Ask the Readers
By Carla Slavey Commonwealth Journal
It ’ s safe to say that Pulaskians have very strong opinions about the businesses they want to see come into the area . When the Commonwealth Journal asked readers on its Facebook page what kind of businesses they would like to see that aren ’ t already here , it gathered more than 1,500 responses – more than any SEKY question so far .
And while the
majority of those responses were some of the more popular restaurant or retail chains – Olive Garden , 5 Below , Target , Sam ’ s Club and Red Lobster , just to name a few – many folks had their eye on entertainment options for both kids and adults .
Many also had strong ideas on how to develop – or redevelop , in some cases – areas along the U . S . 27 corridor in Somerset . Some wanted to see the Somerset Mall revitalized . Some just wanted to see fewer chicken-based
eateries . And some even said they wanted to see things found in places like Gatlinburg or Sevierville , Tenn ., such as a Dollywood-like amusement park .
What businesses do readers want to see in Pulaski ?
The following are some of the myriad of responses SEKY received :
Wynona Shannon Padgett : “ I ’ d
love for Papaleno ’ s in Berea to open a restaurant here .
A Panda Express seems doable . Panera would be great , as well , but may be more expensive than many would like . A children ’ s clothing and toy store ... a family amusement park with go-carts ... and a really nice music venue with a dance floor that could cater to different ages on different nights . Maybe a riverboat dinner cruise for the Lake . Most definitely more stores downtown ... boutiques , antiques , record store , local artwork , gifts .”
Heather Bullock : “ The mall needs redone and put stores people actually shop in . Belk and Bath and body have carried the weight there for far too long in this community . More sit down restaurants that aren ’ t fast food , chicken , or Mexican . Shopping options aside from the mall . We have so much tourism in the summer and downtown growth that 27 should be keeping up . There is no reason that Pulaski county citizens should
40 • SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky June 2022