Hopeful Signs Springing Up in Downtown St. Charles

Sometimes it seems as if the bad news as it relates to the economy never stops, but there are some stirrings in town that offer a ray of optimism after years of struggle since the start of the Great Recession in 2007-08.

Businesses close even in the best of times, but a shaky economy that is slow to recover often spells an end for businesses that otherwise might survive for years on marginal profits. And when economic conditions are not good, each new closing tends to fuel fears about “who will be next?”

Adding to the tension is the East Main Street/Route 64 reconstruction, which is approaching the three-year mark and completion by summer’s end. The project has taken a prolonged toll on East Side businesses — enough so that Mayor Raymond Rogina frequently closes City Council meetings with a plea to residents to “shop local, “and to particularly favor our friends on the East Side during the (East Main Street/Route 64) construction.”

But there are signs of new life, as well as proof that, in an era of big-box stores and corporate franchises, even the “mom-and-pop” can survive and even thrive.

Doreen Brandolino is hosting a 25-year anniversary celebration from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 27, 2013, for her What-Not-Shoppe, 106E. Main St., which specializes in high-quality European museum-quality antiques, estate and vintage jewelry.

Another local businesswoman, Karla Reiss-Sitko, recently sold a successful business she started about six years ago — so she could open a modeling agency in the downtown area.

Reiss-Sitko is confident Claudia’s Closet, 217 W. Main St., a luxury a luxury consignment boutique, will have the opportunity to continue to thrive and grow under its new ownership. But to talk with her is to catch the excitement she feels about her new venture, Shooting Star Studios Modeling+Talent Agency.

Others are interested in making a name for themselves in the downtown, as well.

First Street Plaza’s 51 S. 1st St. has seen two businesses come and go. Perhaps the third time will be the charm.

Formerly the site of Prasino on First Street and its successor, Wild Monk Gastropub, which closed unexpectedly this spring, chef Joe Chapa and restaurateur Tony Alfonso have signs up in the window announcing their new Puebla Modern Mexican, whose website is counting down the days, hours, minutes and seconds until their planned opening in September.

They plan to offer the cuisine of Puebla, Mexico, in a modern setting.

Just across the river, immediately east of the BMO Harris Bank, 1 E. Main St., bright and bold red “COMING SOON!” signs announcing the pending arrival of a print shop — Button Man Printing. No opening date has been announced for the location, for which the company’s Facebook page list an address of 7 E. Main St.

Related:

• June 20, 2013: Reiss-Sitko Aims High With New Downtown St. Charles Business

• June 19, 2013: What-Not-Shoppe Marks 25 Years in St. Charles