As we all know by now, Applebee's is finally open. And what an opening it has been for them, and for the City of Corbin.
I've been there twice, and althought the wait wasn't that bad, I've waited longer at other places, the food was outstanding, the service great, and the management presence awsome. Once we were seated, we were in and out within an hour. It was a great experience.
I'm sure they'll pare down the huge number of employees the have now, but, they'll keep the best. And that's fine. The manager on duty, came around and spoke with every table. Outstanding!!!! You won't find that at Buckners, ElDorados, or O'Malleys'.
How did the City of Corbin fare here? Take the restaurant and alcohol taxes. Huge revenue for the city. Willard and the gang must be smiling hugely at this. They should be. It's a good thing. People honestly don't mind paying taxes in this form when the amount is really small, and they hardly know it's there. Honestly.
If Whitley County were to go wet with the alcohol vote, throw in a restaurant tax (if they don't already have one), an alcohol tax, they could eliminate the occupational tax in a few years just from the revenue from these taxes. They couldn't use the money for the same things, but, you get my drift here.
One surprising thing I've noticed and heard about Applebee's. I remember, very well, all the mud slinging by the religious groups about the alcohol vote, and it's residual effects. How all couples will divorce, kids will be drunk in the streets, organized crime will take over, all of that coming from the various pulpits around the county, and yet, I've seen and heard of a great number of these very people going to Applebee's to eat. And they knew they served alcohol. I've even asked a few that I know personally WHY they were there, knowing they serve alcohol. And you know the answer I received, NOT A WORD. Nothing, a blank stare. They were caught. Thats fine, they know that I know, and many other know too.
SO, that said, if the rumors are true of another one or two of these types of restaurants seriously looking at the Exit 25 area, come on down. Even religious politicians love tax revenue, no matter where it comes from.
