Comments on: The Counter closer to opening http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/ News, events and restaurant guide for Seattle's Ballard neighborhood Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:13:00 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: wowzer http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20585 wowzer Mon, 07 Sep 2009 22:02:48 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20585 i will go to lunchbox laboratory as well...but i hope i don't get stuck talking to you in line...sheesh. i will go to lunchbox laboratory as well…but i hope i don't get stuck talking to you in line…sheesh.

]]> By: andrewreese http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20560 andrewreese Mon, 07 Sep 2009 01:17:17 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20560 Expecting to serve about 500 guests a day. Expecting to serve about 500 guests a day.

]]> By: andrewreese http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20565 andrewreese Mon, 07 Sep 2009 01:14:20 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20565 The Counter has a Vegie burger that's made in house. It's vegan as well. The Counter has a Vegie burger that's made in house. It's vegan as well.

]]> By: ballard_allie http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20584 ballard_allie Sat, 05 Sep 2009 00:25:19 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20584 It's not about getting your gladness--these days, take it wherever you can find it. But while you're savoring your upscale vegan Happy Meal, think about the nasty world of corporate business models, chain store expansion, and shrinking market share (woot!). The economy sucks right now, so food business is way down and many of our local restaurants are closing. Let's say you take maybe...five percent? of your hamburger dollars away from local places that are struggling. No big deal, it's just chump change, right? But you then give those dollars to an out-of-state chain financed by a multi-millionaire who doesn't have to worry about revenue for the first year or two (or five) because his financial resources are relatively unlimited. Ditto for L.A. Fitness and T.J.'s. Congrats, you are now their market share! And they don't care about your cool little life in Seattle, let alone Ballard, other than getting market share and cheap rent in a speculative commercial development that was possible due to a bunch of local business closures. <br><br>And a year later, three or four more local businesses have closed because the bank would't let them ride out the recession on top of a 3 percent loss of revenues due to your shopping shifts (goodbye scholarship funds, goodbye full time jobs and benefits, hello bankruptcy for a few more local families--but don't worry, they'll "get over themselves" eventually). What's left are...three California chain stores in a spec building and a bunch of empty storefronts on 15th and Market. Now Ballard looks just like every other shopping mall between here and Portland. Woohoo! Isn't choice great? <br><br>So it's not just a hamburger after all. It's local restaurants, local grocery stores, local workout shops, local businesses. Excuse me while I head to Lunchbox Laboratory for lunch. It's not about getting your gladness–these days, take it wherever you can find it. But while you're savoring your upscale vegan Happy Meal, think about the nasty world of corporate business models, chain store expansion, and shrinking market share (woot!). The economy sucks right now, so food business is way down and many of our local restaurants are closing. Let's say you take maybe…five percent? of your hamburger dollars away from local places that are struggling. No big deal, it's just chump change, right? But you then give those dollars to an out-of-state chain financed by a multi-millionaire who doesn't have to worry about revenue for the first year or two (or five) because his financial resources are relatively unlimited. Ditto for L.A. Fitness and T.J.'s. Congrats, you are now their market share! And they don't care about your cool little life in Seattle, let alone Ballard, other than getting market share and cheap rent in a speculative commercial development that was possible due to a bunch of local business closures.

And a year later, three or four more local businesses have closed because the bank would't let them ride out the recession on top of a 3 percent loss of revenues due to your shopping shifts (goodbye scholarship funds, goodbye full time jobs and benefits, hello bankruptcy for a few more local families–but don't worry, they'll “get over themselves” eventually). What's left are…three California chain stores in a spec building and a bunch of empty storefronts on 15th and Market. Now Ballard looks just like every other shopping mall between here and Portland. Woohoo! Isn't choice great?

So it's not just a hamburger after all. It's local restaurants, local grocery stores, local workout shops, local businesses. Excuse me while I head to Lunchbox Laboratory for lunch.

]]> By: MoldySoles http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20583 MoldySoles Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:33:42 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20583 Um, I like Dick's and Red Mill just fine, and I'll continue to go to each on occasion. And when I'm in LA and want a burger, I'll go to In N' Out, Mo's, Fuddruckers, or maybe even - The Counter. But that doesn't mean I don't get to be glad that The Counter is going to be here as well. I don't like the Ballard Blocks building, either. But The Counter, chain or not, makes great burgers, ones that are completely unlike Dick's and RM (burger diversity, w00t!) and I can't wait to walk down the street and have one. Um, I like Dick's and Red Mill just fine, and I'll continue to go to each on occasion. And when I'm in LA and want a burger, I'll go to In N' Out, Mo's, Fuddruckers, or maybe even – The Counter. But that doesn't mean I don't get to be glad that The Counter is going to be here as well. I don't like the Ballard Blocks building, either. But The Counter, chain or not, makes great burgers, ones that are completely unlike Dick's and RM (burger diversity, w00t!) and I can't wait to walk down the street and have one.

