Lowertown business owners navigate new business environment [Video]

ST PAUL, Minn. — Lowertown businesses are trying new things to attract people to downtown St. Paul, as more restaurants close their doors.

“We’re constantly looking at new specials, different happy hours, adding happy hours just to continue to attract people,” said Jeff Kaster, who has owned The Bulldog for 15 years.

Annie Rose, the owner at Lost Fox, said they’re expanding their food options to meet the changing demands of the neighborhood.

“Some things that we’ve been doing as people are coming back to work more, we started a lunch program. We’ve had sandwiches since we opened, but now we have a full kitchen every day. We have a bartender every day,” she said.

Kaster said inflation, remote work and issues with the homeless have impacted business.

“Generally speaking, foot traffic is down. When the St. Paul Saints are playing it’s great,” Kaster said. “It’s the days when they’re …