HOW TO SAVE HISTORIC FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS

Patrons can …

Think before you eat. Spend money at establishments

that are rich in history and

tradition, rather than franchises,

since it ensures the money will

not only stay within the

community, but also help keep a

unique (and delicious) part of

history alive.

Example: San Francisco HeritageHaving trouble finding historic restaurants in your area? Check with local

preservation groups. For example, last year, San Francisco Heritage

launched their ‘Legacy Bars and Restaurants’ program that includes over

130 of the city’s historic places to eat and drink. This type of program

aggregates historic dining establishments, helping connect them to new

consumers.

Talk to the owner.Don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with staff to see if the owner

is around to chat. A conversation could be a good opportunity to learn

how the business is faring and if it needs any help.

Support the establishment’s initiatives.Establishments not covered by rent-control laws might face prohibitive rent

hikes that make it difficult, if not impossible, to remain open. In these cases,

see if the managers have started a petition that customers can sign asking

the landlord for rent concessions or negations.

Example: Pino Prime Meat Market In 2013, the Pino Prime Meat Market in Downtown New York City faced a

rent increase so high that it would have forced the business to close. The

owners began a petition to stay in business and received over a thousand

signatures, which helped sway the landlord to let them renew their least for

the next five years.

Management can …

Support proactive legislation and encourage patrons to do the same.Laws aimed at protecting small businesses have been introduced in some

jurisdictions, but are often undermined by corporate interests. If such

legislation has been introduced in your community, write the sponsor a letter of

support and encourage patrons of your business to voice support as well.

Consider purchasing your building.If financially feasible, consider buying out your landlord. It can make

more financial sense to buy your space outright, and it ensures that a

landlord will not be able to take advantage of you again.

Ensure quality and efficiency.Maintaining the level of service

and quality that regular

customers expect from your

business is crucial to making sure

they return. Handling

maintenance issues in a timely

fashion will also help keep the

situation manageable.

Team up with other historic businesses.See if there are any historic or independent business associations in your area.

These networks bring together businesses that share an overarching vision for

their communities and an appreciation for history. They can also help equip

owners with tools to stimulate growth, visibility, and partnerships.

Use free city services.Some cities have specialized

programs to help small or historic

business owners. Services are

often low-cost or free, and can

help connect your business to a

skilled workforce as well as

identify incentive programs that

can save you money.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation works to save America’s

historic places. Preservation Tips & Tools helps others do the same

in their own communities.

For more information, visit blog.preservationnation.org.

Special thanks to the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation for the reference documents and Karen Loew for consultation.

Photo courtesy: [pgs. 1, 3 & 4] Wally Gobetz; Flickr; Yuichi Sakuraba, Flickr; Mack Male, Flickr; Thomas Hawk, Flickr; Shelly in Real Life, Flickr; Steel Wool, Flickr; San Francisco Public Library, Flickr.