5. A Boba Shop
Over the past years, little coffee shops and drink places have had increased success in Muscatine, especially among high schoolers who run to Starbucks, Black Pearl, Coffee Belt, etc. before school for their morning pick-me-up. Along with this, places out of town, such as Iowa City, have had a rise in popularity for their boba and milk tea cafes. This is a fun alternative drink to try that many kids in Muscatine would enjoy. Recent trips to China provided by the Stanley Center for students have introduced boba to many students, creating more of a need. There are a few places to get boba, but not an easy little boba shop. Muscatine would love it, and it would have guaranteed success.
4. Pottery Place
Many people in Muscatine express a need for activities to do in town. Most people are pushed to Iowa City or Davenport to find various activities to do on a day off. A pottery place would be a fun and unique addition to the activities that are found in Muscatine. There is currently a cute place on 1514 Isett Ave. “Picasso’s Paint Your Own Pottery”, where you can paint pottery, which is a great option. However, it would be fun to add a place where you also would get the chance to create your own pottery.
3. Venues
Most big events in Muscatine are held at the Merrill Hotel in downtown Muscatine. Although this is not the perfect fit for everyone and every event. Sometimes the smaller size of the ballroom at the Merril can prove to be an issue for some larger events. For example, there is a high Hispanic population in Muscatine, and there are a lot of Quinceañeras, many of them being held out of town, most commonly, in Wilton. These options work, but it would be convenient and efficient to have another couple of options in Muscatine for venues like this.
2. Mini Golf
Similarly to pottery, many people express a need for things to do in Muscatine, especially in the younger demographic. A commonly brought up one is mini golf. Mini golf is a fun and easy activity to do outside during the spring and summer. It is an affordable activity for a family outing on a weekend or a day in the summer. With its high demand amongst talk across the community, especially amongst teenagers, mini golf would be a successful and great addition to Muscatine.
1. Panera
The greatest addition ever made to Muscatine would be Panera. Muscatine lacks a place like Panera between fast food and a sit-down restaurant. It appeals to a majority of demographics in Muscatine. Among the retired community, it would give them a great meeting place for meals with options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s an easy place to take families. It is a faster option for a healthier meal than McDonald’s. It is a more affordable option than higher-end restaurants, but still gives the feel of a nice meal. It has countless benefits to the town and community. Many people may not realize the lack of a place like Panera, but it would do so much. Muscatine needs a Panera.
