HAVE TO BUY GAS TO GO TO WORK!!!!!

Bush worship...it's a funny thing that seems to cloud the judgements of those that worship him as some sort of a god.....BIG OIL...BIG TEXAS....you name it....we are all paying the price

The gas prices are hitting in many ways during the past year. Shipping costs on products has gone through the roof. It becomes harder to maintain low prices because margins are eaten up in shipping. For a limited time, most businesses can sustain a hit, but we are entering that time when they have done so long enough, and prices will be pushed up.

Inflation.

It hits locally in small businesses, and on all national scales. Most may be unaware of just how costly it is becoming to ship stuff.

Frofit... whoops profit

Like Terry said we're to blame.

Forgive my grammer in advance.

Basic economic's:

I've got 5 gals of gas. Somebody in Flordia is willing to pay $2.80 per. Someone in Texas $2.90 per. Someone in California $3.50 per. Guess what the price is going to be for everyone ($3.50 per).

With other countries wanting to same oil as the U.S. they are driving up the price (along with the violence in the Middle East). It's not the Big Oil Companies that set the price it's those of us that use the products. They're just making a frofit for the shareholders(True Company Owners).

Sorry about going off on this. But some of the wrong people are taking to blame on this Hot Button Issue.

Thanks

Do you know who is at fault for the insane price of gasoline?We are.We continue to go everywhere we WANT to go.If the consumer would just stop feeding this monster by cutting back on UNNECESSARY trips the oil companies would have no other choice than to lower the price.It's simple supply and demand economics.If we are willing to pay what they're asking for gas,then why should they stop raising the price.When we as a people decide enough is enough,and stop buying the product the price will fall.What happens to a product on the shelf of a store that doesn't sell.They drop the price to get rid of it.SUPPLY AND DEMAND.It's our fault,
and we have to take a look at ourselves and make some hard choices.Are we willing to give up something we WANT to do so that we may be able to do what we NEED to do later down the road.They say those who don't remember history are doomed to repeat it.This has happened before and the American people responded as a whole by curbing their consumption and buying smaller,more fuel efficient cars.Now don't get me wrong,I love my big SUV.But until we as a people stop paying whatever they ask for gas,we shouldn't complain about the price.

JWMason,

I wouldn't call it "fault" persay,but looking at the numbers, they are quite shocking and seem to be down right wrong. I find it hard to believe that one gas station a half of mile down the road could be 2.87 and then the other be over $3.00..That does not make any sense to me whatsoever. I am quite curious to see how things such as gas prices and health insurance will change once Mr. Bush gets booted out of there. I have respect for him because he is the leader of our country,but I certainly do not agree with his decision making and all of his "excuses" to why things are happening are far from old.

Mack

Do you fault Exxon/Mobil for making a profit? That's what they are in business for.

As I believe the Progressive reported last week, the pay at all the local Portland factories has stayed the same, and average hourly pay today has not risen significantly since 1991 at the local factories. So what are people on a budget to do when money is tight? They have to save money anyway necessary. That means driving four miles to Franklin and saving LOTS on groceries. The city of Portland has nothing to offer, and the council seems to accomplish nothing. When LBTD was voted down, those opposed said that alternative ways to bring revenue into P-town should be explored... It's been almost a year...Where's all the bright ideas?

By the way, a little off topic, but maybe not too far off topic, when gas was $3 a gallon last time, President Bush blamed Hurricane Katrina...anyone heard the latest excuse? Remember just a quarter or so ago it was reported Exxon made $400 BILLION in profits...Hmmmm...getting screwed at the pump once again......Cost of living going up...most people's paychecks aren't.

I drove by the Limo place today. Party Time Pizza has opened up next to PT Designs. I hope that is not the "new" club for teens that was mentioned.

Does anyone know what has went into the old Dr Handel building? They is always cars there now.

Studio16a re-opened a few weeks ago. They told our kids they are opening their XBOX room again.

I do not know much information about this other than it is the same owner that owns the Limo service in town and that it is located near City Hall. My children are checking it out this weekend. I believe the age is from 13-17 but I am not sure. If anyone has any other info, please post as I too would be interested to know. This could greatly benefit our children in the community if done right. Thanks!

