Shops Closing a Normal Part of Doing Business

This week we learned three of Kent's newer eateries that opened as part of downtown's redevelopment were forced to close their doors.

The Dog Squad and Arctic Squirrel, a gourmet hot dog shop and ice cream parlor, closed their doors one week ago today. Soup joint Funky Ladles also shut down.

They're certainly not the first.

And they won't be the last.

Do you remember Vintage Rehab? The store sold gently used clothing and was one of the first tenants in the first phase of the Acorn Alley redevelopment. The store closed in 2010 after being open slightly more than a year.

The silver lining there is that Off the Wagon expanded by taking over the former clothier space.

Did you ever peruse the fabrics at Katie Brooke Quilt Shop? The sewing and knitting shop, another early tenant of Acorn Alley, closed in 2011 after being open less than two years.

Remember the Main Street Snack Shoppe? That short-lived, student-run business closed in Acorn Alley after a brief stint selling candy and munchies.

Did you ever sit in Dancing Beta and enjoy their sushi? That restaurant closed after slightly more than a year in business in Acorn Alley.

The redevelopment area isn't the only place where businesses are being shuttered.

Practically a landmark, Spin-More Records shut down, after spinning albums for 30 years in the Kent Stage building, to make way for a business that could pay higher rent: Jimmy John's.

Professor's Pub gave way to Stone Tavern. The Backerei folded into Baked in the Village Café. Ramella's Pizzeria is at least the fourth incarnation of a pizza joint in the building on Erie Street.

Who remembers Thompson's Drug?

For almost every business that fails there is a success story.

Laziza remains a popular place for a dinner date. And the restaurant's owners plan to take over the Funky Ladles space and turn it into more of a café.

Popped! is selling so much popcorn that they've expanded into second-floor space in Acorn Alley.

Pita Pit remains a favorite for a quick lunch or dinner among students and townies alike. Finding a table at Tree City Coffee some days is more of a challenge than finding a Republican in Kent.

Did I mention Off the Wagon?

And even newer places, like Bar 145 and Yogurt Vi, appear to be drawing a lot of foot traffic.

Don't forget about the stalwarts — the places that have endured much longer and gave downtown Kent it's charm: McKay Bricker Gallery, City Bank Antiques, Sue Nelson Designs and Franklin Square Deli.

Are we going to see more businesses close? Perhaps. Is the sky falling? Not yet.

I won't be overly concerned about businesses, many of which have been start-ups, failing as part of downtown's redevelopment until after the parking garage opens, the Kent State hotel is bedding guests, the old Kent hotel opens and the new 32-unit apartment building across from Acorn Alley becomes a home to 32 families.

Until then, keep calm and support your local businesses.