Some owners can’t cover costs

BOISE -- It’s Friday night -- a night for dating and dining, but the economy seems to be taking a bite out of that as well.

As a result, some of Boise’s top restaurants are closing their doors.

They were some of the Boise’s most prominent and recognizable restaurants -- despite some relatively deep roots; they couldn't weather this economic storm.

"It's not a trend I want to be setting," said Andrea Maricich.

The Milky Way was the first to close three months ago, followed by Mortimer’s and now Andrae's will closed its doors next week -- all fine dining establishments.

Andrea Maricich owned the Milky Way.

Despite years of popularity, she says business dropped more than 25 percent in the months leading to its closure.

"The restaurant was just struggling. I mean, we weren't even covering costs for months.  We just struggled," said Maricich. “Milky Way was open for seven years and we did fine for seven years and the economy just, circumstances that are happening now did not allow us to continue."

Maricich says several other Downtown restaurants are hanging on for dear life -- many unsure how much longer they can last.

Some are already making compromises.  Gino's is leaving his main Italian restaurant on 8th Street, but he's moving his grill to Meridian.

Tablerock Brewing Company filed for bankruptcy last week -- raising concerns about the brewpub and grill, but owners say the restaurant will stay open.

Despite this apparent sign of the times, the Downtown Boise Association remains optimistic -- pointing to the addition of seven new restaurants to the Downtown area in the past year and a half.

Local restaurant owners are quick to note that many of those new restaurants are national chains -- not locally owned.

Kâren Sander, executive director of the Downtown Boise Association, says it's up to consumers to keep downtown vital and keep businesses open.

"I think there's definitely concern with the economy, but we definitely need to put our money where our mouth is and come support these restaurants that have certainly added a lot to our Downtown and our whole valley," said Sander.

You think about gas and grocery prices impacting your budget, but the Milky Way owner pointed out it's the same situation for restaurants.

Their grocery bill is going up and many are unable or unwilling to pass those costs onto the consumer.