After the recent announcements that Night Owl Bakery has closed and that Stella’s Modern Pantry will close in the coming weeks, a couple of local readers shared their thoughts on the matter.
“The problem with these recent restaurant and bakery closings downtown is location. No one loves to eat out more than retirees, but retirees don’t want to drive 13 miles on State Road 200 to have breakfast or buy baked goods in the morning. There are approximately 17,000 people who live in On Top Of The World in southwest Ocala who would love to have a quality bakery or restaurant close by and would keep it busy.” – Corrine Strang, Ocala
“One of the reasons, that I believe, that stores in downtown Ocala are closing soon after opening, is lack of convenient parking for customers. It really isn’t a customer friendly environment for small business owners.” – Elizabeth Smith, Dunnellon
What are your thoughts on the topic? Share them in a comment below or, if you have more to say on the topic, write a letter to the editor.