SG.....would be happy to check it out...where is it ?? What's the name of it ? Do you have any more information on it ? This is the first I've heard of it.

Regarding the teens, I hear that they have opened up a teen club in town. Everyone should check it out. I know my kids plan to!

That's funny new to portland,my husband I were discussing the same thing yesterday! He said "where are all the people coming from that are going to buy all these houses?" And I said "And what are they gonna do when they get here?!" LOL

We bought our house here 4 years ago and even though it's a long drive to work (west Nashville) we figured it would be worth it to live in a nice quiet place and be able to stay home and enjoy our weekends.....who knew we'd still have to do ALOT of driving on weekends if we wanted ANYTHING to do! It would be nice to have a few places in town that we could enjoy instead of having to drive somewhere else. My husband and I have learned to just deal with it but what about the kids here?? There is no place for the kids in this town to go. How fun can it be sitting in the parking lot behind Sonic EVERY weekend! What about a bowling alley, a skating rink, an arcade...ANYTHING! LOL I would even enjoy going bowling on the weekends if I didn't have to drive to some other town to do it. And even just ONE nice sit down restaurant (that serves a VARIETY of items) would be nice.

I just don't understand how this town can have so many subdivsions, and so many people living here (or soon to be living here) yet nothing for people to do....I guess it'll be like us, we thought that driving somewhere else for fun and food would be a fair trade for living in a quiet place in the country, BUT it gets old after awhile LOL

It's funny that my husband and I were just discussing the number of new subdivisions and houses going up in Portland, with no new business. Admittedly, we bought here because, for the price, you get much more. However, the builders are cheap. There is no follow through and even when the houses are still under "warranty," getting anything fixed is impossible. Food Lion is a joke of a grocery store, HG Hill is just nasty all of the time. Driving 11-25 miles to buy groceries is a pain. Even though we work in Nashville, who wants to stop after a long day to shop for groceries!

Don't get me wrong. Portland definitely has it's good points. The people, for the most part, are nice enough. But who actually sits on city councel? Are the races for seats here truly competitive or is it the "Good Ole Boy" network every year? If they are truly competitive and the people of the town are really willing and wanting change, how does one go about running?

This town could be much nicer with fewer run down gas stations and more retail opportunity. Even a nicer restaurant would be a blessing! It doesn't have to grow like Gallatin or Hendersonville, but SOMETHING would be nice.

regarding ronnie mcd
an idea yes would it fly with him extremely doubtful this is an entertainer and i am not trying to be negative but hardly classified as a star. he entertains for a living although he is from portland he too left here several years ago to a town that has more to offer than we do. yes he comes back from time to time for charity work within the community and this is much appreciated by many. an attraction that many would take their time to come visit proly not, like most seen it once no need to return for years, would it be an added feature to a bustling town, sure but hardly something to rely on to attract new visitors. I don't think the james monroe museum in ky lasted very long either isnt it closed. oh well maybe someday ptown will change, keep trying is all we can do.

I think Debra P made a great suggestion about Ronnie McDowell. I've heard he was the skating rink referee(not sure what it's called the one who goes around with the whistle making sure everyone skates safely) many years ago here in Portland. Wouldn't it be great if he was willing to put in a multipurpose building?
It could have a skating rink, diner, museum, art gallery, etc. all together. It's sad that our 6th graders had to go all the way to Bowling Green to go skating. I wonder if anyone who reads the blog knows him & could suggest it to him?

A Mom - I totally understand your frustration, and you are dead on with your comment about deals on real estate in a year or two. The Foreclosure list in Portland Grows bigger each week and I don't think we've seen anything close to the worst of it yet.

Well, you know its great for all of us to be discussing this but Where are those powers that be? I'll tell you where they are.... off building over 300 houses that are not selling and most of them look like crap because the Powers that be here in Portland are too cheap to even spend a couple more $ to pave the driveway.but why should they they are probably just going to turn into a rental property anyway. And as for anything priced over $200,000.00 will continue to sit empty because this town does not have people that can afford that type of mortgage payment. Not to mention that most people in this town are making just above minimum wage because they all work in factories, if they do make any money they work outside of Portland.
As far as the businesses the best thing that has come around lately is the Xtreme fitness...but I'm sure something that nice won't last around here and if they do try to grow the Powers that be will probably run them out of town too.
I hate Foodlion, and HGhills is too expensive. Also maybe if we made some of these property owners in town clean up their property but OHHH who would enforce it because there are just a few people in this town that run the show. They will not support growth unless it goes into their back pocket.
OHH YEA! LBTD what a joke! that's the last thing Portland needs is a bunch of rundown liqour stores with drunks standing on the corner. Beer sales on sunday might be good but it really doesn't make a difference to me I'll drive to the interstate to get a cold beer.

