Kim Mabry owns the Downtown Coffee Lounge with her husband Ron. She says she's seen an outpouring of support over the past few days for the mom-and-pop shop, but it's time to step aside. "We've had so many people come in and say they're going to miss us and they love coming here, love the atmosphere," Mabry said.
For more than two years, she's made the Lounge her top priority.
"It's been the most fun I've ever had. Who knew I would love this as much as I do?" Mabry said.
That's why it's hard for her to say goodbye today, partly to pursue other projects in Tyler, and also because of struggles small business owners face.
"You have to commit more time, more energy, always come up with new ideas," Mabry said.
Mabry says with the economy tightening up, it was a commitment she just didn't have the energy for anymore.
One of the challenges downtown businesses face, dealing with limited parking. "Americans, we're a little bit lazy. We want to park right in front, we want to walk no more than a few steps," David Wallace, a chef at Downtown Coffee Lounge, said.
He's worked in the downtown area for 25 years, and thinks the 1950's layout could use some updating. "This did serve the need back then, it no longer does," Wallace said.
Now there's the question of who will occupy the space."I wouldn't despair too long, I think that business has a future," Beverly Abell, with the Tyler Main Street Program, said.
She thinks a similar business will likely take its place. "A lot of people still want more food service downtown. A lot of people want to see gift shops," Abell said.
The number one request for downtown is residential space.
The City of Tyler recently unveiled final design plans for a parking garage downtown. It will be complete in about 9 months.
