Our Town

By Patti Fralix

A good friend and I have had a more than 20-year debate about which city is best, Raleigh, where I live, or another major North Carolina city, where she lives. We are transplants in these two cities, so we have no inborn allegiance for our respective cities. Honestly, both have benefits and drawbacks. Raleigh is edging out front, however. I recently spent an evening with my friend Kathleen in her city and we continued our ongoing debate. 

Kathleen’s area is very cosmopolitan, excelling in the arts and restaurants. When I was there, we ate dinner in a very good Italian restaurant, and although it is a chain, there isn’t one yet, or even one planned, for Raleigh. That has been true through the years about that city. I can remember several stores and restaurants that got their North Carolina start there before opening in this area.

And what about shopping, a national pastime? Durham has Nordstrom, and Raleigh has Saks. My daughter, who now lives in the Atlanta area, was recently home in Raleigh and was amazed and delighted at the shopping in the area. She remarked that the shopping here is better than in Atlanta, and when she mentioned this perception to a shop owner, she was told that many shoppers have mentioned the same. According to Why We Shop and The Call of the Mall, shopping has become an entertainment experience, not just a shopping experience, and this is a major selling feature for our Triangle area. 

Home, the Triangle area, rivals any area anywhere. Trust me, I travel extensively, and if there is any area better for the combination of those things that make an area one to which you always want to return, I have not found it. As I reflect on why this is the case, I believe I have figured it out. No, it isn’t the weather, the academic institutions, or the technology of the area, even though all are wonderful. It isn’t even the grandchildren, although I have talked to more than a few retirees who have moved here for that reason. Instead, it is that rare combination of tradition and growth that fuels this lifestyle and this economy. As I think of this, several local businesses come to mind, those that represent different aspects of this mix. 

One of those businesses, one that clearly puts their customers and the customer experience first, modeled most obviously by Van Eure, is Angus Barn. Then there is Sawmill Tap Room, a restaurant much newer to the fold, and one that has excelled where many others failed. Then there is Shucker’s Oyster Bar, with locations not just in Wake Forest, but also in Southern Pines. These proprietors know that regardless of their business, service is their first obligation, and the one that keeps them in business when there is competition. Service is best forged by relationships with their customers – relationships that can provide some of the most valuable advertising for them. And by the way, there has to be more than just good food. 

In an area the size of the Triangle, (yes, I know all about the traffic, but have you been to New York or Atlanta recently?) it is still possible to know the shopkeepers. Put your money with those who serve you well, not just because they stock the merchandise you want or need, or fill your tummy when you are hungry. Rather, those that treat you like family regardless of how successful they become.

This really isn’t about the Triangle or that other North Carolina town … or restaurants or shopping. It is about service, and the most important part of service. It is about the human factor, for which our area excels.

Perhaps it is that aspect of our area that somehow maintains its tradition while pushing itself into the future. It is a wonderful mix to hold onto the best of our history and tradition while embracing the future. 

For a great example of the best of tradition and history, treat yourself to a wonderful experience at the Angus Barn, and when there, ask for Van Eure; she will make you feel like a million dollars. For a great beach experience away from the beach, take your family and friends to Shuckers. And for a great local “Cheers,” try Sawmill Tap Room, and be sure to look for Andrew. You will surely be a regular by your second visit. 

Patti Fralix inspires positive change in work, life, and family through speaking, consulting, and coaching. She is the founder and president of The Fralix Group, Inc., a leadership excellence firm based in Raleigh. She can be reached at pfralix@fralixgroup.com.