The word on Main St.

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Published: October 1, 2008

Small business owners whose companies are on or near Oklahoma Main Streets offered their opinions about how the current financial turmoil is affecting them and their customers. Here's what they told us.

Owner: Randy Dollarhide

Company: Noble Auto and Truck Service, 204 S Main St., Noble, a general automotive service that has been in business almost 25 years

Comment: "I think they're wronging us as taxpayers. $700 billion is a Band-Aid on a wound that should be taken to the hospital. If it doesn't pass, I think it's going to affect us all, from the dishwasher down at the cafe to the executives, up to the governor. I think we're all going to suffer, but I don't think they should pass the bill. I think it's wrong. Do you think if I was going bankrupt the government would come down here and say, ‘Randy, here's another $100,000.'? I don't think so.”

Manager: Bonnie Amspacher, 24, daughter of owner Mark Amspacher

Company: The Diner, a breakfast and lunch diner at 213 E Main St., Norman. Amspacher said the restaurant has been around for about 100 years; it's been in her family for 15 years.

Comment: Yesterday was one of the slowest days we've had, but today it's back to normal. Personally, I'm glad they didn't pass it; I was against it. Among the customers, they're on both sides of the opinion. ... (Business has) been pretty steady, still I think it's slowed down a little bit. People are worried about their retirement funds and they order more waters instead of coffee. But all in all, I think things are still pretty good.

Owner: Becky Crow, 56

Company: Broadway Antiques and Market, 114 S Broadway, Edmond.

Comment: "Obviously it's going to have an effect on all of us and everyone. I think in this particular business it might not hurt us that much because it's cheaper than going to the furniture mart or places like that.

"I think we'll keep our clientele. I don't think they're willing to give us up for a little downturn.”

Owner: Mary Edwards, 50

Company: Cinnamon Bears, 102 S Broadway, Edmond, a childrens' and infants' store.

Comment: "My business is sort of unique because it's babies and babies are born all the time. The economy doesn't stop that from happening.”

Owner: Bryanne Wallace, 65

Company: Fashion Boutique, 104 S Broadway, Edmond, a ladies clothing and accessories store.

Comment: "I think right now it is not affecting (us). We've been busy today. We've been busy all week, all month as a matter of fact. And it's probably one of the best Septembers we've ever had. So I feel like in Oklahoma it may not be as damaging as in some places that I'm sure had more problems.

But I know I can't predict the future, and it could be, if it hangs on for a long time, that this could have some impact on our business, but hopefully not.”

Owners: Christine Dowd, 41, and Maggie Howell, 36.

Company: Trattoria Il Centro, 500 W Main, Oklahoma City, an Italian restaurant, bar and catering business. The restaurant celebrates its third anniversary today.

Comments: (Howell) "I don't think at this point we've felt it. But we have concerns we will. We're in the hospitality industry and it's a luxury for people to go out to eat, hire caterers or throw parties. That's our business. It's the first thing people tend to cut out of their lives. Overall, if business does fall and we need help getting through with a line of credit, it might not be available. Lines of credit are hard to get anyway for restaurants. Knock on wood, we don't need it now.”

Owner: Hal Priddy, 68

Company: Taylor's Newsstand, 133 W Main, Oklahoma City. The store, started in 1913, sells newspapers from around the world, magazines, collectables, tourist gifts and refreshments.

Comments: "It hasn't affected me yet. I really don't think it's going to have an impact on me. It may down the road, but I really don't understand what's going on. My people, I'd say over half are homeowners, and they're pretty conservative. ... Maybe it's a blessing that Mrs. Pelosi shot her mouth off. I think they're working on more options they didn't consider before all this. Somebody needs to do something. We've had a do-nothing Congress. They've had opportunities, and you can't tell me somebody didn't see this coming.”

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