Aug 31, 2009 11:12 pm US/Eastern
More Popular Baltimore Restaurants Are Closing
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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More popular Baltimore restaurants are closing, due in part to the struggling economy.
CBS
The recession takes a bite out of Baltimore restaurants. Days after The Brass Elephant closed, more area restaurants are throwing in the dishtowel.
Weijia Jiang explains why it's so hard to survive.
Despite an ideal location in the heart of Baltimore, the once thriving Babalu Grill and Blue Sea Grill are shutting down. The two upscale eateries are the latest on a growing list of local restaurants to lose the battle against the recession, leaving current survivors wondering who's next.
Among others to close are Jordan's Steakhouse in Howard County, Vin in Towson, and in Baltimore The Brass Elephant, Ixia, Lucy's Pub, Pisces and The Bicycle.
"If you get laid off from your job, the last place you're going to eat is a fine dining restaurant," said Marcus Olson from The Brass Elephant.
In fact, city sales from the first half of 2009, compared to the same time in 2008, dropped 1.6%.
"We just don't have it. I mean, everything went up so we don't have as much to eat out," said Kathleen Taylor.
Meanwhile, fast food chains like McDonald's are thriving nationwide. Within a 50 mile radius of Baltimore, there are 300 locations, giving fine dining establishments plenty of competition.
"They have a dollar menu, you know what I mean? People are trying to save their bucks. You could get five or six things for six dollars," said Douglas Smith.
But many new restaurants are opening in hopes of weathering the economy.
"People know Maryland is going to come back, and they want to be part of that," said Paul Hartgen, Maryland Restaurant Association.
Restaurant officials say they need to be more vigilant about everything they do, including expenses and trying to bring in business.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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