Three new restaurants take their chances downtown

The Missourian just published an article about three restaurants taking on downtown Columbia.

Two of the three – The Rome and Bleu Restaurant – were already mentioned here on UpDownColumbia. The third restaurant featured in the article is Room 38, a restaurant and lounge that will open where Otto’s used to be at 38 N. Eighth St. Room 38’s website states it will be “Columbia’s hottest new gathering place.”

UpDownColumbia will make a post when specific details about Room 38’s opening become available.

The article in the Missourian also puts the local business economy in context, so if you’re interested is reading about why restaurants are opening and closing around Columbia, check it out.

Dog Days sidewalk sale draws mixed review

There are mixed feelings about the results of this summer’s Dog Days sidewalk sale.
The Special Business District doesn’t keep statistical results of the sale, but they do ask businesses some questions at the end of the sale to get an idea of the turnout.
“For the most part, we talked to folks and it was pretty good.” Carrie Gartner, director of the District, said. “It rained the first day, which is always tough.”
George Wren, owner of the Birkenstock store on Broadway, said that he saw less foot traffic than last year, and because of the economic recession, people are buying less.

Up/Down wants your input

Up/Down is a community tool for recognizing new, relocating and closing businesses in the Columbia area.

The Columbia Missourian will post information as we receive it about new business licenses and building contracts, and we encourage you to post any news, questions or rumors you hear so we can try to verify them. You can also e-mail us atnews@columbiamissourian.com.

The Missourian will investigate each message. We will post what we know, adding useful tips when we find them.