Editor’s Note: This is the first of a series exploring the economy of different kinds of businesses in Mount Pleasant.

While the nation is experiencing economic difficulties, local restaurants aren’t being hit too hard.

Tammy Germain, the owner of Stanley’s Famous Restaurant, 220 E. Broadway St., said her business has been faring well.

“I have a very well established business. Things have been really well for me,” she said. “I’ve seen an increase, actually.”

While business has dropped slightly since the end of Central Michigan University’s spring semester, Germain said Stanley’s owes its current economic success to loyal cliental.

“We put out good food and have good service. We’re still getting new customers,” she said. “I’m in my ninth year of owning it, and things have gotten better every year.”

Stanley’s economic stability is similar to that of other staple Mount Pleasant restaurants.

Susan Paton, owner of the Brass Cafe & Saloon, 128 S. Main St., said she the restaurant is feeling only a small impact.

“It’s difficult for me to say. We are seeing a slight effect. We are seeing a slight reduction,” she said. “I’m surprised that we haven’t felt it more.”

In the last month, Paton said business has decrease, although it is typical because the Brass is closely tied with Central Michigan University.

Paton believes the slight economic impact stems from loyal and new customers, which she said the cafe is “fortunate” to have.

“Small restaurants depend so much on regular business,” she said. “I hope that we aren’t feeling as badly because we provide people a good meal. We’re not about to cut any corners.”

Paton remains optimistic about the future.

“I think it is a temporary blip. We will see in August when business picks up again,” she said. “Mount Pleasant is fortunate to be somewhat sheltered from the rest of the state.”

Mountain Town Station and Brewery, 506 W. Broadway St., is seeing the same number of customers, but the customers are eating less expensive items, said owner and Mount Pleasant Mayor Jim Holton.

People have been accustomed to going out for dinner and don’t want to change their habits, he said.

“I believe as people get sick of eating sandwiches, they will splurge and try an entree,” Holton said.

Unlike Mountain Town, Paton said she has not seen customers come in and order less at the Brass.

“We’re seeing the opposite. ‘We’re not going to be frivolous, but going to enjoy ourselves for a couple of hours,’” she said.

Customers seek a short respite with a bottle of wine and dessert, she said.

In addition to a different trend in food sales, Holton has noticed sales of imported beers such as Corona and Heineken have dropped off.

“People are drinking down,” he said.

However, Holton said things are beginning to look better for his business.

“We’re probably on an upward swing,” he said.

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E-mail the author: Lindsay Knake