Maybe if we elected some real people that cared about this town, that might help. but most of them are too concerned about their back pocket to worry about the best interest of Portland.

I moved here to get my kids out of metro schools but we can't even get funding for the Middle School and it is the largest junior high in Sumner county.Who cares about the damn football teams! What about the fact that we have over 900 students in the run down building they call a school. We will probably stay here in this town forever,and I really don't care if it grows because its close to Kentucky so we get the tax break on pruchases and we don't have to pay state tax. Yes I think that Portland has missed the boat on growth but I can't wait for all the great deals on houses that will be coming about in a year or two.

Just my 2 cents!!!

Sure everyone wants a nicer town to live in, but increased taxes will not bring in business or retail, if we had them there would be no need to increase taxes. If they want to increase taxes to get the sewer out to the interstate, go for it, all in favor of it. I'm not in favor of increasing taxes to add more parks AT THIS time, the city needs to focus on getting this town in alignment to where more businesses will be able to come here, then when the cash flow starts coming in, THEN work on providing more activity type projects for residents to better the community, without the businesses there will always be the need every so many years to ask us to dig into our pockets. Just my opinion.

I certainly am. I think taxes are ridiculously high,BUT I am completely aware that you must pay for what you get, just like if you want to "super size" your drink and fries,you gotta fork out the extra change...so if it took a few extra dollars out of my pocket to bring some more local excitement and availability to more for my family, I say it is a good investment.

OK,we keep griping and complaining about Portland and what it doesn't have to offer.How it looks run down and such.I agree it's not Shangri-la.So how many who say it's not up to snuff would be wiling to bite the bullet and agree to a property tax hike to fund renovations.Liquor by the drink revenue would not add that much to the coffer.If you want a nice house as opposed to an ordinary one it costs more money,correct?Then we should decide whether we are willing to pay the extra to have nicer things.I don't like paying more taxes anymore than any of the rest,BUT,if we want nicer things around us then we have to pay for them.The Richland Building is a prime example of the renovations I speak of.So,my question is,if you want a better place to live,are you willing to pay for it?

Wishing everyone a SAFE and Happy Halloween tonight!!! Also, don't forget the clocks Fall Back this weekend...

I "ditto" Jessica's last post...I love living here, just wish the city could see some modern improvements.....

Hag, I understand your frusterations and I hope you and your family find a more suitable location to live. I personally do not want to move, I love the lifestyle here, country roads, the landscape,the friends we have here are down to earth, good people which are hard to find this day and age...I do wish Portland would help open doors for business growth,but I love my home,my neighbors and the suuroundings here in Portland and hope that one day the town can offer more for us.

My family and I have decided to move out of Portland as soon as we can. We spend way too much for gas b/c everytime we want to do something, we have to drive to another town. Whether we go to Bowling Green or Nashville its exspensive. We like Portland b/c its quite, and not a lot of traffic (comparatively). We work in Nashville and it just too exspensive to keep it up. We want to move before our kids are old enough to be in school. While we have lived here, we have hardly even shopped here. We go to KY. The taxes are cheaper, food and gas, cheaper why would I shop in Portland?

My family and I have decided to move out of Portland as soon as we can. We spend way too much for gas b/c everytime we want to do something, we have to drive to another town. Whether we go to Bowling Green or Nashville its exspensive. We like Portland b/c its quite, and not a lot of traffic (comparatively). We work in Nashville and it just too exspensive to keep it up. We want to move before our kids are old enough to be in school. While we have lived here, we have hardly even shopped here. We go to KY. The taxes are cheaper, food and gas, cheaper why would I shop in Portland?

