Slow summer forcing big name businesses to close

COLLIER COUNTY: A lack of business has forced five restaurants to shut down this summer in Naples. Some call it a growing trend as the number of customers goes down and competition increases. Many business owners say this off season has been more "off" than normal.

"This summer the locals are not buying," said Alicia McDowell, who works for The Bed Spread Place.

Working for a small business, McDowell worries what will happen to her job and her life if the economy doesn't pick up.

"I have never struggled like I'm struggling right now. If I lose my house I have nothing to look forward to. My taxes are going up and my value is going down," said McDowell.

It's the same story at the restaurant next door. Suzanne Nguyen runs Miss Saigon and says she is struggling to make her American dream come true.

"People can't afford to spend on luxuries like going out to eat," said Nguyen.

Both businesses are reducing hours this summer to make up for lost business.

"The rent goes up the insurance goes up, but we can't raise the price because retail is very tough," said Nguyen.

Some businesses are closing their doors for good.

After 10 years in a prime location on U.S. 41, Margeaux's Restaurant just closed.

Nektar, Guya, The Melting Pot and the Silver Spoon Café have also each locked their doors for the last time.

"The pie is being divided into smaller and smaller pieces and everyone is feeling it," said Lisa Boet, who owns the Bamboo Café.

Boet and other restaurant owners have formed a new association to try to reverse this growing trend. It's called Naples Originals. The group is made up of independent business owners that all joined forces to support each other.

"We're making a positive impact. Every time someone goes out to eat or purchase something from any type of business they are making a choice to support us - to support a local - or corporate entity," said Boet.

She says 98 percent of businesses in Collier County are independently owned. Boet believes when one of those businesses closes the impact is felt community wide.

There is also more competition. Coastland Center Mall recently opened three big new restaurants that compete with those in downtown Naples. Coconut Point also continues to open new places to eat, which is keeping people in South Lee County form making the trip down to Naples.