Like people in any other part of the south, residents of The Greater Valley Area like to eat, and they like having options on where to do so.

While the area has a handful of nicer, sit-down and home-cooked dining options, many of the restaurants feature fast food. A drive down Highway 29 in Lanett and Valley offers up a variety of fast food staples on either side of the road.

Sonic, McDonald’s, Taco Bell and Dairy Queen are all there, offering similar things for similar prices.
Adding to these will soon be Popeyes and Jacks, two southern spots that will draw in weary travelers as they pass Exit 79.

While these new restaurants may not be the most exciting addition to the Valley, what they represent certainly is. Development, even on mega-chains like these, is still development, and any kind of expansion to locally-seated businesses should be a welcome sight to anyone who lives and works close by. These kinds of additions not only draw in more money but people and interest to the area as well.

This interest is bolstered by new sit-down additions like Cracker Jack’s Seafood Bar and Grill in Valley and Old Town Cafe in LaFayette. Fast food may draw people in, but the nicer venues are what will make people stay, so they are all working in tandem in the drive for area expansion.

That being said, it is clear that folks around here want more, better food and places that know how to serve it. A burger can be purchased at just about any restaurant in the area, but people who want something more have to take a trip to Opelika or LaGrange.

This is not only a hassle for the individual, but it is putting money into the businesses located there instead of those right here in our area.

That’s not just the consumer’s fault, either. People want to eat at places with good food and good service.

Previous restaurant ventures in this area are a reminder of that. Business with good service usually thrive, while others don’t make it.

Getting a variety of better food options locally means supporting what is already being offered.

Voting with your wallet and dining at local spots will let current businesses know to keep up their quality and pique the interests of those without a local franchise.

The locally and family-owned small businesses in the area should always be a priority, but it’s good to see that the Valley is getting more and more options that could lead to a more modern “Restaurant Row” when one takes to Highway 29 for a quick bite to eat.