Editorial: Which ‘name-brand’ company will give Charles City a chance?

A conversation arose on my Facebook page a couple months ago regarding if Charles City will ever develop into an attractive place for businesses. Instead of answering that question, the focus shifted to what “name-brand” business will take that opportunity to see what Charles City has to develop?

Companies conduct research when choosing a location to develop a prospective business. In a previous editorial, I divulged in the topic of studies not being reflective of common sense. This issue can be applied to a “name-brand” business coming to Charles City.

Back in the mid 1990s, New Kent took a chance in the Bottoms Bridge area when it allowed the construction of a McDonald’s Express. Needless to say, that gamble paid off for both New Kent and the company. Since then, McDonald’s has relocated across the street and Bottoms Bridge has boomed with businesses.

Imagine if a “name-brand” company took that chance in Charles City. Continuing with the restaurant theme, can you imagine one of those companies relocating near the high school or courthouse area? As many residents in Charles City know, there isn’t a fast food restaurant in the county. Imagine the jobs and revenue that is available after a sporting event? Visiting schools would have no choice but to stop there for dinner. During the daytime, a quick grab-and-go lunch is within driving distance for people who work in the county.

Any business that takes that chance doesn’t have to be huge. Make it a small extension of a bigger entity like the McDonald’s Express was for New Kent. Dividends paid off for that county, so why not Charles City?

Sometimes numbers do lie. Let another little county prove others wrong. Let’s see which company will step up and take that chance.