Bakersfield’s novel approach to boosting the economy? Ask local residents what they would like to see openly.

The results come from the City of Bakersfield’s Retail and Restaurant Survey and reveal which amenities city residents value most and which businesses they would like to see if they opened stores.

The big picture: The survey, conducted by the city, not only shows city officials what restaurants and retail outlets residents would like to see in Bakersfield, but also allows the city to approach potential businesses later in May at the International Conference of Shopping Centers in Las Vegas.

• Over 3,600 people took part in the survey, which is part of Bakersfield’s strategic economic development plan to grow the economy through 2026.

Game Status: Bakersfield unveiled the top 10 local restaurants where citizens love to dine: Luigi’s, Frugatti’s, La Costa Mariscos, Wool Growers, Sorella Italian Restaurant, Mexicali, Moo Creamery, Cafe Smitten, Uricchio’s and 24th Street Cafe.

• For local retailers, the city has released the top 13 most popular: In Your Wildest Dreams, Bobby’s Hallmark, Spoiled Rotten, Bella, Victoria’s, Going Underground Records, Sweet Surrender, House of Moseley, Sugardaddy’s, Dewar’s, Emporium Western Store, and BookHounds other copes tackle and rod.

What we observe: The city also unveiled the five most desirable restaurants and the five most desirable retailers that residents in Bakersfield want access to.

• For restaurants, Cheesecake Factory, Porto’s, Claim Jumper, TGI Friday’s and Buca di Beppo top the list.
• The most desirable retailers are IKEA, Whole Foods, Nordstrom, Bass Pro Shops and REI.

What you say: Bakersfield Assistant Economic and Community Development Director Jenni Byers told KGET that the survey allows the city to identify potential locations for future restaurant and retail chains that its residents want.

• “There are a few arguments that we use, particularly because the median income is lower here than in Los Angeles, but the cost of living is higher in Los Angeles,” Byer said. “So they’re really trying to demonstrate affordability in the market and why it would be a good choice.”