DebraP and everyone....that would certainly be a start...but, I'm afraid it is going to take more than us just talkin' about things here on the blog to get something started...I don't think Ronnie McDowell would give me the time of day since I have never met the man...but maybe someone knows him..Him or someone like him needs a good solid business proposal that would be motivating for them and the city....I'm not smart enough to come up with anything like that, but I do know Portland could be much more than what it is....it is a shame that we adults as well as our kids have to go to another town/city for entertainment of any kind...from what I have seen, Sonic is the hoppin' and boppin'ist place here on a Friday night...Rivergate Skate Center has been in business for years (since my kids were little and that was a long time ago) and they have been making money as well as giving kids a place to go day and night...there are no bowling alleys or anything around here...i could go on and on....still think Portland needs to wake up and do something besides roll the streets up at night...

gw..Portland has Ronnie McDowell...he could do wonders for this town. Ronnie has a BIG fan base. Just do a Google on him and see what all comes up. He has a very nice website. Does Ronnie still own the building where his recording studio use to be? He could turn that into a Ronnie McDowell/Elvis museum and people would flock to it and with all the recording artist he must know the sky would be the limit for Portland.
If that happened then I would see someone opening a 50's Diner with the little juke boxes on the tables. (I've always loved those places) Then who knows what could come next.

I know Ronnie already does alot for this town but he could be the one to put Portland on someones
itinerary. Someone he knows and trusts needs to present this idea to him.

Well, call me selfish...but I hope O'Charley's locates somewhere near the Wal-Mart or the old Shoney's area..it is closer to Portland! I just don't understand with all of the industry in Portland why the city has such a hard time attracting good eateries and shopping! Are our leaders "wine'ing and dining" the right people enough? When I step back and look, other than new homes, I just don't see anything that looks new, or growing or up to date in Portland.The park with all the new ball fields is nice. The only thing Portland seems to have going for it is the annual strawberry festival...and warehouses. I really like living here, but just hate to see all the nice, progressive changes happening everywhere around Portland, but nothing really going in here! Portland needs to find a niche to fill..if it isn't resturaunts or retail stores, then maybe it could be something else...I will give it some thought and post when I get an idea...everyone else could think about it as well and post ideas for Portland...maybe we are focusing too much on what we don't have and could actually find something that we do have and that we could utilize to attract more people...what do ya'll think???

I'm not sure where Target will be, but one could only guess that it will be somewhere close to Wal-Mart and Lowes. I've heard that Denny's is going in the old Shoney's building and that O'Charleys will be locating at exit 6 close to the new campground. But I think that O'Charleys and Shoney's are owned by the same group so it would make sense for O'Charleys to move into the old Shoney's.

Yes, Franklin is getting a Target for sure and O' Charley's is still pending. It is sad that we miss out on all businesses because we cant vote in Liquor By The Drink. It is sad that all the people who vote against it probably have kids or grandkids who drive to Gallatin to a sit down resturaunt to have a nice supper and a drink. This town will never grow without Liquor By The Drink, as big businesses or corporations wish to build near other big businesses. With both towns on each side of us getting everything, we will never get anything here. There is nothing here for our youth, nothing for adults, and no reason anyone would want to spend their money here as you can drive ten minutes down the road and save tons of money. As a new mother, I have to drive to a different town just to buy my daughters formula and diapers because the few businesses in Portland that do sell them seems to mark them up outrageously. They realize that you arent going to make a trip to Franklin if that is all you need so they continue to do it, because we let them.

Alcohol is served in Franklin. Burgers on the Square has a bar and so does the Brickyard. ( it's on the Square )

I have read on here that Franklin was getting an O'Charleys and a Target? I haven't heard about that or seen anything in Franklin about it..I have seen where they are building the Zaxbys, where are they going to put the Target and O'Charley's? Also, doesn't O'Charleys serve alcohol? How would that work in Simpson Co.??Thought they were a dry county or do they serve Liquer by the drink? I hope they do put in an OCharleys...

I lived here then and I remember how it used to be. Portland has grown...but you're right..it has plateaued, actually...I think it has maxed out. There is nothing for people to drive out of their way to come here for. There are no restaurants, nothing for entertainment, nothing for shopping...why would they drive up here for ??
The new Walgreens ??? LOL

If you're in Gallatin..there's sure no reason to drive up the ridge....and if you're on I-65..there's no reason to pull off and drive out of your way to come to Portland.

