Downturn eats away at restaurants

Annapolis eateries try new concepts to lure back reluctant customers

By ELISHA SAUERS Staff Writer

Published 11/23/08

The weakening economy has taken a bite out of the dining industry, with local restaurateurs saying they get a pit in their stomachs every time they take a look at the books.

Colleen Dugan — The Capital Café Normandie on Main Street is trying new marketing tactics. The restaurant will offer occasional cooking classes, wine-paired meals and T-shirts with the logo.

The cost of ingredients and freight has forced many to revise their menus and think up new ways to promote their eateries.

All across the country, the outlook became much grimmer in September, according to the National Restaurant Association, which marked a record low in its comprehensive index of restaurant activity.

Restaurant owners have continued to report sagging sales over the past 11 months, according to the association, with September...

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To Clarksville: - November 26, 2008

What?

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IM Freeman - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

Interested to know - November 25, 2008

Another local magazine didn't something similar to this in years past charging an arm and a leg for restaurants to participated. I am interested to know what is required from the restaurants to participate in this promotion.

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vicore w. - clarksville, MD - Karma: Bad

Their Own Fault - November 24, 2008

I know the economy is bad, however the downtown restaurants may need to blame something other than the economy. I live 2 miles from downtown, however I almost never go downtown? Why not? I just don't feel welcome down there. Over the past few years, I've grown tired of having to hunt for a parking spot and then having to pay just to spend money. It honestly feels like Annapolis cares more about the tourists than the locals. Yes, I go to local places all the time, however I avoid downtown. Park Place is another great example. I moved to Annapolis for the lifestyle. However, the local government just wants money money money. Locals are the ones who keep restaurants open in the winter and in bad times. Maybe they shouldn't have forgotten that.

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Matt Brown - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad