Business picks up with Main Street open

By LISA CHAPMAN / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Customers are already starting to line up to try Capalano’s variety of coffee and cappuccino on Main Street. (Lisa Chapman photo)

Main Street business sales seem to be on the rise since the street opened to traffic over a week ago.

“Before the street opened, customers were nonexistent,” said Thetis Keel, owner of D&G Antiques. “We started our business right before the street was closed. Since the street has been opened and Christmas is so close, sales are starting to rise.”

The recent surge of customers has Keel thinking positive.

“I think once the construction is finished and the street is opened completely,” said Keel, “business will improve a lot. Even now, I’ve had people from out of town and even out of state stopping by because they’ve heard about the area.”

Chole’s Art Gallery and Studio has enjoyed an increase in business since the street opened, but owner Linda Dunlap is really interested in when the splashpad will be installed and operational.

“I think that was a wonderful idea,” said Dunlap. “I hope it’s ready for summer next year. We offer activities for children so it will be a big boost to our business. When it’s opened, I think people will see it’s a good thing.”

Brad Kaplan, owner of Capalano’s Coffee Cafe Emporium, says business has been good but it will be even better when more businesses locate downtown.

“We are new to Main Street,” said Kaplan. “We just opened Dec. 1, so the street being closed didn’t effect us too much. We’ve had a lot of business from other businesses on Main Street. When we’re done, I think our cafe will be a wonderful place for people to come in, stay awhile, and enjoy.”