I just signed up to post recently but have followed this thread almost since it's inception.... I graduated from PU in '92 and I live and work in Montgomery Township which is just north of Princeton. Just an FYI, the Annex is no longer. It is now "Sotto" which offers "Italian classics and creative specials." Anyway, if you head north into Hoagie Haven territory, Princeton is certainly *not* too highbrow for a gourmet hot dog. Up there, you've got George's Roasters and Ribs, Old World Pizza....and probably no available site to slip into what might be a more suitable (and less expensive) location than the Palmer Square area. Of those, I've frequented Hoagie Haven the most. It does a tremendous lunch time business, even with crappy parking. In addition to university students, I've seen Princeton High School students, painters, construction workers, Mormons (taking a lunch break from their door-to-doors, I think), and men in suits. I suspect dinner is a little slower but their extended hours accommodate the late night hunger pangs of students -- most significantly the engineers working late at the nearby E-quad. Hoagie Haven used to be quite a bargain but prices have crept up a bit. I don't think AHD's prices are incompatible at this point. And while HH certainly has its own charm, shall we say, the quality of the product is nowhere near AHD's. Now that I think about it, AHD might be too good for that area. It would probably work with the HH demographic during lunch hours and late nights, but I don't see it working as well as family destination in that location like the main AHD does. Regardless, I don't think the more downtown area is too highbrow for gourmet hot dogs. The rent and parking are probably the bigger obstacles here. We really only brave this area once or twice a year for dinner at the Ferry House or if I'm making a quick run to The Original Soup Man -- basically for special occasions or if the parking headaches are offset by not having to cook dinner. I think this location would be good for foot traffic, and very good for students if there was a student discount. Also, I noticed a sign at Soup Man the other day that said they accept University prox cards as a form of payment. If that means what I think it means, that would be a GREAT thing. i.e. Mom & Dad pay directly. OK, now you're talking even closer to my neck of the woods. There are a few things to consider: In addition to the ShopRite strip mall (Montgomery Shopping Center), there is another other one just south of 518 with the Princeton Wellness and Fitness Center (Princeton North Shopping Center, also in Montgomery). That has the Bagel Barn & Deli, Hunan (yuck), Alfonso's Pizzeria, a free-standing Burger King, and a separately-situated, not-too-good diner that's actually on 206, not in the mall. I believe it has an empty store. It has what may be a significant advantage over Montgomery Shopping Center: stairs on the hill that lead down to Research Park, which is the office complex where I work. This makes the places in this mall walkable either to eat in or to take out. Considering auto traffic, at worst it's no more difficult to get to for non-walkers (Bloomberg, etc.) and may be considerably better. Traffic on 206 north of 518 is usually worse than between Cherry Valley and 518. In addition to the main entrance on 206 (with a brand new light), it has a back entrance off of 518 to the east of 206, which is trés handy for those in the know. If you really think Montgomery would make a good location, you may want to hold your horses just a wee bit. (As much as I'd like to have an AHD less than 5 mintues away....) There is a new development in the works that promises to be an upscale outdoor mall just north of the airport and opposite Princeton North. It will be anchored by a large Stop & Shop. Here's the latest story from the Princeton Packet. Then there's the North Princeton Developmental Center (again, in Montgomery).....but I wouldn't hold my breath on that on. Anyway, you might actually want to talk to somebody from the township rather than a realty company. You might find the mayor herself would be willing to give you her thoughts on the locations in town, especially the upcoming new developments. Oh, and if you're looking for a Princeton version of the malls in Montgomery, there's the Princeton Shopping Center on North Harrison Street. I don't know about any vacancies there, though. Not good for students, but probably good for foot traffic and very good for a family destination restaurant. And just to revisit/compare to the two strip malls in Montgomery, Montgomery Shopping Center and Princeton North would both be very good as sites for a family destination restaurant but there'd be zero student traffic. MSC would be fair for foot traffic while I think Princeton North would be better, possibly even "good" but primarily on workdays. I hope another local's perspective helps..... Brett
