Long Time Sioux Falls Businesses Close Along Minnesota Ave

Two fast-food restaurants have recently closed their doors on Minnesota Avenue.

Wendy's closed in October and Taco John's closed on Monday, December 16.

They join Gustaf's Greenery who closed their Minnesota Avenue location one year ago.  All have been open for more than three decades.

According to KSFY, the city's Director of Planning and Economic Development, Jeff Eckhoff, says it's not uncommon to see businesses make moves like this.

"Businesses make decisions like this all the time," Eckhoff said. "Investment of capital, investment of location to maximize their return, traffic, and so I think it's just a result of all that coming together."

KSFY reports that Private Developer Sam Assam was involved in plans to re-purpose the old Gustaf's Greenery building on Minnesota Ave. He says, even though his original plan fell through, Minnesota Ave. remains prime realty for a storefront.

"I think it's a great street, and for those businesses there, a majority of them do very well," Assam said.

Even with its upside though, Assam says the area can be problematic for developers.

"Because of the restrictions of how far the city will allow commercial (developers) to go back into some of the older neighborhoods, that's always going to be a deterrent," Assam said.

There is currently no timetable for when the Taco John's or Wendy's locations may be filled.