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Saying goodbye to a Cape Girardeau institution and a big announcement on my partFriday, October 3, 2008
Some surprising news came across my desk Thursday afternoon when I learned Grace Cafe is closing Oct. 15 because the coffee shop at 818 Broadway wasn't doing well financially. I know some of you - including myself - have stopped there for a cup of cofee and conversation or one of their sandwiches at lunchtime. Sadly, this is the latest victim to the tough economic times in Cape Girardeau. If you've driven by Sofas and More at 1739 N. Kingshighway lately you may have noticed several employees holding signs outside the store announcing its going out of business sale. An employee at the furniture store told me owner Kevin Jones is very upset that the business is folding after more than 25 years at the location. I realize that Cape Girardeau County's second quarter unemployment statistics stand at 4.4 percent, the second lowest among 24 Southeast Missouri counties in a study conducted by the Center of Economic and Business Research at Southeast Missouri State University. You read every Monday in my column of new businesses starting in Southeast Missouri. But it's never a good thing when local businesses close their doors, as they are the heartbeat of America.
Now for some good news While the previous item featured news about businesses closing, I thought it fitting to include some good news about new life being breathed into the area in about eight months. I learned Monday that my wife is expecting a child, due May 28. Before I learned I would be a father, I frankly didn't care much about diapers, SE Parent magazine or the latest toys available for kids. With this news I've developed a sudden interest in such issues. I'm open to any advice from you because I'll definitely need it. Now, if only my Huskers could upset Mizzou Saturday night my week would be complete. Go Big Red!
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Brian Blackwell is the newest reporter at the Southeast Missourian, focusing on business. A May 2008 graduate of the University of Nebraska, Brian is an avid Cornhusker fan. When he is not covering the business community for the newspaper, Brian enjoys spending time with his wife and church family, cheering on the Cubs and Cornhuskers, wishing for snow and hiking on the numerous area trails.
Happy birthday wishes to the King and sad news for Super Mario Brothers (January 8, 2009) Cape Communications to relocate in early spring (January 7, 2009) Budget Auto Repair relocates to former Precision Transmission building (January 6, 2009) Business in 2008: Newcomers, expansions balanced cutbacks (January 5, 2009) New Mexican restaurant opens across the river (January 2, 2009) Can Detroit catch a break in 09? (December 30, 2008) What business story was tops in 2008? (December 29, 2008) Greetings from Birmingham (December 26, 2008) Merry Christmas! (December 25, 2008) Former Jackson Diner undergoing a facelift (December 24, 2008) Joplin moves chiropractic office (December 23, 2008) CRH Transportation acquires most of Elfrink's business (December 23, 2008) El Durango moving locations (December 23, 2008) AAA thinks you may be home for Christmas (December 22, 2008) DeWitt to appear at baseball and softball instructional facility grand opening (December 19, 2008) Gas prices rising in area (December 18, 2008) Something's brewing at Elfrink (December 17, 2008) Candlewood Suites coming to Cape (December 17, 2008) Saturn of Cape Girardeau closing (December 16, 2008) Be careful out there today (December 16, 2008) What will become of Howard's? Speculation abounds (December 15, 2008) Another tattoo parlor set to open Monday (December 13, 2008) Karate school relocates (December 12, 2008) Ribbon cutting tonight (December 11, 2008) Ribbon cutting at Bahama Tan; NFL cuts staff by 10 percent (December 10, 2008) Saint Francis announces partnership with Cape Girardeau Physician Associates (December 9, 2008) Keeping an eye on the weather today (December 9, 2008) Peanuts' Linus had it right (December 8, 2008) Comfort Keepers of Southeast Missouri moves to new location (December 5, 2008) West Park Mall says its gift card option a safe and secure Christmas present (December 4, 2008) Fab u lous business opening in downtown Cape Girardeau (December 3, 2008) Linus had it right (December 2, 2008) Will it snow, will it snow, will it snow? (November 30, 2008) Cape Girardeau Branding Iron closes (November 29, 2008) Happy Black Friday (November 28, 2008) Wieser acquires Suzuki franchise from Minor's Harley Davidson (November 27, 2008) The Economic Earthquake (November 26, 2008) Are you planning to shop on-line this holiday season? Or are you planning on getting bargains or getting up early on Black Friday? (November 24, 2008) The business buzz: High hopes for Thanksgiving weekend (November 24, 2008) New nail salon set to open next month (November 22, 2008) What do you think of the auto bailout? (November 21, 2008) Is the economy keeping you closer to home this Thanksgiving? Are you planning on doing anything to cut back on the holiday? If so, I want to hear from you today (November 21, 2008) New hospice option offered in Southeast Missouri and my first trip to Marble Hill (November 20, 2008) Austin's of Alto Pass, Ill., closing after 23 years in business (November 19, 2008) Latest mall news (November 18, 2008) Chambers adding members thanks to October drive (November 17, 2008) The start to my Friday morning - running over a deer (November 14, 2008) Guess who's moving into the old Fred's building in Jackson (November 13, 2008) Bott Radio Network expands into four Southeast Missouri cities (November 13, 2008) Renovations, expansion underway at Fireplace Center/River City Masonry (November 12, 2008) advertisement
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Congrats on the new addition to your family! :) :) Take everything you read about parenting with a grain of salt. Even if you're like me and didn't really relate to kids until your own come along, you'll get the parenting intuition and know what's best for your kids. :) :)
I am trying to post a comment to warn midwestern and western colleges about what the elitist eastern colleges are saying about us. They say that all mid west and western university college students will vote obama because they are so into following the east coast colleges. They are bragging about how they, the eastern colleges, are the highest IQs and how they will lead all students in voting for obama. They say all midwest and western colleges are sheep. They say that all will vote for obama because midwest and west colleges are stupid
BigSlice,
I wasn't at the game where the infamous catch won the Huskers the game in OT. Nebraska will be able to compete with Mizzou one day but it'll take a few years.
