The Unbearable Burden of Rent: When a Small Business Can't Keep Up

The news of yet another small business closure in Minnesota is nothing new. We've heard it all before - bankruptcy, lack of foot traffic, and the rise of remote work. But sometimes, it's the simplest reason that can be the most devastating: rent too high. For Chicago's Taste Authority, a beloved Chicago-style hot dog joint in Minneapolis, this was the ultimate straw that broke the camel's back. With 20 years of history under its belt, the restaurant announced on its Facebook page that it would be closing its doors on September 21st. The reason? A whopping 233% increase in rent. Yes, you read that right - from $1800 a month in 2004 to a staggering $6000 a month today. It's no wonder the owners are at a loss for words. "What's going on here? " you might ask. Is the landlord experiencing financial difficulties? Or are they simply trying to squeeze out a small business that's been a staple in the community for two decades? We can only speculate, but it's clear that something fishy is going on. As we lament the loss of yet another small business, we can't help but wonder what could have been done to prevent this. Were there other options? Could the landlord have been more understanding? The questions swirl in our minds like a tornado, leaving us with more questions than answers.