Local establishments are an important part of any community. They make towns unique and inviting. The owners are always very welcoming and interested in their costumers. Greencastle has a handful of locally owned gems that I have come to love, and I am sad to hear that one of them is closing.
When I was a freshman, I thought Treasures On The Square was a thrift shop of some sort, but when I went to go check it out I found that it is actually a quaint little restaurant with great food and a friendly owner, Lynda Dunbar. Downtown Deli, formerly known as Treasures, has been apart of the Greencastle community for eight years and will unfortunately be closing on Dec. 21.
Downtown Deli is not the only locally-owned restaurant that has been struggling to stay afloat. Mama Nunz and Blue Door Cafe are two establishments that have been getting unsteady business, and I would hate to see them go.
Mama Nunz has been serving the people of Greencastle for over 50 years and has been struggling from a low flow of costumers. Nunzio, the owner, is a funny guy and enjoys conversing with his costumers. He is a huge fan of DePauw and loves attending as many sporting events as he can. Mama Nunz is a great little spot for a date night.
The Blue Door Cafe has been rumored to possibly call it quits due to a shortage on customers as well. The Blue Door has delicious sandwiches, soups and desserts. Whenever my family comes to visit it is always the first place my mother suggests to eat at. With its free Wi-Fi it is great study location and has an awesome set up for group meetings.
I don't know how these places could be failing when they are located in a college town. I realize that many of us find it easier to just go to the Hub or Den to eat, but don't you get tired of that food?
Greencastle is not home to many dining establishments, and that is why it is vital to support the ones that we do have.
We've been putting so much work into making the Square more attractive and increasing foot traffic - seeing a gem like Downtown Deli go is upsetting.
Broaden your horizons. Wander around Greencastle, get to know your community and enjoy good food. We need to help our local businesses.
Otherwise we are going to be stuck eating at fast food places and the Hub, no offense to dining services. Maybe if we go to the establishments we do have, more will be built and our town of Greencastle will become slightly more exhilarating.
Nobody wants to live in a town with only empty buildings.
- Konicek is a sophomore from Geneva, Ill., majoring in education and sociology.