In the heart of Des Moines, Iowa, a trio of determined restaurant owners are fighting to keep their businesses alive amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nestled within the Merle Hay Mall food court, these culinary entrepreneurs are clinging to hope, banking on the return of customer support to sustain their livelihoods.

Defying the Odds: Merle Hay Mall's Resilient Restaurateurs Forge Ahead

Maid-Rite: Weathering the Storm with Unwavering Determination

Maid-Rite, a longstanding fixture in the Merle Hay Mall food court, has weathered the storm of the pandemic with unwavering determination. Owner Brian Ickowitz has faced his fair share of obstacles, including the closure of another Maid-Rite location at Valley West Mall, where sales plummeted by a staggering 50-60% during the early stages of the crisis. However, at the Merle Hay Mall, Ickowitz is managing to stay afloat, making more than just breaking even.Ickowitz's resilience is palpable as he emphasizes the need for community support, stating, "We have got to have the people come out. Everybody has to do their part." His commitment to his business, which serves as his livelihood, is a testament to the unwavering spirit of these Merle Hay Mall restaurateurs.

Vietnam Cafe: Battling Rent Woes and Seeking a Lifeline

Brenda Tran, the owner of Vietnam Cafe, has also faced her fair share of challenges. Tran has found some success with a Friday buffet that brings in more customers compared to other days of the week. However, her profits only cover the cost of the food, leaving little room for profit.Tran's situation is further complicated by the condition of the mall itself. Despite signing a new five-year lease, she is unsure of her ability to make it, stating, "At the condition of the mall, and I'm staying here for the next five years, I don't think I can make it." Tran works tirelessly, logging over 12 hours a day at the Vietnam Cafe and also owning a boutique within the mall. Her struggle to stay afloat is a stark reminder of the financial pressures these restaurateurs face.

Tamale's Industry: Clinging to Survival and Seeking a Lifeline

Tamale's Industry, another food court tenant, is also working tirelessly to make ends meet. Owner German Tejada acknowledges that they are "at least paying the bills" and "kind of saying we break even," but they are not making a "real, real profit."Like Tran, Tejada had been banking on the potential move of the Des Moines Buccaneers hockey team to the old Younkers store, hoping it would bring a surge in sales and foot traffic. However, that deal ultimately fell through, leaving Tejada and his fellow restaurateurs to grapple with the ongoing challenges of the pandemic and the changing landscape of the Merle Hay Mall.

Accessibility and Advertising: Hurdles to Overcome

The restaurant owners have identified two key factors contributing to the decline in customer traffic: accessibility and lack of advertising. Tran and Tejada both noted that the accessibility to the mall and the limited promotion of the food court have led to a decrease in customers.These challenges, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding the mall's future, have created a precarious situation for the Merle Hay Mall's culinary survivors. As they continue to navigate these turbulent times, their resilience and determination serve as a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives within the walls of this Des Moines institution.