Springdale 2, Fayetteville 0

It was that dreadful Fayetteville sign ordinance that, according to Bill Ramsey and the Chamber of Cowbirds, cost us the Cracker Barrel restaurant and all of those high tech, high wage jobs that went to Springdale. More recently, Ramsey said the sign ordinance killed Fuddrucker's and cost us even more jobs and tax revenues. Our latest loss in the economic development quest cannot be blamed on the sign ordinance, so what will be the excuse this time?

The Fayetteville Flyer is reporting that Krystal, the famous square burger purveyor founded in Chattanooga in 1932, will be opening a store in Springdale on January 28th. Enjoyed by four generations of Americans and craved by a cult-like following, Krystal is the oldest quick service restaurant in the South and the second oldest in the United States with more than 400 restaurants in 12 states.

Free wifi and all those good customer service jobs, but not a one of them in Fayetteville. I expect the Cowbirds soon to be arguing again to repeal the sign ordinance and for "incentives" and subsidized water and sewer rates to attract more fast food joints so we can compete with the economic engine that is Springdale.