Hardeeville ramps up efforts to attract chain restaurants

National restaurant chains' interest in Hardeeville was piqued when the city decided to allow them to serve alcohol on Sundays, but none has set up shop since about 70 percent ofvoters approved the move in 2008, city officials say.

To change that, the city plans to direct a marketing campaign at brands like Ruby Tuesday, Applebee's and Wild Wing Cafe.

Officials are preparing informational folders, maps and CDs to send to restaurants within 30 days, economic development director LeNolon Edge said this week.

A primary selling point: There are no full-service chain restaurants along 57 miles of Interstate 95 between Exit 53 in Walterboro and Exit 109 in Georgia. Hardeeville does have a Shoney's, but it does not serve alcohol.

More than 50,000 vehicles per day travel the highway, Edge said, and 600,000 people live within 20 minutes of Hardeeville's Exit 5 and Exit 8.

In addition to mailing the packages, city officials will take them to trade shows and conferences.

Edge estimated the materials cost about $5,000.

If the campaign is successful, Edge hopes new restaurants will attract people who would otherwise pass by the city to search for a big-name eatery.

"They will see the local restaurants, as well," Edge said. "It just brings more potential customers here."

Mayor Bronco Bostick said his constituents are eager for more dining options.

"People don't want to go 20 to 25 minutes to go to a good restaurant," he said.