I thought restaurants were leaving because of the demographic changes in my town. Now I’m wondering if the dynamics you’re mentioning were at play also.
What changed? Even the rich aren't eating OUT much anymore. They're eating home-cooked or tasty delivered meals in the comfort of their homes....why go out after dark, in the cold, perhaps unsafe streets. Business falls off...and the restaurants close their doors.
TAPROOT (acronym for "Traditions and Principles Republicans Often Overlook Today")....a long-time, influential conservative organization in affluent GOP DuPage County, Illinos (of which I was a founder many, many decades ago) just recently folded. Why? Folks don't want to attend night organization/club meetings anymore.
Sad, but true....this is what's happening.
Amazon has a custom made modus operandi for its products - with fast home delivery right to the door...and today's purchasers never have to leave home to purchase almost anything!
Retail stores and shops are finding it harder and harder to compete with the giant Amazon company....and things are just going to get worse.
Leni