[Mpls] Another DT restaurant closes

[Tom Madden]

I too saw this and saw an opportunity for many of the great restaurateurs in
the city.

I believe one solution (of many I am sure) is to have local restaurants
rather than big chains.  Please note - I am not against big chains - I
frequent many myself at times.

I think people who work downtown (and live elsewhere) need a reason to want
to stay and eat downtown - something unique and or different from the chains
they can eat at in their own suburb.  It's much easier to go home and go to
your local Olive Garden/TGIFs/etc... with your family than it is to stay
downtown.

For those of us who live downtown or in nearby neighborhoods, the last thing
I think of for dinner downtown is a chain.  On the other hand, my wife and I
regularly make dates to go to good, unique restaurants with or without our
kids (as appropriate to the type of restaurant).

I'm not in the business so I don't know the financials.  I also know that
those particular locations lack contemporary character.  However, many many
local restaurateurs have managed to turn less than desirable buildings
and/or locations into some very wonderful restaurants frequented by many.

Count me in on opening night for a local good restaurant taking its place -
and thereafter if it is any good.

Tom Madden
Lowry Hill


On 10/19/05 11:15 AM, "Michael Hohmann" <mhohmann at visi.com> wrote:

> The Business Journal reports that the Olive Garden on 6th & Hennepin has
> closed due to slow evening sales, after only two years in the location.
> Previous restaurant closings in the vicinity include TGIF's, Copeland's and
> Nick and Tony's Chophouse.  I miss Copeland's.
> 
> What's the solution for Hennepin Ave between 6th and 8th?  Live theater does
> well a couple blocks south, how about the movie theaters in Block E?  Are
> they making it; doing well, or just getting by?
> 
> Last time I was at a late movie in Block E theaters, I found the Hennepin
> Ave. street scene troublesome... not inducive to normal business activity or
> welcoming to out-of-town guests.  What are the crime statistics (trends)
> over the past five years in that location?  Do they correlate with lost
> restaurant business?
> 
> Mike Hohmann
> Linden Hills
> 
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