Just_Me,
Who are you trying to Kid. Barry at Cup n Cork has a terrible attitude. Coffee's good, but atmospere sucks.
Thats....Just me and my stupid opinion though. Get it? *wink*
Thats a big order asking Nebraska to beat MU. Hey were you at that game where the Nebraska guy kicked the ball to a teammate to beat MU in OT? You know, the "infamous" game.
It's the curse of Chelsea Clinton.
Thanks for all the congrats and advice about babies. While Wrigley seems like a great name, we already have names picked out for two girls and two boys if we ever make it that far. With the economy, it may be a while to reach four kids. For those of you wondering, it's Lincoln Joseph (after our favorite town in Lincoln, Nebraska, and my middle name) and Elijah Peyton (after two of our favorite quarterbacks). The girl names are Isabella Grace and can't remember the other name. But I have eight months to remember.
Mr Blackwell-
Congratulations!
One piece of advice- have your baby at St Francis!
Wreckless-
I'm a fan of real coffee. That's why I'm a fan of Broadway Book and Roasting Company. Not only are the beans fresh ground there too, they're the only coffee house in Cape Girardeau that roasts their own beans. I suggest you give them a try. I don't doubt Cup n' Cork is good sometimes, but everytime I've been there the coffee has been stale and overly bitter. I've also not had good luck with getting a panini in under 45 minutes. No hard feelings here, just an opinion.
Congratulations to both you and your wife Mr. Blackwell.
@R.D.
If you've never had a good cup of coffee at Cup'N'Cork, than you don't know coffee. It's hard to knock coffee when they grind the beans and brew your cup to order.
Best cup in town, IMHO.
Grace Cafe, however, will be missed.
I wouldn't say it was an "institution" -- it's not like when WIMPY'S closed.
But, I'll agree that it is a matter of opinion.
Congrats on the baby news.
cubbytodd,
I guess one's definition of an institution is in the eye of the beholder. I know of many people who enjoyed spending time at Grace Cafe for many years and will hate to see it go, hence the reason I called it an institution. It's been a place that always had the light on as I was driving into downtown on my way to work at 5:50 in the morning. I realize some of you aren't big fans of Grace Cafe and that's fine; there are other coffee houses in this town to visit. But I believe when a local niche place like this closes it closes another chapter on unique establishments in town.
Congrats on the Cub-ito. Life is never boring with kids around--enjoy every moment.
Sorry to hear the news about Grace. I suggest you go to Broadway Book and Roasting Company. I think their coffee is MUCH, MUCH better than Grace; and I've never had a good cup of coffee and Cup and Cork. Here's wishing those business luck in keeping their doors open.
Good luck on the new addition to the family, Brian.
Which of these two is a "Cape Girardeau institution?" I don't drink coffee (although Burger King has an awesome BK Mocha Joe and Dairy Queen makes a great Mocha Moolatte) and I haven't bought a new sofa in years.
Congrats on the newest addition to your family. I'm sure there will be plenty of time to give advice on all of our parenting techniques and tricks, but for now just enjoy the early stages of pregnancy. It's going to get real fun real quick!!!!!
If it's a boy, I think you should name it Wrigley.
Speaking of Wrigley, you're not abandoning our Cubs yet are you? We need all the help we can get now that we gotta go to LA and try to win 2 on the road. Hey, here's a riddle for ya...............What do the Cornhuskers and Cubs have in common? They both have no chance to win on Saturday!!!!! As a matter of fact, I see the fat lady stepping up the microphone......
(I can't believe I am bashing on my Cubbies. But then again they've played like crap the last 2 games and they deserve it.)
For whatever it's worth..........
GO CUBBIES!!!!!!!!! GO CORNHUSKERS!!!!!!!!!
OH MY GA!!!!!! I definitely hate this I love their sandwiches and soups. The Crouque Monsiuer on foccacia is the absolute bomb!!!!! And their Chocolate Chip Scone is simply amazing!!!! My sister practically lived there before her new job!!!!! I wish I had the money to take over I definitely would!!!!!!! I would even keep the employees as they are all so nice. Any one that can help them stay open please help!!!!!! :)
Sorry to hear that. I have never been there, but I always hate to see businesses close their doors. They did a great job fixing up their building and helping improve the looks of Broadway. (Hint, hint other property owners)
If you need coffee downtown, go a few blocks south & east to Cup N Cork. Kim & Barry will treat you well and make you a mean cup o joe.