Survey Responses Are In: Restaurants Wanted Downtown

The people have spoken! We received a healthy response to our survey about what you would like to see downtown – what kinds of stores, restaurants and businesses to fill the empty storefronts in the village.

From the 94 respondents and additional comments here is what we learned:

91% would like to see more restaurants downtown; of those who want more dining option, 80% prefer moderately-priced eateries

Response was mixed about the kinds of restaurants you would like to see: Italian and Mexican came out on top, followed by Indian, Spanish and Japanese in that order.

Others wrote in, “gourmet, healthy gourmet, family friendly, deli, and Greek and Middle Eastern. Responses to a question about a gourmet grocer were split with 45% saying no, and 49% responding yes.

On the question of clothing stores, 72% said no they did not want another clothing store, however to the question about a shoe store, 47% answered yes and 46% answered no. Residents did not favor another gift store, with 53% answering no to the question, “Would you like to have a gift store downtown.” However, a new bookstore would be welcomed as 54% answered yes to the question about adding a bookstore to the mix.

Last, 53% indicated that they would like a shoe repair shop, 41% said yes to a shipping center, 22% a copy shop and other suggestions included a kitchenware shop, sporting goods store, a bar, home furnishings, prepared food, and chain restaurants.

Here is a sampling of comments we received:

-When moving to Scarsdale we noticed how the downtown area by Hartsdale train station has a lot more inviting dining options than the downtown Scarsdale area. I agree that eateries seem to be a big draw - like Garth Road - however, why are there so many Asian restaurants in one tiny spot? Our family is already a fan of the frozen yogurt spot on Garth Road because it's organic, but why aren't there more healthy eating options?

-We certainly do not need another jewelry store! I agree with all about the need for more restaurants and cafe's. Rhodadendron was a great store, I found lots of gifts there, another store like that and a great shoe store would be good. Also, how about another designer consignment store like Roundabout, those types of stores are now doing really well.

-Family- friendly place to take kids -- but isn't a kids place and isn't pizza --like Harry's Burrito's in Larchmont.

-More restaurants. A Pain Quotidien and a good take-out place for when you get off the train and need to get dinner on the table fast.

-I would also like to see a nice casual cafe where you can go and get a salad or soup!

-I'd love to see Le Pain Quotidien or something like it. We need a casual place for lunch where it's not terribly crowded or rushed.

-Restaurants, a coffee or sandwich place with a cafe feel where you can sit and feel part of a village, a dessert place... Just give us a reason to go there and stroll! I love Chat, but we could use 10 more like it.

Additional suggestions were numerous and below are a few from Scarsdale10583 readers:

• Upscale craft gallery
• Pizza parlor
• Bagel store
• Burger joint
• A place to watch sports
• Movie theatre
• Smoothie store
• A bookstore with a coffee shop
• Apple store