Since the beginning of the year, the new delis and family-style restaurants that opened in Starkville have had time to make names for themselves amid those already crowded markets.
Even though these restaurants have been relatively successful so far, people are weary as to what future business possibilities these new restaurants could be hindering from coming to Starkville.
The businesses have provided jobs for MSU students and are generating revenue for the city economy, but new restaurants that are unique and offer different food choices than what is presently available could also do that, says junior accounting student Rachael Deen.
“I like Starkville’s restaurants, but there are only so many places you can go,” Deen said. “Starkville needs more restaurants that aren’t chains. I’m tired of eating the same thing every time I go out with my friends.”
However, sophomore civil engineering major Jason Burge says such consistency means he is always guaranteed a meal he knows he will enjoy.
“The fact that there are 13 deli restaurants means that they are definitely taking each others’ business,” Burge said. “But on the other hand, they are popular places to eat. When I go out to eat with a group of friends, we usually end up going to a deli.
“I know I eat at McAlister’s a lot because their [potatoes] really rock my world and because it is convenient to campus.”
McAlister’s manager Matthew Bedwell also sees the numerous delis as a good thing, because it establishes competition that keeps restaurants thriving.
“It keeps us on our toes,” Bedwell said. “If there is only one restaurant, then you get what you get, nothing more. With competition, everyone benefits because we all work better to get people to come back.”
Bedwell said he doesn’t worry about McAlister’s ability to hold onto business this summer.
“We will take a hit, naturally,” Bedwell said. “But we have a good following with local people. Also, a lot of stuff goes on during the summer, like camps at MSU that bring in high school kids who are from places where there is a McAlister’s, so they know what they’re getting when they come here.”
Sweet Peppers manager Eric Dawson also has no worries.
“MSU always has a pretty good student population stay for summer school, and we also get a lot of people from communities outside of Starkville,” Dawson said.
Both managers say that their respective businesses are going as planned and seeing no signs of decline.
“We did our homework before coming to Starkville, so we’re on target with where we thought we would be at this time of year,” said Bedwell.
“We’ve gotten a lot of good response,” Dawson said. “We already have loyal regulars and people who give us comment cards saying that this was their first experience at our restaurant and how good it was, so we’re doing well.”
Whether they close or not, the new restaurants have proven themselves among MSU students and citizens of Starkville. Perhaps innovative new restaurants will see that Starkville needs their establishments to revitalize the local restaurant market and that, no matter the type of cuisine offered, good food is the overall test for success.