Portland is just at a big disadvantage for growth, being that it's so far away from the interstate, I think. Especially now that White House and Franklin have the big Walmarts, Lowe's etc.

It's just a nice quiet little town to live in, go to elementary school, high school, and church.

For everything else......one has to leave here.

Ok, I moved here in 1986. This was a one road, small town. Any of you who lived here then, know what I am talking about. Here it is 21 years later. Yes, Portland has grown, since then. But, it's almost like we plateaud and just stopped. And, yes, I agree, this is very sad.

Proud and Progressive Portland? Ha! The signs should be changed to Prosaic and Plebeian. Just sayin'. After living here for 10 yrs, I'm moving on. No offense to long time residents, but this town has nothing to offer. A lot of people have been really nice, and I value that, but you just can't build a life in a dying town. God bless you all and best wishes.

DeeAnna - No I hadn't heard that, oooohhhhhhh that would be GREAT, I love Denny's Breakfast, hit them on the road this weekend. So sorryyyyyyyyyyyyy Portland but I think the writing is on the walls.

There's a rumor going around that Franklin is also getting a Denny's..........anyone else heard this ? Any truth to it ?

Franklin is getting a Zaxby's too. The dust cloud just keeps getting bigger in Portland.

A few weeks ago, I tried to get a local business to give me a quote to provide a service (a carpet restretch). They assured me they would come out the following day to give me a quote. I was very flexible about the time and day because I work at home--so they really had no excuse not to make time within a few days to come by. Not only did they not come, but they never even bothered to call. I found a service provider from White House who was prompt and courteous and who apparently valued my business. If businesses in Portland want to compete, they have to deliver quality service and have to at least be competitive in price. I shop regularly in Portland because I live and work here and I like the convenience--but as a fiscally responsible consumer, I have to consider how much convenience is worth, and I still will inevitably shop in Gallatin or Franklin to save money. Probably 70% of our dining out dollars are spent elsewhere because of lack of variety in Portland--hamburgers, Chinese, and Mexican are fine occasionally (as is the plate lunch from Hills), but if I'm paying a significant amount for dinner, I want them to bring it to me at my table--(and I'm probably going to want a salad with that!) We just don't have those choices here, and it appears unlikely that we will ever have them here, and that is unfortunate.

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Price hikes are driven by a company's need to stay profitable. When the cost of doing business goes up, product prices will eventually follow.

I didn't mean to imply that the raise of minimum wage was the sole reason prices have spiked, but it certainly has played a part especially for companies that rely heavily on the minimum wage workers.

Sounds to me like Portland needs to change their slogan from "Proud Progressive Portland" to something else. What is "progressive" about this city? For me, I'll just keep driving a few miles north, shop and eat in Franklin, and pay less taxes to boot! I have only lived here 4 years, but I haven't seen much "progress" taking place.

It's all over but the cryin for ptown residents
lets see they will use the recent water shortage for the excuse they need to raise taxes to get the needed revenu for the town to survive. After spending over 6 mo squabbling over moving city hall and then going back to square 1 instead of dealing with more pressing issues. We will be stuck with mom & pop places to eat that come and go every other month and little trinket 2 bit stores that easily hide their revenu so the city sees no tax from them yes they are out there and yes they do this every day. dig deep

I said it back when LBTD was voted down the first time, once Franklin gets it's first big name LBTD restaraunt, it's over. Sounds like it's O'Charley's. It's only a matter of time before places like Logan's and such follow. Franklin in five years will have pretty much everything Bowling Green has, and ALL of Portland will be there spending their money. Maybe we just need to send our city leaders to Franklin to the ribbon cuttings. They have played just as big a part in Franklin bypassing us in every aspect as anyone. Wal-Mart, Target, Lowe's, good restaraunts....all only 5 miles away. I am sure that Fazzoli's would be MUCH more receptive to the idea of locating to a town like Franklin, where they can sit beside other retail and restaraunts. Where would they have built in Portland? Next to some of the run-down rental properties on Hwy 52? If Ponderosa couldn't succeed in Portland, a nice, moderatley priced restaraunt like Fazzoli's most certainly wouldn't have.