]]> By: NoraBell http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20590 NoraBell Fri, 04 Sep 2009 03:11:19 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20590 Yep! You now have the option of having a veggie burger that actually has flavor. That particular grouping of toppings wouldn't be my choice, but a big 'hurrah!' that there is choice. :-) Yep! You now have the option of having a veggie burger that actually has flavor. That particular grouping of toppings wouldn't be my choice, but a big 'hurrah!' that there is choice. :-)

]]> By: NoraBell http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20573 NoraBell Fri, 04 Sep 2009 03:08:01 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20573 Most of us don't want to eat something that pretends to be meat. That's why the Garden Burger patties are more popular than the Bocca patties. <br>Mostly, I just want to be able to eat where everyone else eats. I've managed to survive eating side with people who eat meat for a very long time. Most of us don't want to eat something that pretends to be meat. That's why the Garden Burger patties are more popular than the Bocca patties.
Mostly, I just want to be able to eat where everyone else eats. I've managed to survive eating side with people who eat meat for a very long time.

]]> By: angelatini http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20589 angelatini Fri, 04 Sep 2009 01:42:38 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20589 More like heartburn causing! But have whatever you'd like! hahaha :) More like heartburn causing! But have whatever you'd like! hahaha :)

]]> By: angelatini http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20572 angelatini Fri, 04 Sep 2009 01:40:58 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20572 I eat both, sometimes I just want the veggie patty. It tastes good in its own right. :) I eat both, sometimes I just want the veggie patty. It tastes good in its own right. :)

]]> By: Annamatopoetry http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20588 Annamatopoetry Thu, 03 Sep 2009 23:44:01 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20588 It's alright, you don't have to eat it, as long as you let me go YAY :) (there will be ketchup too.) It's alright, you don't have to eat it, as long as you let me go YAY :) (there will be ketchup too.)

]]> By: Ryan http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20582 Ryan Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:51:46 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20582 You're right, it is pretty terrible that Ballard is getting new business. Also terrible that people will now shop at TJ's and work out in Ballard, rather than driving out of the neighborhood to go to the same places.... You're right, it is pretty terrible that Ballard is getting new business. Also terrible that people will now shop at TJ's and work out in Ballard, rather than driving out of the neighborhood to go to the same places….

]]> By: Teddie http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20581 Teddie Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:53:26 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20581 Without that building, where would he channel his class envy? Without that building, where would he channel his class envy?

]]> By: ym http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20571 ym Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:09:36 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20571 I've always wondered why someone who does not want meat feels the need to eat something that pretends to be meat or tries to resemble meat. I've always wondered why someone who does not want meat feels the need to eat something that pretends to be meat or tries to resemble meat.

]]> By: ym http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20559 ym Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:06:57 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20559 Of course and each makes minimum wage. Of course and each makes minimum wage.

]]> By: ym http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20578 ym Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:05:11 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20578 It seems it is a hurl causing veggie burger. It seems it is a hurl causing veggie burger.

]]> By: ym http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20587 ym Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:03:37 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20587 My god that sounds hurl causing. My god that sounds hurl causing.

]]> By: Jesse http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20580 Jesse Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:48:31 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20580 get over yourself. the building is up. you'd prefer it remain unoccupied and 80 people without jobs? get over yourself. the building is up. you'd prefer it remain unoccupied and 80 people without jobs?

]]> By: Teddie http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20579 Teddie Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:33:46 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20579 So much for free choice.... So much for free choice….

]]> By: NoraBell http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20577 NoraBell Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:21:21 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20577 Get a grip, it's only a hamburger. Get a grip, it's only a hamburger.

]]> By: Annamatopoetry http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20586 Annamatopoetry Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:04:43 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20586 Let's see... I want a veggie burger with grilled pineapple, peppers and sprouts, but unfortunately I lack the substantial funds required to go to California for lunch, so I am personally ecstatic. WATCH ME GO YAY. Let's see… I want a veggie burger with grilled pineapple, peppers and sprouts, but unfortunately I lack the substantial funds required to go to California for lunch, so I am personally ecstatic. WATCH ME GO YAY.

