Orchid
Centre
The Orchid Centre shopping
center was built in 2001, shortly after the Penguin Family waddled
into McKinney. I've wondered why it was spelled "centre" instead of
"center". Does it become more prestigious if it is "centre?" Alas,
I digress. It has been interesting to watch the Orchid Centre
evolve.
The westernmost space changed a couple times
since we arrived. My first recollection of it was that it was a
restaurant that served barbeque and catfish. It was spawned from an
established restaurant in Abilene, with three locations there, but
it didn't take in McKinney. It was nicely decorated, and during
certain times of the week you could come in and get all-you-can-eat
catfish. We ventured in for the catfish a couple times (all in
2002), but then it closed its doors. The
next joint to move in was (I think) another barbeque restaurant. I
think we went there once, and didn't have a good dining experience.
As a result we didn't go back. Apparently no one else did either,
as it must have closed down quickly. A tavern located there in
2003, and while it has a menu and we don't live far away, we've
never been. I guess the thought of taking the little Penguins to a
"tavern" has kept us away.
A Mexican food restaurant has been there the
whole time, as have the donut and pizza shops. We've visited each
of these establishments on multiple occasions. I think the salon
and Chinese restaurant have changed at least once.
There have been several businesses that have
gone through the easternmost space (in the main strip). I can
recall a sporting goods (really only baseball) store, and a store
where you pay to make your meals, then take them home to freeze and
serve later. It has a drive-thru lane, so I suspect someone thought
it would make a good cleaners. However, it has been vacant for
quite a while now, probably because it can't be seen from El Dorado
due to the "island" shops.
The "island" shops have never been very
popular. Right now there is only a mailing/shipping store present.
I think there was something else there once, but it was short lived
and has been vacant for much of its life.
The cache is simple to find. It is small, so
there isn't really room for TBs or a writing instrument. Bring your
own pen!
NOTE: My history may be off... if you have a
clearer recollection of what was at this location, please let me
know. Of course, I've already had to tone down my description to
not actually mention any businesses, even the ones that are no
longer in business. Thanks!