Susquehanna County Blog

In the past couple of weeks, two businesses have opened up in our fair county.  These businesses, Tractor Supply (PA 706 just East of Montrose in Bridgewater Township) and Golden China Buffet (in the Mt. View Plaza on US 11 in Great Bend Township have had their Grand Openings.  Each are off to a great start.  Apparently, these two businesses see a potential to do good business here.  The residents of the area have responded well.  Personally, I think they have better than an average chance to succeed. 

At first glance, one could be cynical and think there is no way they can survive here.  However, after walking around Tractor Supply for about an hour (and waiting for another half  hour to check out) I realized that the people who were there, were not just buying the specials, but actually shopping for things needed.  Things they would have had to drive to Scranton or Binghamton in many cases to get. 

Although the merchandise is different, it sort of reminded me of when we had an Ames Store about a mile up the road (now it’s Price Chopper for all you flatlanders).  People came from all over the county to shop there.  Did they have the best quality, price or selection?  Absolutely not.  But I can tell you this, the population here was absolutely loyal to “our Ames store”.  In fact, it stayed open long after most others had closed.  Sales were so good, they brought in merchandise from other stores during the store closing sale to keep “our Ames” open.  Yes, the corporate management of the company failed, but certainly not from a lack of support here!  I see this level of support at Tractor Supply. 

The other evening, I was away from home at dinner time and found myself in the Great Bend area.  I was pondering the choices of Dobbs, McDonalds, Arbys and Burger King, feeling sorry for myself and wondering whether or not I should stop at Reddons for a dose of Lipitor, when a lightbulb went on.  I remember seeing the full page ads for the Golden China Buffet and thought this would be something completely different.  Yes, there are several Chinese restaurants in Susquehanna County; and yes I have tried them all over the years with great success, but they are mostly set up for take out, not staying and relaxing.  This was completely different.  It is a real restaurant! I didn’t do a formal seat count, but I bet they have seating for 75 or more.  Oh yes, the buffet had a good selection of  food and the price was reasonable.  Worth a trip there. 

Both businesses have friendly staff who actually are happy to see you come in.  Let’s support these new additions to our county which have made our quality of life here a little better.

One sad note, for those who like authentic Mexican food.  Mamasita’s Mexican Restaurant in Lenox Plaza (Lenox at PA 92 & PA 106 at I-81 Exit 211) is open, but only Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  A sign in the window says “for sale”.  I asked why.  I learned that it certainly is not from a lack of business.  Go  there any of the three days they are open and you will see  what I mean.  That place has really excellent food.  People come from Scranton, Binghamton and beyond to eat there.  One word of caution, it is definitely NOT a fast food restaurant.  Great staff there who enjoy what they do!  Everything is home made.  The drive and the wait are worth your time.  Actually, I hope they don’t sell.  It will be difficult for someone else to duplicate the food and the atmosphere.  Get there while you can!

Anyway, all three businesses deserve your support.  They are people who have made a business decision to invest in Susquehanna County.  When you go there, or any local merchant that does business here, please take the time to thank them for investing themselves here.

One last comment.  None of these businesses were brought here by our great Economic Development arm (Central Bradford Progress Authority.  They all made their own business decisions and invested in Susquehanna County on their own, and at no taxpayer expense.

No, I wasn’t paid, bribed, coerced, given free food or merchandise or anything else to write any of this.  I just like to give credit where it is due.