Millennials, pub grub and wings

What do local millennials think is the key to business growth and success? A safer community.

That's according to the results of the Chico Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Organization Millennial Survey, which were released Wednesday (Aug. 19) and the 300-plus respondents overwhelmingly listed safer streets and safer neighborhoods as critical to promoting a better business climate.

The survey, which opened earlier this summer, asked a number of questions of Chico's millennials, the largest demographic of our workforce, trying to gauge their opinions on living and working here. Members of this generation are increasingly opening up and running their own local businesses.

There were a lot of responses that weren't surprising—millennials ranked Bidwell Park as the most enjoyable part of living in Chico. And salary, company culture and a flexible schedule were listed as the top three features millennials look for in a place of employment.

The most intriguing responses, however, came from an open-ended question asking what millennials would want the city to look like in five to 10 years if they were king or queen. Participants could write anything, yet most of the 325 responses centered on safety and the role it plays in attracting and retaining businesses and a talented workforce. One comment read: “Without a safe community we can't attract new business or have a safe place to conduct business.”

It's an insight I've heard shared by the older faction of the business community, but I was honestly surprised that my tech-savvy, social-media-loving generation is so concentrated on the practical need of safe streets. It will be interesting to hear the community conversation regarding the results over the next few months—and to see whether the millennial perspective is something that really can bring change for the business community.

The Banshee's back. These past few weeks have been painful with the downtown hotspot closed for remodeling. Thankfully, this popular pub reopened just in time for my husband's birthday last week—our household celebrates nearly every occasion with Banshee fish tacos and mac and cheese. Co-owner Will Brady said the work was just “giving the place a shine.” The pub has new floors and paint and remodeled bathrooms.

Go Buffalo. Football season is just around the corner and if you're looking for a new spot to catch the action, Buffalo Wild Wings is worth checking out. The chain restaurant officially opened its doors earlier this month at 845 East Ave. in the North Valley Plaza. I hear if you pop in on Wing Tuesdays or Boneless Thursdays, you can snag traditional or boneless wings for just 70 cents apiece.