ST. GEORGE, Utah (KUTV) — As St. George continues to experience massive commercial growth off its south side, historic businesses in downtown are looking for ways to stay afloat.
Exit 2 of I-15 is the key area of growth, with recent national chains opening, including In-N-Out, Cafe Rio, Chipotle, and Great Clips. There are also several hotels, entertainment options, grocery stores, a spa, and a Chase Bank on the way.
Businesses like Dixie Bowl and Billiards, which has been open since the 1950s, are finding ways to stay unique during a time of competition.
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“Growth is in more of the arcade kind of style, and we’re more of the pure bowling experience,” said Dixie Bowl and Billiards owner Joel Redfearn. “I do think there is value in the chains, but there’s nothing like going into a family-owned operating business that has been around for generations. You just don’t get that feeling of connectivity like when you come to something like this. We’re passionate about it.”
Joel Redfearn said he first took ownership of the business in May when the long-running bowling alley was up for sale.
“My grandmother brought me here in the early 80s and got me started in youth bowling. When I found out that the place was up for sale, I was like ‘I can’t let it go away or go to somebody that’s not going to try to keep its roots,’” he said. “Now we’re trying to kind of restore it to its former glory, you know, the kind of the 50s retro vibe, you know, get the checkered floors and the and the pinks and the tills.”
For him, the investment was a success. Now bowling leagues fill the lanes even midday during the week. But other businesses downtown haven’t been as lucky, with another bowling favorite, Sunset Bowl, closing shop as newer electronic alternatives pop up.
“There’s definitely a loss with the growth and expansion of homes and people. We have lost different kinds of fun spots where we used to go hang out as kids, but there are still a few of us that are trying to keep things around,” Redfearn said.
St. George City says the growth on outer sides of town still helps existing businesses in two ways.
First, big chains cause investors to see the economic success of the region, drawing interest in all parts of town.
“When you hook a fish, such as Costco, people are starting to pay attention,” said St. George Economic Director Chad Thomas. “Clean sites are really easy to develop sometimes. It’s that redevelopment that even has an additional level of challenges. But because of what’s happening around us, we are seeing people also interested in redevelopment opportunities here in St. George.”
The city also feels the quality of businesses will increase.
“More businesses create more competition, which raises the level. I think that’s only a good thing, not only for our residents, the consumers, but also for the businesses,” said David Cordero, communications with the City of St. George.
They acknowledge some older businesses may be struggling and are finding ways to bring more attention downtown.
“We believe a thriving downtown core is really important to any city, especially one that wants to thrive, and so over the years, we’ve tried to bring big events to our downtown,” Cordero said.
That’s included St. George Marathon, Dixie Days, the St. George Arts Festival, as well as the addition of city amenities like the plaza and slides that encourage more foot traffic to older areas.
Redfearn asks local government to also help by limiting unnecessary licensing and permit changes, so people aren’t intimidated to attempt restoration.
“I think there’s definitely a market for it and if it’s done right I think anybody can succeed at it for sure,” Redfearn said. “They want to reinvest in the community and keep gems like this alive and going for the next 70-80 years.
Redfearn added he is excited about the growth bringing more generations to the area and hopes by standing out in their uniqueness and charm they’ll continue to draw people to the lanes.
Dixie Bowl and Billiards is open 7 days a week at 146 E City Center St, St. George.
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