As far as blaming high prices on the fact that now minimum wage workers earn $5.85 an hour, that's ridiculous. Fast food prices, and grocery prices all started rising quite significantly one gas prices shot up over a dollar a gallon. Costs WAY more to deliver the product....We are still feeling the effects of this, not to mention that all fast food restaraunts now take credit card payments, and the credit card companies charge a certain percentage of all purchases. I look at McDonald's for instance. They are pretty much slammed or at least moderately busy at all hours. Think of the money being made, and to say they can't afford to pay people $5.85 an hour? Ridiculous....

If the city "planners" had any ideas about the future growth of Portland, that land out by the interstate should have been zoned commercial a long time ago. Once houses get in there, I wouldn't expect much space to be left over for business of any size...

Why is there so much uncertainty about the bypass?

Someone hit the nail on the ead when they inferred that we need to be courting the competition of the major retail stores and restaurants around us. It was disheartening to hear that Targets is locating in Franklin, because that was one I thought we could maybe get once the bypass comes in (you'd be really surprised to see how much the uncertainty of the location of the bypass project is hurting Portland's recruitment). Now it seems as if maybe we can go after K-Mart or another of the superstore chains.

For restaurants, I must have tried to contact Fazollis twenty or so times trying to get them to take a look at us while I was in office. I really think we should forget about O'charley's (one is in gallatin and another coming to Franklin, so i really doubt they would spend the money to build another one so close.) We need to persue the ones that don't have restaurants in a city next door to us, that way we might actually get some tax dollars attracted from the cities around us.

Regarding the land near the state line, I am not absolutely sure because it was done near the end of my term or shortly after I left, but I think that project is a PUD, which allows both residential and commercial/retail development. So once the houses start getting bought up, you might see a grocery store or something like that up in that area.

Mack, yes I noticed. I have also noticed that prices have gone up almost everywhere. I have noticed a good number of things that have gone up in price 10 - 20 cents and some even more. Not terrible when you think about it in terms of one item, but when you are buying a lot, especially grocery items, it adds up quick. I guess that's to make up for the increase in minimum wage. Sounds good to get a raise, but it's eaten up by increases in prices and it really hurts those who make more than minimum wage but who didn't didn't get a comparable raise.

Did anyone notice that a few weeks ago, Arby's jacked up their prices quite significantly on just about everything on their menu? Since then, it seems that there are less and less cars there. People in this town can't afford overpriced glorified fast-food.

Also, Jessica, I have noticed the same thing about the Subway employees....a smile never hurt.

Someone also mentioned El Moro. I like it as well. Probably the only sit down restaraunt I eat at here in town. Their buffet is my favorite.

As far as having all the major pizza chains, that is something I like here. Keeps the competition high, and their prices reasonable.

As most of you have stated, I do almost all of my grocery shopping in Franklin at Walmart and Save Alot.I do occasionally go to Kroger (in White House) or Food Lion (here in Portland) when I am in need of something that is on sale ,but one of the perks of Walmart is that they match any other store's price,so when I get the Food Lion,Dollar General,Fred's,ect. sales paper, I usually just bring it with me on my weekly Walmart trip and get the same prices with less tax..Occasionally,I have to stop at Dollar General or Family Dollar for the unexpected supplies,such as a birthday card for someone that has totally slipped my mind :) I love that someone mentioned Mighty Dollar in Bowling Green..that place is amazing!I had a Halloween party this past weekend and only spent $14 on decorations from there :) I was so proud..I am quite the penny pincher..

As far as eating out, boy oh boy,what choices we have here! :-P Lets see..we do eat at Sonic maybe once or twice a month..it is usually a "dessert" stop after an at home dinner...I do not care for fast food, so Mcdonalds is out..Arby's is expensive! and Subway is usually my weekly attempt to eat healthy :) Although I am disappointed in most of the Subway employees..I have rarely found a friendly face on the other side of the counter...and they have only one highchair (which stays FILTHY and the straps are broken) So no brownie points there..I enjoy Logans in Rivergate or Bowling Green and when we have a big party, we go to Ryans,something there for everyone.. We go to Cracker Barrel in Franklin every now & then after church for brunch..

