June 19, 2005
Last week's question: A Cheesecake Factory is coming to Columbia. How does that rate on your restaurant meter? And would you like to see more high-profile chains come to Howard County?
Now we'll have Get Fatter, Columbia
So, we can't have something high-class and useful, like a Wegman's grocery store, but we can have something ubiquitous and unhealthful like a Cheesecake Factory? What inconsistency! We have Get Active, Columbia, and now we'll have Get Fatter, Columbia - right here at the mall. If you're not familiar with Cheesecake Factory's menu, in addition to excessive desserts, it features obscenely large portions of pedestrian food.
Please, reconsider. Encourage local businesses. Or at least interesting ones.
Jonie Lehmann
Columbia
One of the best in Maryland
I am delighted that the Cheesecake Factory is coming to the Columbia Mall. The Cheesecake Factory is one of the best restaurants in Maryland and now I won't have to pay [for] parking.
Bernie Stangle
Ellicott City
Let's emphasize local ownership
While I'm certain that the Cheesecake Factory will be a welcome addition to the restaurant choices in Columbia, I would like to see more locally owned restaurants along the lines of Aida Bistro, Rooster Cafe and Iron Bridge Wine Company. That said, I believe that specialty grocery chains are most welcome and desired.
This includes Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and others. There is definitely a market for these stores, so it's curious why none has opened in Howard County.
Mary Miskelly
Ellicott City
We want your opinions
THE ISSUE: It has been more than a year since Sydney L. Cousin took over as superintendent of Howard County schools after a series of controversies, including the ouster of the former schools chief and two allegations of grade tampering. Along with the Board of Education, Cousin has been working to restore stability and confidence in the school system. Did they succeed? How would you assess the school year?
YOUR VIEW: Tell us what you think. Send e-mail responses by Thursday to howard.speakout@baltsun.com. A selection of responses will be published Sunday. Please keep your responses short and include your name, address and telephone number. Addresses and phone numbers will not be published.
