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Visions for Vacancies: Portage Crossing Sparks New Interest in Old Ponderosa

Several franchise restaurants want to move into the former Ponderosa due, in part, to the incoming Portage Crossing development.

If all goes to plan, a well-known restaurant chain could soon take over the defunct Ponderosa on State Road.

According to a representative from MLE Enterprises, which owns the property, the prospective franchise may close the deal by as early as next month.

“We’ve had, well, quite a few restaurants interested in the space, and it’s just been a matter of choosing the best fit for the neighborhood,” said the rep who asked not to be named since the deal isn’t finalized.

Why all the interest in the old Ponderosa?

Now that has the green light, property surrounding the incoming development has become a hot commodity.

“Think of it as a chain reaction or a domino effect, especially given the announcement that has signed on to Portage Crossing,” said the MLE source.

Groundbreaking for Portage Crossing was slated for late June, but due to a deal restructuring, the new date has not yet been announced, according to the city's development director, Sue Truby.

The announcement on which popular franchise restaurant will take over Ponderosa may come by early August.

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Which franchise restaurant should MLE Enterprises choose? Tell us in the Comments!

John Deike (Editor) July 19, 2012 at 02:31 pm
I think Carrabba's would be a good choice.
Keri Lambert July 19, 2012 at 02:50 pm
Jack Astor's!
Adam C. Miller July 19, 2012 at 03:13 pm
Carrabba's would be GREAT!
R. Helms July 19, 2012 at 04:05 pm
Johnnie Rockets!!
Rich W. July 19, 2012 at 09:56 pm
Chuck E Cheeses
Eric Hales July 19, 2012 at 11:11 pm
Noodles and Company.
Terry August 24, 2012 at 12:27 pm
It's a nice public relations statement but, MLE will go with the restaurant chain that makes the best monetary offer. I doubt that they're concerned about what's best for the area. I don't think anything too upscale will work at that end of State Rd. I HOPE for the best but am not overly optimistic.

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Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Nolan Thrice June 18, 2013 at 10:55 am
You didn't know what? Oh, how to read a calendar. But, your stupidity/illiteracy is the media'sRead More fault. Okay m0ron.
dean alexander June 18, 2013 at 09:47 pm
blame the media, how silly, google the information stop being so lazy
dean alexander June 18, 2013 at 09:46 pm
Just amazes me that people can't take responsibility, blame everyone else because they are too lazyRead More to be aware of what is going on, if you are that concerned about flag day, then you would think you would know when it is or just google it, all the information is available, it is so sad how our country has the blame everyone else attitude, wake up and take personal responsibility
Geoffrey Watson June 18, 2013 at 10:32 pm
Nolan,Why should a person even have to check a calendar to see when a holiday is. The media blastsRead More relentlessly on everything else that doesn't amount to a hill of beans. Yet when it comes to flying the flag the are MUM. That is what I am talking about. Like Dean said. Maybe peoplw don't display flags because they didn't know. Dean, what's the media for, if not getting the word out? Are they there to just sit on their butts and let people wonder what they really do? Talk about being responsible, I think the media should be responsible for getting the word out. They need to do something for their pay.
dean alexander June 19, 2013 at 01:02 am
Like I said take personal responsibility and stop being a puppet
Laura Tompkins June 11, 2013 at 06:39 pm
Thank you Gail! This is just one of many, many stories. Convicted felons are routinely recruited toRead More 12 step cults. They have to go there, healthy people do not stay in this dangerous cult for long! ; ) http://www.orange-papers.org/orange-cult_a0.html
dean alexander June 18, 2013 at 09:50 pm
The health department really needs to check the place, filthy, selling reheated food, which isRead More illegal, plaster falling from ceiling over food prep table, the list goes on and on
Laura Tompkins June 19, 2013 at 12:22 am
The mental health department should check this place out too! That holds true for any 12 step cultRead More group!
wmfr June 5, 2013 at 10:04 pm
What's your point, DICK? You are posting a sarcastic question and clearly don't understand projectsRead More like PC and how cities work with builders. C'mon DICK, write a legitimate question and quit belly aching DICK.
Sumco Res June 5, 2013 at 10:18 pm
Christine - you somehow missed the detail that the property has been sold to Stark? The ball is inRead More his court now.
Nolan Thrice June 6, 2013 at 11:33 am
Any reason you couldn't pick up the phone and make a phone call and ask for yourself? Oh, that'sRead More too much hard work. Got it.
Sweet Guy #1
mmlodzik June 1, 2013 at 01:43 pm
We were very fortunate to have the Humane Society take them. They should be available for adoptionRead More soon. I am just deeply saddened that people can do something like this with no concern for the dogs' welfare and to thrust that responsibility onto others who can't stand by and do nothing.
Janet Wahl June 3, 2013 at 07:33 am
Those kind of people would leave their human kids as well.
Christine June 3, 2013 at 11:27 am
I agree, this is inconsiderate and unkind. I would wish that people would not treat their animalsRead More so, but that remains a wish. However, I am thankful that something worse did not happen. At least at the park, someone was there who was kindhearted enough to take action. I shudder to think of the "other" possibilities.
John Deike (Editor) May 15, 2013 at 06:35 pm
Thanks!
Kaye Spector (Editor) May 15, 2013 at 10:53 pm
Congrats John and Jacklyn. She's adorable.
Geoffrey Watson June 1, 2013 at 10:19 pm
Congrats John. I know what you are feeling. I know when my daughter was born way back in 1975 @Read More Cuyahoga Falls General. I wanted to go out to the intersection of Broad and State Rd and shout at the top of my lungs, "I have a baby daughter" That was the greatest enjoyment and biggest trill ever!! I was a big part of the delivery. I was in the room the whole time and would not have it ant other way. Way to go John and Jaklyn!!