Despite challenges, many working to raise profile of Downtown businesses

By Kirsten Stokes

The news that a Downtown coffee shop will be closing its doors at the end of this month spotlights the challenges facing small businesses, particularly in that area of town.

Toe Beans Coffee House, 114 S. Eighth St., cited a lack of traffic as the reason it will be shutting down later this month after two years in business, according to a social media post announcing the closure. Other coffee shops also have come and gone in that space over the years.

Another coffee shop owner notes that while maintaining any small business comes with challenges, the Downtown area has some unique considerations. Heather Mitchell operates two locations of Hazels Coffee & Roasting — one Downtown at 310 N. Third St. and the other across town in a higher-traffic area at 3829 Frederick Ave.

Business at the two locations has been quite different, with the situation at the Downtown shop becoming concerning enough that Mitchell said she posted an appeal in August on social media in hopes of driving more customers there.

“Our Hazel’s location Downtown was really struggling with foot traffic,” Mitchell said. “I just wanted the community of Downtown to know what our situation was … ‘Hey, we’re going to have to have some support or we’re gonna, you know, close this location.’”

Things have improved, avoiding a close call with closing that location, she said.

In response to a News-Press NOW post, several residents cited issues such as a lack of off-street parking and safety as reasons they don’t patronize Downtown businesses as much as those in other parts of town.

However, Amanda Paden who was shopping Downtown last week, said businesses there have much to offer if people would give them a chance.

“I know some people think that the parking’s kind of hard to come by, but it really isn’t,” she said. “Basically, when it comes to shopping it’s worth it.”

With a push to bring more sports and entertainment events to the Civic Arena and other Downtown venues recently, the hope is businesses in the area will reap the benefits. Christian Mengel, communications director with the St. Joseph Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, said foot traffic Downtown has increased because of tournaments that bring revenue and crowds.

“For example, they do see more visitors because with tournaments you have multiple days of games being played,” he said. “So if they’re from out of town, you’re forcing overnight stays, not only of the team and staff members but families of these teams.”

Others said they also see positive signs thanks to the efforts of Downtown businesses and organizations going the extra mile to raise awareness of what the area has to offer.

“The Den is always throwing something Downtown to kind of keep us all together. And the Downtown Association and Empower Nutrition as well,” said Dai’janise Wilbon of KD’s Beauty Bar, 501 Francis St. “It’s nice to see people throw events like that to keep Downtown relevant. That’s good.”