Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, September 1, 1994                   TAG: 9409010090
SECTION: BUSINESS                    PAGE: B8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: SANDRA BROWN KELLY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

ARE THE '50S COMING TO TOWN?

The long-vacant Hardee's building at Campbell and Jefferson streets in downtown Roanoke might become a 1950s-diner-style eatery if a local restaurant owner can pull together money for the project.

Roland "Spanky" Macher confirmed Wednesday that he has a contract to purchase the building from Boddie-Noell Enterprises Inc. of Rocky Mount, N.C., which operates 13 Hardee's restaurants in the Roanoke Valley.

Macher said he believes the property can become a "gateway" to the Roanoke City Market area. If he can find investors to make it possible, Macher said he would like to redo the building in stainless steel and tile and decorate it with 1950s memorabilia.

His plans include star patterns in the floor, each bearing the name of a well-known Roanoker.

The 5,560-square-foot building was constructed in 1968 by Colonial American National Bank. It later became a Sovran Bank branch.

Boddie-Noell renovated the building, but retained some of the bank's atmosphere. Instead of ripping out the walk-in vault, seating was added to the area. The building also was given a solarium and a brick patio for outdoor dining.

The project created considerable interest because it was considered an experiment in bringing fast-food operations to a downtown business district. Boddie-Noell planned to use it as a prototype for future downtown outlets in other cities.

The restaurant opened in November 1985 and closed in May 1988. Company officials said the place did a good breakfast and lunch business, but never met expectations. Business during evening hours was especially disappointing.

Macher's family developed the four Spanky's and eight Macado's restaurants that operate in Virginia and North Carolina. He manages the Spanky's facilities; his brother, Richard Macher, runs the Macado's places.

Macher said his family has discussed the idea of operating a '50s-style diner for five years. He even has a menu planned.

He said he decided to pursue the old Hardee's location at this time because another restaurant chain's owner had been interested in a similar project and expressed interest in a joint venture.

Macher would not identify the other business owners and said he is not certain if they still want to be involved. He said his contract on the Boddie-Noell property, negotiated by Ralph Williams, an agent with Copty & Co. of Roanoke, is good for a few more weeks, during which he can continue to pursue financing.