Economic woes stifle smoke and sizzle at the Beach

By DAVID THEUS

Whether you are a believer that the sky is really falling or not, the economic downturn has already started to show effects. They are always the first to go when times start to get tight in the 

A Ponte Vedra highlight ends this week with the closing of Aromas Cigar Bar.

wallet - the so-called non-essentials. When things start to get tough financially, those making the buying decisions start to change their buying habits.

Owners of establishments like Aromas, purveyors of fine cigars and wine and MacKenzies Steak House and Piano Bar in Ponte Vedra Beach have given their customers formal notice of their closings, and in fact Aromas closed this past week. The good news for fans is that Aromas second location on Southside Boulevard is still open.

Both owners admitted that their regulars were still making the trip in, but not as often and when they stopped, they were spending less than they

This Beaches mainstay is going to close soon too say owners.

might have in times past. Combined with fewer and fewer new customers and the decline in your  regular customer base you rely on to pay the bills, the writing on the wall becomes crystal clear. It’s just a matter of common business sense, say owners.