While big cities are often thought to be the best locations for new restaurants, budding restaurateurs would be well-served to focus elsewhere, namely, college towns and vacation spots, according to the 2009 Nielsen Claritas Restaurant Growth Index (RGI).  The steady population of students, faculty and other employees, and the flow of visitors make these two types of towns optimal for new restaurants.
For the sixth year in a row, the top location is Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, despite its index ranking falling more than 100 points in the last year.  Hot …