Visions for Vacancies: Coney Island, Juice, Craft Shop Among Reader Ideas

On Jan. 26, . in downtown Ferndale.

In our new feature, which we'll call "Visions for Vacancies," Ferndale Patch readers shared many unique ideas for the former location of .

Among the most popular ideas were a Jamba Juice or something similar, a casual diner like a Coney Island, or a craft store. Other ideas included a food co-op or even an Apple Store.

Only time will tell what ends up moving to the prime downtown Ferndale location, but Ferndale Mayor Dave Coulter said the city tries to make it as easy as possible to start a business here.

"I'm always so impressed and grateful that even in a tough economy there are so many people eager to open up shop in Ferndale," he said. "As a city, our job is to make it as easy as possible to open or expand a business here, and we've worked really hard to make people feel like we're rolling out the red carpet for them because those aren't just businesses, they're jobs, too."

As for what type of businesses the city is likely to see, Coulter said it's ultimately up to the market to decide – and for customers to vote with their dollars.

"We can try and attract certain types of businesses and we do, but at the end of the day the market is going to pick and choose what's needed as customers vote with their dollars," he said. "One segment we've targeted is the health care sector to see if we can take advantage of the work Oakland County is doing with their Medical Main Street program."

Jennifer Roosenberg, executive director of the , said there is no specific business type the chamber hopes to see in that spot but said she hopes it is one with a strong business plan.

"Your Patch readers put forth many great suggestions for the space and they are great ideas for the city, and to keep in mind as we continue to work toward attracting new businesses," she said. "My desire for that space is a business that has put together a solid business plan and is certain that their type of business fits the space and location, promotes themselves properly, and has the right pricing and product for the community."

It's a mix of those things that leads to a successful business, Roosenberg said.

"Most of the businesses who have closed recently have all had several strong things going for them, but they did not have the right mix of all four of those things," she said.

Those interested in help developing a strong business plan can access local nonprofit resources including SCORE, Oakland County Small Business Center and even the for marketing research, Roosenberg said.

"Both the Ferndale Area Chamber and Ferndale DDA are willing to sit down with any business considering a space in Ferndale to help them assess if it's the right fit," she said.

Here are some of the ideas readers shared:

• Lori O'Brien: Jamba Juice-esque business
• Kimberley A. Solo: I wish for Geenies Wienies! It used to be in Hamtramck. It was the best coney island ever! Sigh! Maybe a Coney place! Or a Apple store...anything just as long as business comes in!
• Carey Gustafson: I'd love to see a small, independant craft/supply store like Munro's in Berkley! So close but really so far. I asked the ladies there last week if they had any other locations (no), and strongly suggested they travel here!
• Jennifer M. Cline: I could not agree more! We have Rust Belt, which is a great addition to the city. We definitely need a supplier, though. I spend a lot of time in downtown Ferndale and loved when Beadlum Beads was around. Crafters love Ferndale.
• Michelle Landry: I like the idea of a smoothie place! I also would love to open up a kitchen supply store there too...or a pet supply store?
• erica martin: Beyond Juice!
• Kathi Manteuffel Seidl: I'd love to see a coney/casual diner place - something "more" than fast food but "less" than upscale. Greek salads, coneys, burgers, breakfast. Does Ferndale have anything on the books about 24-hour places? I'm sure a lot of folks would appreciate a local 24-hour place like that!
• Kirsten Buys: I'd like to see a breakfast place with the feel of Cafe Muse in RO or Commonwealth in Birmingham. I love Ferndale's breakfast places, but there are always long lines (which is a good thing for them!) and the foods not always the healthiest, although delicious. Something with good, delicious but healthful food that feels and tastes fresh and with lots of vegetarian and vegan options. Michelle, maybe you and I should open a kitchen supply store -- I would love that too. :)
• Derek Werenka: It would make a great French Creperie. . . Oh, wait!
• Stefan Cieply: Call me a heretic, but I'd love to see Chipotle move in there.
• Todd Blankenship: A food Co-op!
• Jill Michalak: A casual coney with lots of salads. One that stays open as late as the bars.
• Linda Baker: A coney sounds great.
• Jamilya: Jamba Juice would be awesome! I was a manager at one in AZ so I know it is an expensive business to have. I'd rather see a craft supply store. I think that would survive longer than yet another boutique or resturaunt.
• Lori O'Brien: Craft/art supply store is a great idea...I have to go to Crystal place and Utrecht on Woodward to purchase supplies.
• JoAnne Hite: I'd like to see something for both kids and adults like the storefront in Ann Arbor that has drop-in ceramics and other art projects or like the Peaceable Kingdom, (also in AA) that has small wooden bins of tiny, inexpensive but cool toys as well as pottery and other things for adults.