The ideas of more local foods, and vibrant local food scene, have been raised a number of times through the planning process. Today, tourists and locals are increasingly looking for authentic food experiences. 55% of visitors are motivated by a search for authenticity, and 63% of travelers take and share pictures of their food on social media. In surveys, people especially saw the downtown area as having potential for a stronger local food scene?
“How do you think Smithville could build a strong local food scene, and what would you like to see?”
Things I would love to see….a true authentic GREEK restaurant!!!! A nice, comfortable place to have breakfast….not just biscuits and gravy. A diverse ethnic cuisine. I’ve lived in Atlanta, Orlando and Tampa and loved the diverse dining experiences.. Liberty has Seva….a buffet style Indian restaurant. Smithville has a new demographic that appreciates diverse ethnic cuisine. A genuine bakery would be a little slice of heaven…not the grocery store type…but a true bakery.
If some of these places offered delivery…even better!
Please bring in more grocery stores like Aldi, Natural Grocers, or Sprouts for a better selection of food to pick from. This would give the local restaurants a better price for their food hence giving better prices for their patrons. This would also add more patrons for the area for the local restaurants. This area is a great place to raise a family but also needs to start growing as a community or else it will fail in the long run.
I know this isn’t for everyone, but my husband and I eat mainly a plant based diet, and there are few healthy options as entrees at Smithville restaurants. We’re limited to mostly veggie sides. To get made-from-scratch plant based burgers,, etc. we travel to NKC or KC. It would be great if local restaurants could provide some options. Once people tried them, I’d think they’d sell.
More restaurants with healthier alternatives organic would be nice with lots of salad variations. Don’t want fried foods , fast food or Taco Bell something healthy but reasonably priced
People are looking for choices!!! I do agree that more healthier alternatives for eating and shopping would be well received! Having relocated from out of state to Smithville 19 years ago and now knowing the area better, Smithville would not have been a top contender because competition and change was so frowned upon almost to the place of complete resistance in this town! I am hopeful that this is now changing. because choices are good for both the consumer and business and Smithville would benefit from receiving the tax revenue instead of KC, which could be used for improvements for our community!
An authentic Greek restaurant would be fantastic addition to our town. Jazz is a great Cajun place that would be nice rather than driving to Kansas or Independence. A Bakery down town would be a nice draw for folks especially if they have a specialty item that is like a large cinnamon roll, cookie or pie that no one else has. Something that grabs your attention and says I’ve got to try or have one.. I would enjoy a Firehouse subs, Canes Chicken or an Arby’s for fast foods.
When people visit a new town/city, one of the first things people do is decide whether they want to visit, based upon its food and drink options. It would be wonderful to have all different types of cuisine options in downtown Smithville (and also, create food places near the lake, like floating restaurants): Vegan, Italian, Chinese, Indian,, Ethiopia, Bakery (Crepes, Cupcakes, Cookies), Urban Winery, Breweries, Greek, Coffee Shop and Hawaiian. These unique food options would bring in people who are adventurous eaters and bring profit and jobs to the citizens of Smithville.
It would be wonderful to have a Farmer’s Market that is held on Saturday and Sunday, in downtown Smithville; so, the citizens of Smithville don’t have to travel to other cities to find local produce. It would provide support for local Smithville farmers as well as provide options that are closer for the people who live in Smithville. The Farmer’s Market could have seasonal vegetables, fruit, honey and flowers; while showcasing live local bands.
Another beneficial food idea would be to have a evening during the week or on the weekend…. to have food trucks in the downtown area, with live music. This could be done incongruent with different holidays or as a charity. Looking forward to all the new and exciting ideas that are happening in Smithville!
I agree with everyone’s comments. I would like to see more healthy whole foods offered and less fast food. I don’t understand why this is a difficult task yet we have a marijuana manufacturing plant. A Green Acres (like in Briar Clifff) or a Sprouts would be fantastic to off-set high prices at Price Chopper. Don’t get me wrong…I enjoy Price Chopper, however, I do not enjoy their prices AND a small section of organic is not enough. People are more into health and nutrition these days so why would Smithville want us to take our business outside of town to get healthy food? A Papa Murphy’s would be wonderful to see as well.
We need restaurants not greasy spoons that we have. There is not one restaurant that is not a greasy spoon. We had one that you could go to and eat inside before Covid. Check bu out the menu it is a greasy, fried food. Then there is McDonalds, Sonic, Pizza Hut, And the latest two TacoBell and that Donut shop. Why are the kids in Smithville overweight? Which of these restaurants doesn’t put fat on the body. Don’t say you can get good for you healthy food. If we can’t have good restaurants let’s try for grocery stores. Price chopper is not one of them and I don’t see it happening in the future. Smithville is where you live. If you want to shop, eat out or go for fun you have to leave town. Bring good healthy lifestyle to Smithville.
THANK YOU to everyone for the great comments. We really appreciate your input into this discussion.
I for one would love to see a middle eastern restaurant especially Lebanese based food. A Lebanese bakery would be amazing! Just google Shatila bakery in Michigan where I am from and you will see why it’s a huge success and asked for around the world. Best baklava ever! I myself am a first generation Chaldean my parents hail from northern Iraq from the catholic villages up there and our own cuisine is amazing as well! Wish I could afford to open a restaurant here where I live in Smithville and give ppl the best tasting food this side of the Mississippi!