Sounds like everyone would like to see some serious growth in Portland. I know I'm getting tired of having to drive to BG or RG every weekend if I want a variety of choices. Somehow, I think Portland is missing the boat on retail and dining growth. I haven't tried 5 Chefs yet, but plan to soon. Has anyone? What is it like, casual jeans and shirt or more formal? What are the prices like? I drive to South Nashville everyday to work, and would really enjoy the luxury of staying local on weekends! What can we do to entice better businesses to Portland?

DA - MoMo's has closed but is reopened as Prego's, same owners and they carry most of their italian dishes, from what I understand they are mostly all Italian & Pizza and they make their own crusts, I think you go in and order your food, when it is ready you are called and pick it up to take to the table, they've eliminated wait staff due to obvious reasons of not being able to keep reliable help. I haven't checked them out yet since this change, I did like them when they were MoMo's too bad they changed. :(

I would have thought property that close to the state line would have been zoned commercial already.

Here's some sad news. Momo's in White House is closed, but it does look like they have re-opened under a different name. Don't know how the menu has changed, though.

As I was driving to Walmart in Franklin this morning, I had a startling thought. Since Franklin is growing towards the state line, why don't we do the same? New subdivisions are going in on 109 N, why don't the "Powers that Be" look into putting a grocery store, restaurant or shopping center in that area? Make all the good people of Portland drive right by an O'Charley's or Red Lobster on their way to Cracker Barrel? And for goodness sakes, get rid of the eyesore buildings from the 1940s that are falling down on both sides of the state line. That area doesn't have to look like a slum.

Think it might work?

The only regular shopping I do here in Portland is the Dollar Store. Every now and then if I absolutely need something, I'll go to Food Lion. Save A Lot and WalMart in Franklin or Aldi's in Gallatin get my business. Better selections, better prices than what we've got here in Portland. The only Portland restaurant I enjoy is El Moro's. I'm addicted to their Chicken Fajita taco salad. We also get fuel and cigarettes in Franklin or Bowling Green when we're up there at the Dollar Tree, Greenwood Mall, or Barnes & Noble.

Dining- Hollywood's in WH as Mack mentioned earlier is terrific, Bob & Rhonda's in WH (no I don't drink), Olive Garden, Logan's, Applebee's, in the Rivergate/Hendersonville area. That truckstop on Bethel Road has surprisingly good food (The chicken tender plate rocks!)...and the old standby- Captain D's.

There's just no selection in Portland, it's all the same. Boring and overpriced. And by the way, do we really need 3 pizza and half a dozen burger joints in a town this size?? Geez. We need variety.

Hills does have a good lunch when you are in a hurry or don't want to go in a restaurant - Five Chefs has a great lunch when you want to take someone to lunch, Stroud's has great BBQ - those are the ones I like here; otherwise I eat outside of Portland. There is a really nice place to eat in White House: The MagnifiScent Gourmet Coffeeshop..it's really great !
For a nice lunch that is very casual - (no atmosphere), is the Lunch Box in Franklin.
They always have good soup there to go with a sandwich...and the people there are genuinely so nice and happy you came there for lunch.

For all other shopping, it's also out of Portland, too - for reasons of better and lots more choices of merchandise, lower taxes, etc.
I hate going to Rivergate. I always shop in Bowling Green - and usually stop at Chaney's on the drive home for ice cream !

I did buy some nice furniture at Kelly's once, but now they are gone.

Once in awhile I will go to the Dollar Store, but there are so many "dollar type" stores in Bowling Green I've started going to them. Mighty Dollar and Deals are good.

Someone below mentioned Hills having a good plate lunch. I have heard the same, also, but have yet to check it out. I haven't been inside Hills in over ten years, I bet.

As far as where we shop, we go to Wal-Mart in Franklin once a week, we also buy gas while there, and if I need gas during the week, I will also make the short drive up there as well.

Restaraunts? I LOVE Hollywood's in White House (awesome Hibachi-style food!), Chili's in Hendersonville and Gallatin, and in Bowling Green, I like Smokey Bones the best, but also love me some TGI Friday's, Rafferty's, and Red Lobster. Bowling Green is a nice easy drive about 25 miles altogether, and they have everything, or at least almost, of what Rivergate has, so when I want to go shopping or just to get out, I prefer BG over Rivergate. I also feel safer up there, as Rivergate and Madison are getting a little scary, especially after dark....

