AN UPDATE ON MAPLEWOOD’S DOWNTOWN BUSINESS DISTRICT

At a time when there was anxiety in the Maplewood community about business closings, 40 South News published a piece on Aug. 20 that I wrote called “Is The Maplewood Business District’s Glass Half Empty Or Half Full?” in which I addressed the issues surrounding business vacancies in Downtown Maplewood’s commercial strip. Spoiler alert: My conclusion was that the glass is half full!

One objective of my previous article was to assure those who were most concerned that the sky was not falling and we were just experiencing what numerous communities go through around the world. As I previously wrote, I believe that when businesses close, the consternation exhibited by residents and patrons is well-intentioned and “is rooted in genuine concern for the well-being of the business owners and the neighborhood.” But, some people tend to overreact to a snapshot in time and don’t take the long view, failing to consider our history and positive factors that are in place.

I also stressed in my last piece how difficult the restaurant industry is (historically and, surely, more so now). The statistics tell the story. As my previous article stated, “A restaurant’s success rate is estimated at 20% by the National Restaurant Association. According to a study published by Ohio State University, ~60% of restaurants fail in their first year, and within five years, 80% of those remaining do not survive.” Think about all of our restaurants that have defied those odds!

Further proof of the volatility and constant change in the restaurant industry came from George Mahe, Dining Editor of St. Louis Magazine, in his “Dining Out” e-mail of Jan. 3, in which he reported that 2024 “ended with a rash of restaurant closures—45 in the last three months compared to eight in the same period last year” and “more than 40 new restaurants are already on track to open in 2025.”

Changes among businesses of all types are common everywhere, so much so that stltoday.com now regularly publishes an article on openings and closings of retail stores and service businesses, to go along with their longstanding, similar coverage of the restaurant scene.

Since it is a new year and just a little more than four months since my previous piece, this is a good time to publish an update on the downtown Maplewood business community and where we are today, which reflects a positive trend.

OPENINGS (since my 8/20/24 article)
Han Lao: 7219 Manchester (formerly vacant)
A grab-and-go market (from the owner of Robata, across the street) with Asian dishes, snacks, boba tea, desserts, produce and tableware.

151 STL Shop: 7282 Manchester (formerly Roughneck Beard Co.)
A St. Louis-themed apparel boutique that is dedicated to and inspired by the Gateway City.

Earthly Enigmas Natural Body Essentials & Oddities: 7312 Manchester (formerly Canvas Boutique)
All-natural products and unique items, from organic skin care to rare curiosities.

Goldie’s Hair + Wardrobe: 2712 Sutton (formerly M Marsh Design)
Described by the owner as “half hair salon, half boutique, whole style,” this women’s shop features unique clothing, handcrafted jewelry and gifts.

ReSet Vintage: 2718 Sutton (formerly Speakeasy)
This is their second Maplewood location (in addition to their popular shop on Bellevue) and features different vintage wear, setting it apart from their original spot.

COMING SOON (announced since my 8/20/24 article)
Robin Restaurant: 7268 Manchester (formerly The Benevolent King)
A talented chef signed a lease in November to find a home for his acclaimed pop-up and private dinner project that explored Midwestern cuisine. Look for an opening in early 2025.

Crow’s Nest expansion: 7328 Manchester (formerly Maven)
A longtime Maplewood favorite signed a lease in September and is adding a second bar area stocked with pinball machines, video games and snacks. Work is underway, so expect an opening in mid-2025.

Sando Shack: 7376 Manchester (formerly Boardwalk Waffles & Ice Cream)
This popular Japanese-inspired sandwich shop signed a lease in December to move from Morgan Ford to downtown Maplewood and is eyeing a spring opening.

Side Project Pizza: 2657 Lyle (formerly Pizza Champ)
Pizza Champ closed on Dec. 31 and it was concurrently announced that acclaimed Maplewood brewery, Side Project, will take over operations in early 2025.

CLOSINGS (since my 8/20/24 article)
Tapped: 7278 Manchester (closed on Nov. 10)
This is an attractive space that a viable operator should see as an ideal location. Based on interest from a couple experienced restaurateurs, it is possible that there could be something to report in the not-too-distant future.

Tale To Table: 7310 Manchester (closed on Dec. 31)
This is a desirable corner that should draw a new business.

Three vacant restaurants that were included in my last article remain available: Boogaloo (7344 Manchester), Burger Champ (2704 Sutton) and Looking Meadow Café (2500 Sutton). As with the Tapped spot, I am optimistic that these spaces will attract operators who want to be in Maplewood.

To those who get dismayed about business closings: Please understand that change is inevitable (for many reasons). There will be more closings and openings (here, there and everywhere). Be patient – securing new tenants takes time – and remain confident that property owners, the City of Maplewood and the Mid County Chamber of Commerce are working hard to bring quality businesses to our town. And you can contribute by doing what you can to keep filling our glass!