In today’s issue of the The Current, Angela Manese-Lee wrote of the poorly kept secret that Olive Garden is bringing it’s all-you-can-eat breadsticks and salad to Christiansburg.  The addition of the restaurant is just one of many changes that the Pennyslvania Real Estate Investment Trust, which owns the New River Valley mall, is making to increase consumer interest in the mall and keep retail dollars in the New River Valley.  Other than a multi-plex cinema, Panera Bread and Dick’s Sporting Goods, no other announcements have been made regarding potential retailers but further announcements are expected in the coming weeks.

Today’s announcement reminded me of the effort the City of Roanoke is making with MyRetailRoanoke.com, and I thought I’d mention it once more.  Most of us shop in both Valleys and it only makes sense that we would be interested in what retailers are brought to the area, so if you haven’t checked out the site and registered your vote, make sure to do so.  As today’s article mentioned, retailers are listening to what consumers are saying … so get involved, and enjoy those breadsticks!