It’s nice to think of the potentially positive effects when
ownership changes hands of local restaurants. But the fact that
five of them in downtown Hollister have either switched owners or
are up for sale signals the hard economic times in which we live
locally.
Five restaurants changing hands
It’s nice to think of the potentially positive effects when ownership changes hands of local restaurants. But the fact that five of them in downtown Hollister have either switched owners or are up for sale signals the hard economic times in which we live locally.
There can be vast improvements at restaurants with new owners – that can, and have done so, lead to a greater revenue base – such as a different outlook on customer service, menu changes and environment modifications.
The restaurants that have changed ownership in recent months include Paine’s, Maverick and Main Street Bistro. And the downtown establishments that are now up for sale include The Vault and Las Palmas.
We hope the best for all new owners of the downtown restaurants. Their success can and should equate to greater benefits for neighboring businesses, residents and the economy as a whole.
Economy points to big challenges
As we’ve learned from the recent ownership changes, however, the cards are currently stacked against them. Local residents have fewer discretionary dollars to spend and many of the people here who can, indeed, get out and enjoy a dining experience – they often take the easy drive on Highway 25 to Gilroy, where they can get an array of shopping done while they’re surrounded by a multitude of retail choices.
It’s hard to overestimate the massive impact that the growth of 10th Street in Gilroy has had on San Benito County’s economy.
Owners can succeed in tough market
Still, while Hollister faces the difficult multitude of competition and challenges – such as a local real estate market that appears to be crippling the city’s economy on many levels – the solution lies close to the surface. And that’s for restaurant owners to continue striving for utmost creativity in their business approaches and utmost customer service when their face to face with their regulars and other potential customers.
It also means the community and our local governments must continue thinking of ways to support the local businesses and gain new ones.
This trend we’ve seen over the past few months is troubling, but it can be an opportunity. It just depends on how seriously we treat the problem.
