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Recent national surveys show that fewer and fewer Americans are eating out at restaurants. So, why is it that more new restaurants are starting to pop up? Nearly a dozen new places to eat are set to open in our region in the next few months. One of those will be Paradise Island on Memorial Avenue. It will open up in the next few weeks. The owner admits it's a scary time, but he says even during a recession folks have to eat. It's been a longtime dream of the Manning family to open an authentic Jamaican restaurant. Their dream comes true next month.
Tyson Manning, Paradise Island - "Everybody says the thing about the recession but we look at it as rebuilding and restoring for the community."
There is a high degree of financial risk that goes along with it.
Manning - "Anywhere from $65,000 to $80,000 if you want it done right."
Daryl Conner is also taking a chance. In the next ten days he'll open Papa Joe's Fishes and Loaves on Rivermont Avenue.
Daryl Conner, Papa Joe's Fishes & Loaves - "Well there's always a level of concern when you are making the kind of investment we're making, however we have studied the area real well and the level of competition in this area is very low and it is a high traffic area, we think we'll do okay."
And in Madison Heights, a group of investors are about to turn the old Skins Tavern into a Pizza, Wings and Things.
Danny Desai, Pizza, Wings & Things - "We are a little nervous but it should be okay, it should be okay."
It definitely takes confidence to go all in on a new restaurant, especially since the old saying is most new restaurants fail in the first year.
Manning - "Yeah, I've heard of that but here I walk by faith, not by sight or ear."
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