I know nothing about Cafe Mela’s financial situation, but I would guess they are doing okay because they are the sole coffee shop downtown (or at least the sole shop I am aware of).

And I’m in your boat about the need for a music store. I’m a massive music nerd and I think a record store or a music shop that sold instruments, music and offered up occasional live performances would be very well received by consumers both young and old in Wenatcheee.

And Joanne, thank you for the compliment.

I never figured out exactly what The Raven was. A restaurant? An upscale bar? Maybe the folks just misjudged the market. The folks at Cafe Mela seem to be doing OK in their downtown location, and McGlinn’s (gawd, I miss The Orondo sometimes….) hasn’t kicked the bucket.

As to the shape of Downtown Wenatchee, it’s hard to judge, not knowing sales figures of the merchants. I know there are some open storefronts, but in general it looks to be in good shape. It’s got a good mix of the type of shops you’d want in a downtown, that is stores that do not rely on heavy foot traffic but carry the type or quality of item that people will seek out. Mills Bros, Palmer Shoes, Read it Again Books and Arlberg Sports come to mind right off.

Granted, I do with the landlords of the old P.N. Hersh/Sofa World location had been more agressive and rented it to something other than a bingo parlor, but it takes creative Grand Central Building type thinking to rent out large spaces like that, or the old Sears building. In general, I give downtown a B+. I wish there was a good music store down there, but that’s just me. Given the economic condition of the times, downtown’s doing a pretty good job…..

Great line, Travis. I love it!

Interesting blog, also. I know L’worth is having a few closures of its own, and we have been wondering about Wenatchee.