New businesses are coming to Midtown Crossing in the coming months. Modern Love, a vegan, comfort food restaurant and Culprit Cafe and Bakery will take over for a couple vacant buildings.
"We haven't even opened yet, everybody's been so welcoming," said Culprit Cafe's owner, Luke Mabie.
The recent turnover of a few business in the area doesn't deter him, "When I look at who our neighbors are, there's no hesitation in coming here and knowing that we will thrive."
Turnover in Midtown Crossing isn't new, almost a year ago, Ray's Original Buffalo Wings replaced Saint's Pub and Grill. Owner Ray Bullock said the area is going through a transition process by adding locally-owned shops, "When we moved in one of the things they talked to us about was a different strategy they were taking and I think you are seeing that play out, when they initially built down here everything was all corporate".
With Midtown Crossing's focus on locally-owned shops, Bullock believes the businesses will stay a little bit longer, "They pay closer attention to what's going on down here."
Midtown Crossing isn't the only area in the urban core facing some vacancies, North Downtown has a couple next to TD Ameritrade Park. The owner of The Slowdown Kulbul said foot traffic there can be seasonal and the businesses that move in that area should either focus on nightlife or be a destination spot.
