Here we grow! Shenandoah's business district is growing as current businesses expand and new businesses open. People throughout the area are taking notice and in an article in the June 20, 2022 issue of the Republican Herald, reporter Hyun Soo Lee referred to this trend as a, "downtown surge."
Lee has covered more than one event in Shenandoah recently and has experienced first- hand how things are growing and moving in the right direction. He was present when Senator Casey visited and awarded DSI with $350,000 for The Center For Education, Business & Arts (CEBA) and also covered the recent Shenandoah Pharmacy's ribbon cutting hosted by The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce. Afterwards he returned to Shenandoah to work the beat and find out first hand what this positive trend was all about.
"I spoke with various business owners, as well as business leaders in the area and they all seemed to have the impression that business is on the upswing in downtown Shenandoah,” said Lee. “They expressed excitement about the trajectory of small business in the area and about all of the new ventures coming up.”
He interviewed both longtime and newer business owners and each conversation had a few common threads. Their comments state that not only is Shenandoah a safer and more economical place to raise a family and run a business than the bigger cities, that CEBA is a bright light sparking interest both within Schuylkill County and throughout the region.
As Flora Gomez, owner of La Casita De Familia said that in her 17 years at the Shenandoah restaurant, she has watched businesses come and go, but she believes Shenandoah may be on the cusp of a strong up swell. “I would like for the community to grow so kids have everything they need here in town,” the article stated. La Casita De Familia is a long- time supporter and friend of DSI and plans to use CEBA’s commercial kitchen and event center when the doors open.
Business owner, Jada Hernendez of OBO Trading Post, was quoted in the article stating, “Shenandoah is moving up. There’s a lot of opportunities for new businesses.” OBO Trading Post was the DSI Herald's Business Spotlight in May, 2022 issue and explained she selected Shenandoah as the site for OBO because, "Shenandoah is a beautiful town with a lot of potential." This potential is felt by other business owners looking to expand their business, too.
Main Street is now the new home of Smoking Soles, an established ecommerce business that sells high end sneakers. In the article, owner, Mike Shustack explained why he selected his hometown of Shenandoah to expand. He said that the borough's low cost of living has been a factor for him and others. He continued to say, that teamed with many well-paying warehouse jobs nearby the area provides several opportunities for families to thrive and start new ventures from scratch. Smoking Soles carries sneakers, streetwear and skate equipment.
Shenandoah is already home to many successful long time restaurants, groceries, markets, specialty retailers, car dealerships, salons, and businesses including the home offices of nationally recognized brand, Mrs. T's Pierogies. Lee says in his article that, "despite its economic struggles over the years, Shenandoah today has its share of established fixtures that are ingrained in the borough's identity." That identity, now teamed with new businesses and the future Center For Education Business, & Arts opening are setting the foundation for a stronger Shenandoah.
Shenandoah Chamber of commerce president Lou Truskowsky summed it up like this. He said that the diverse mix of up and coming businesses and long standing area staples is making the area better. He also noted that this growth is not easily observable over a short period of time, but it is changing for the better.
T Mobile, Merengue Cakes & Deli, Big Mama's Cafe, Sweeties Multi Service, Main Street Laundry, Shenandoah Pharmacy, Go To Laundry Mat, Lyric Restaurant, and A to Z Market are also businesses that have either opened or have new owners in the last few years.
DSI sends a shout out to The Republican Herald for the positive coverage. For the entire article, contact writer, Hyun Soo Lee at hlee@republicanherald.com. To view past DSI Herald Business Spotlights visit the DSI website.
