SALISBURY — Downtown developer Michael Young has signed a lease with a new restaurant for the former Uncle Bucks restaurant location at 117 E. Innes St., but he’s keeping mum about the name.
In a news release, Young would not reveal the tenant but called the business a “perfect, long-term fit.”
Commercial real estate broker Ed McAfee of Locus Real Estate Advisors found the tenant for the 2,500-square-foot space. He said the building’s location, size and amenities drew interest from independent restaurateurs as well as franchises.
McAfee said a Charlotte area restaurant group is opening three locations in North Carolina, including the one in Salisbury.
Michael and Diane Young of LMY Inc. bought the building in 2007 from the heirs of Clarence Mayfield. Once used by Southern Bell operators in the early 1900s to route calls, the building has been renovated and has two 1,250-square-foot apartments upstairs and restaurant space on the main floor.
Before the Youngs developed the space, they hired consultants from Johnson & Wales culinary and business schools.
“It wasn’t cheap. But the money spent on consultants saved us tenfold in costly development mistakes,” Michael Young said.
The restaurant industry was hit hard during the recession. Young said according to the National Restaurant Association, the average person went out to eat 3.4 times a week in 2007. Two years ago, that dropped to 1.7 times a week, and those who were eating out were spending less per meal.
Young said the industry has started to turn around and his new tenant is expected to open in about two months.
Three downtown restaurants have closed in the past year. Uncle Bucks moved around the corner to South Main Street.
SALISBURY — For the sixth time in as many studies, Edward Jones financial advisers rate the firm the highest in employee satisfaction among financial investment firms, according to a new study by J.D. Power and Associates.
John and Jolene Philpott are Edward Jones financial advisers in Salisbury.
The J.D. Power and Associates 2014 Financial Advisor Satisfaction Study ranked 11 financial services firms. Edward Jones financial advisors gave the highest satisfaction ratings in all of the study categories, with a score of 904 out of 1,000, compared to the industry average of 721.
Financial advisors gave high scores to the firm’s operational, technical and client-facing support. Edward Jones also ranked highest in the 2007, 2010, 2012 and 2013 studies and tied for the highest ranking in 2008. The study was not conducted in 2009 or 2011.
SALISBURY — The Rowan County Chamber of Commerce has a new Street Map & Resource Guide.
The map features the Integro Technologies building on the cover with a detailed street map and resource guide for all of Rowan County.
The map is a free resource for members, thanks to the sponsorship of several chamber member firms. The chamber will use the Street Map & Resource Guide in newcomer packets. They are also available for members to distribute.
Each member firm can pick up 10 maps at the chamber’s offices in the Gateway Building, 204 E. Innes St. Non-members may purchase the maps for $1 each.    
Target Marketing worked with the chamber on the production of the map. Every effort has been made to update streets and landmarks, but if readers spot a correction that needs to be made, they are asked to email info@rowanchamber.com.
CONCORD — Concord Mills has debuted its first Summer of Savings.
In lieu of the state-wide sales tax holiday, which expired, Concord Mills will offer Better Than Tax Free Weekend on July 25 through July 27. The two-day event will offer an additional 10 percent off already discounted merchandise from select retailers on back-to-school items including apparel, footwear, electronics, backpacks and more.
According to the National Retail Federation, back-to-school is the second-largest shopping season of the year, following the winter holidays. The average person with school-aged children will spend $688 on supplies and clothes.
Throughout the summer, social media-savvy shoppers can vie for the chance to win several $250 gift cards from popular retailers on Concord Mills’ Facebook page.
SALISBURY — Monday is the deadline for applying to Leadership Rowan.
Sponsored by the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Rowan meets one day a month for nine months. Participants get an in-depth view of community issues, develop skills necessary to assume leadership roles and learn how to get involved in the community. They also have the opportunity to meet and discuss issues with key community leaders.
Participants study the qualities that make an effective leader, analyze individual leadership roles and develop personal leadership styles and skills. They are challenged to apply their talents by joining professional associations, civic clubs, public boards and commissions.
Tuition is $800 for chamber members and $1,125 for non-members. The fee will cover the retreat, program materials, meals and graduation ceremonies. Tuition is due by July 31. Limited financial assistance may be available.
The Leadership Rowan Selection Committee will screen applications. Companies are urged to sponsor employees who have demonstrated potential as community leaders and who expect to remain in this area for at least the next two years.
Applications must be completed online at www.rowanchamber.com/pages/leadershiprowan/ by Monday. For questions, call the chamber at 704-633-4221.
On Friday, July 11, Chick-fil-A’s Cow Appreciation Day will offer a free meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) to any customer who comes in fully dressed as a cow.
Customers dressed “head to hoof” in cow attire will receive a free Chick-fil-A Meal. Customers who are too “chicken” to go all-out will get a free entrée of choice for wearing any cow-spotted accessory.
On Thursday, July 10, the Salisbury Chick-fil-A will host craft night so customers can make costumes for Friday. Last year, more than 400 people dressed up as a cow locally to get free chicken.
?Submit information about new businesses, honors and management promotions to bizbriefs@salisburypost.com. Include a daytime phone number.