]]> By: ballard_allie http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20576 ballard_allie Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:43:28 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20576 Great, just what Ballard needs--another California chain store, born in pretentious Santa Monica, backed by blockbuster Hollywood cash. Fittingly crammed under L.A. Fitness, next to Traiter Joe's in the horrendous Ballard BLocks. That building epitomises what hi-rise, hi-density, urban re-engineering has brought to Ballard, courtesy of Mayor McCheese's developer cronies. How did we let Nickels destroy the character of our neighborhoods? What's next--T-shirt stalls in the Pike Place Market? Get your burgers at Ballard Brothers, Red Mill, or Dick's. If you want a California chain burger, go to California. Great, just what Ballard needs–another California chain store, born in pretentious Santa Monica, backed by blockbuster Hollywood cash. Fittingly crammed under L.A. Fitness, next to Traiter Joe's in the horrendous Ballard BLocks. That building epitomises what hi-rise, hi-density, urban re-engineering has brought to Ballard, courtesy of Mayor McCheese's developer cronies. How did we let Nickels destroy the character of our neighborhoods? What's next–T-shirt stalls in the Pike Place Market? Get your burgers at Ballard Brothers, Red Mill, or Dick's. If you want a California chain burger, go to California.

]]> By: Gene1 http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20556 Gene1 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 04:53:02 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20556 Goodness, I already stand in front of Lunchbox Laboratory's chalkboard in a drooling stupor; how on earth am I gonna make up my mind at The Counter? Guess I'll bring my blindfold and a box of darts. Goodness, I already stand in front of Lunchbox Laboratory's chalkboard in a drooling stupor; how on earth am I gonna make up my mind at The Counter? Guess I'll bring my blindfold and a box of darts.

]]> By: SPG http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20558 SPG Thu, 03 Sep 2009 02:20:42 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20558 Each person gets to work one hour a week. Each person gets to work one hour a week.

]]> By: donarb http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20563 donarb Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:36:34 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20563 Speaking of.<br><br>The last few weeks, Built Burger has had a grill out front of their store Sundays during the Ballard street market, cooking up samples of their burgers. I know they are a bit expensive, but they are some of the best tasting, juiciest burgers I've had. Don't know if they'll be there again this Sunday, but if they are, I'll be in line for some "free beef". Speaking of.

The last few weeks, Built Burger has had a grill out front of their store Sundays during the Ballard street market, cooking up samples of their burgers. I know they are a bit expensive, but they are some of the best tasting, juiciest burgers I've had. Don't know if they'll be there again this Sunday, but if they are, I'll be in line for some “free beef”.

]]> By: MoldySoles http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20575 MoldySoles Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:11:58 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20575 I've been to The Counter in LA, and they have great service and great burgers. Yes, it's a chain (part-owned by "Iron Man" director Jon Favreau), but I'm stoked that we're getting one here. I've been to The Counter in LA, and they have great service and great burgers. Yes, it's a chain (part-owned by “Iron Man” director Jon Favreau), but I'm stoked that we're getting one here.

]]> By: clamster http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20574 clamster Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:02:56 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20574 If a competing burger joint opens nearby will it be called the Counter Counter? ;-) If a competing burger joint opens nearby will it be called the Counter Counter? ;-)

]]> By: ballardrocksnow http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20568 ballardrocksnow Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:01:42 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20568 Agreed. The name as well isn't very neighborhoody. But I guess if its a franchise you get very little say in the matter. Agreed. The name as well isn't very neighborhoody. But I guess if its a franchise you get very little say in the matter.

]]> By: NoraBell http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20570 NoraBell Wed, 02 Sep 2009 23:57:46 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20570 You mean I can finally have a veggie patty with something flavorful on it? I am so there. I don't care if it's a franchise. It's still a good idea. You mean I can finally have a veggie patty with something flavorful on it? I am so there. I don't care if it's a franchise. It's still a good idea.

]]> By: ballardmike http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20569 ballardmike Wed, 02 Sep 2009 23:38:35 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20569 Mmmm.... franchise burgerz. Mmmm…. franchise burgerz.

]]> By: NEIGHB0R http://www.myballard.com/2009/09/02/the-counter-closer-to-opening/comment-page-1/#comment-20567 NEIGHB0R Wed, 02 Sep 2009 23:29:53 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=10493#comment-20567 That is the least-restaurant-looking logo I've ever seen. That is the least-restaurant-looking logo I've ever seen.

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