MERIDIAN - To Flatbread Community Oven finding that perfect location is key to keeping things "hot."

"We try to have more of a community feel so we choose downtown for that reason," said Doug Winter, the general manager for the restaurant.

And the Meridian Development Corporation, the city's urban renewal agency, says that's what downtown needs to be: a destination.

"You have a large suburban population that's really looking for an identity," said Shaun Wardle, administrator for the MDC.

Up until now Wardle says the downtown area hasn't been a place people choose to come because there hasn't necessarily been any reason to. But now they're hoping to change that idea.

"This is the first comprehensive visioning document for downtown Meridian," said Wardle.

Through a series of public meetings the Meridian Development Corporation is seeking input on how to shape the future of downtown.

"It's the business owners, the property owners, and the people that will be here that are really going to make it a success," Wardle said.

And he knows ideas on how to shape the downtown corridor are out there - just ask Winter.

"I think a lot of the guests who visit Flatbread would appreciate even more fine dining downtown, some more restaurants, possibly a brewery, a couple of nice bars," he said.

The goal isn't to attract big chains like what's seen along Eagle Road. The MDC says the goal is to make downtown a hub of local businesses, providing cultural, and social activities by asking local people. And local businesses like Flatbread think it's a "hot" idea.

The entire vision for downtown Meridian's future will be presented on Saturday, November 14th from 9 to 11:00am. The presentation will be held in the former Farmers and Merchants Bank building on 703 Main Street.

It's a chance for the public to drop by and see what is being developed and see what ideas have come out of this weeks meetings.