Downtown Restaurant Costs Rise, Diner Habits Change
Key Takeaways from the Article:
This article paints a picture of a changing downtown Des Moines, particularly regarding its restaurant and business landscape. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
1. downtown Transition & Need for Mixed-Use Advancement:
* Downtown is shifting from a primarily daytime business district too a more residential one.
* There’s a recognized need for mixed-use development - not just apartments/condos, but a blend of residential, retail, and commercial spaces.
2.Restaurant Industry struggles:
* Restaurants are facing notable rising costs across the board: insurance, energy, food, labour, and even the ”cost of time.”
* This explains why restaurant prices have increased.
* Some restaurants are adapting by offering lower-alcohol or alcohol-free options as people drink less.
3.Business Adaptation is Crucial:
* Triumphant restaurant owners (like Jeff Bruning of Full Court Press) emphasize the importance of running restaurants as businesses frist, reacting to economic changes, supply chain issues, and community desires.
* Adaptability and growth are key to survival.
4. Downtown activity is Down:
* Paul Rottenberg (Orchestrate Hospitality) notes a decrease in downtown activity as pre-COVID times, evidenced by the closure of several restaurants he previously operated.
* He hopes positive developments south of Walnut Street will help offset this.
5. Long-Term Planning Needed:
* Rottenberg advocates for a 20-year plan to encourage street-level retail growth and address the ongoing transition. He acknowledges change won’t happen quickly.
In essence, the article highlights a downtown des Moines grappling with a new reality, where restaurants are struggling with costs, businesses need to be agile, and a long-term vision for mixed-use development is essential for future success.