WESTERVILLE, Ohio -- A local restaurant that served customers for four decades is in danger of closing down. Now, loyal customers are stepping in to help.
Sue Shields has owned Yogi's Hoagies for the last 18 years. The store has been in business for 40 years. It has a unique charm, right down to Sue's quirky clock collection.
But the business on State Street in Westerville has fallen on hard times.
"When I bought this store, there was no Easton. There was no Polaris. I had a lot less competition than I have now," Shields said.
The competition is two doors down, at a business were customers can eat for a lot less money.
"Taxes are a big factor. My utility bills are huge and they don't balance out," she said.
So Shields did the only thing she could think of. She asked her community for help by using a sign on the business, "Sue says help me stay. Eat here 2 day."
"I have so many customers and a huge customer base. I thought if they all saw the sign, they would come in more often to support me," she said.
Unfortunately, it's just a sign of the times for many small businesses. But Shields' strategy seems to be working.
Two women from Athens, Ohio, happened to be driving by the store Thursday, saw the sign and stopped for a meal. They said they felt the need to support a local business.
"I guess it makes me sad because these little places are good for a community and, you know, that they have been here for a while. If I live in a small community like this, I would want to support somewhere like this," said Denise Weiler, a customer.
Shields said she is hoping that folks in the area will stop by and order a hoagie or two and that a small plea for help will be heard so a Westerville tradition can continue.
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