In Portland, most of the restaraunts, are either too high for what they are, like Arby's, or I have just simply gotten tired of. I honestly don't buy much of anything at all in Portland, except maybe one or two items here and there at Food Lion, but that is VERY RARE...

We rent movies from Movie Gallery, if we rent movies at all. We get gas here ONLY if we failed to do so in KY and have to go to Nashville for some reason. If I need one thing I forgot to get in Franklin, I may go to Food Lion or Dollar General. We bank here, but do all our banking online or at the drive thru. Other than that, we go to Franklin, KY for pretty much everything. If it's something they don't have, we'll go to Bowling Green or to Goodlettsville. One can't afford to do a lot of business in Portland, it's too outdated and too expensive.

Shopping - Mostly Franklin Wal-mart, GFS Marketplace (Gordons Food Service) bowling green, I do shop often at Hills, Their Deli Hot lunches are about the best food you can get in portland that isn't fast food! Love FISH Fridays!Used to buy my furniture at Kelley's but they just closed:(

Dining Out: Cheddars in Hendersonville, Red Lobster in Bowling Green, TGI Fridays in Bowling Green. oh FYI I don't drink just love the food in those establishments, T-Rods Steak house in Franklin, Pepperoni Pockets & Pizza's at Godfathers Pizza HWY52 & Hwy31 in Portland :) HG Hills Hot Food Lunch Plates, Roasted Chicken Mondays, Pork Chop Thursdays & Fried Cod Fish Fridays!

Would love to see a COSTCO (good competition for sams), Home Depot (Good competition for Lowes) a Denny's, a Perkins, and/or a Ryans go up out by the interstate, none of them serve alcohol! Oh and we need an Office Depot and a Best Buy store too.... LOL Wishful thinking!

Regarding the gym --- maybe that was in reference to the Extreme Fitness fitness center. Or maybe it was in reference to the new big gym at the First Baptist church, which I am told, you have to be a member of the church to use. Maybe it's in reference to the old gym over by the swimming pool.

Dining out in Portland has also become a real "bore." I'm sick of burgers and fries, I can only do Krystal on weekends (for obvious reasons, like I have to go to work on weekdays..hee, hee), and I'm burned out on the expensive (for what you get) Arby's.
I really wish Portland would grow more -- we really need an O'Charley's, Red Lobster, Target, etc. Basically, we need a Mall with different kinds of places to shop and eat...with all the construction of new homes going on around Portland, maybe we can see this happen someday! BTW, where is the gym??

Annon- I copied and pasted your comment on the bully thread.

I also go out of town to do my shopping. Once in awhile, I will go to Food Lion, never Hills. They are way too expensive. I have a family of 6 to feed. It makes more sense for me to go to Save a Lot, or Wal-mart, for my needs.

You know what your son needs to do. He needs to learn how to throw a punch. I had bullies thru the 5th grade till the 9th grade. Then I got BIG. No one messed with me once i was big. I told teachers, coaches, principles, and no one would help...you can only help yourself. Teach the kid to fight...and no one will mess with him again. All it takes is taking one bully down, and they all come down like a house of cards.

i would love to shop or eat at Portland but seriously, what do they have besides a really nice gym? Oh and Ace hardware looks good now too.

Price? Convenience? Selection? Service? Atmosphere? All of these are considered when I shop or do business with a place. Primarily, price is the #1 factor, followed by service, selection and convenience. I do very little business in Portland due to higher pricing on almost everything, but particularly groceries. However, I would much prefer the convenience of shopping in the town I live in and would like to see Portland grow enough to support larger stores that can compete with Wal-Mart's prices. Occasionally I will "bite the bullet" and shop at Food Lion or H.G. Hills and almost always regret my decision by the time I have checked out. The tax on food, plus the higher prices (for example Hill's recently had Mrs. Smith's cobblers on sale for $2.99 ea./Regularly over $5 each). I can buy them on a regular day at Wal-Mart for $3.49 ea. When shopping for weekly or bi-weekly food supplies, it just makes sense to go a few miles up the road to Wal-Mart. Sorry!