From Buildings to Businesses: The Main Street Successes that Happened in the First Quarter of 2025
August 29, 2025 | Keith Winge
Missouri Main Street Connection collects a range of economic development and organizational metrics from each designated Main Street program. This data offers a snapshot of the vitality and momentum within Missouri’s historic commercial districts that extends into the surrounding community. Additionally, this data represents stories waiting to be told. Continue reading to find out about the two stand out metrics for Q1 of 2025 and two ventures that showcase the story behind the stats.
Nuts & Bolts
Within the first quarter of 2025, two standout metrics included $16 million in building and infrastructure investment as well as the level of business activity.
Taking a look at the $16 million invested in buildings and infrastructure across Main Street districts during Q1, this level of investment encompassed 85 individual projects, with only two involving new construction. The remaining 83 projects focused on existing buildings. Sixty-six of the projects that focused on existing buildings were direct improvements aimed at preserving and extending the life of buildings, many historic in nature.
Having 85 individual projects completed in one quarter is great news as it provides insight that across Missouri investment at a variety of levels is being accomplished. For this reason, Q1 is different than other previous quarters that share a similar level of investment made by a smaller number of projects due to the completion of one or two large-scale, multi-million-dollar projects. This practice of reporting total cumulative investment for a single project upon completion is standard practice within Main Street, as it occurs when the project is realized and the investment is fully contributing to the district.
Business activity in Q1 revealed that a net of 11 new businesses opened or relocated into Main Street districts. Though slightly below the quarterly average, this fluctuation is expected throughout the year and shows us that business owners are seeing the attractiveness of Main Street by opening or relocating within a Main Street district. Also, there are a variety of reasons why business owners close or relocate, which may be beyond the ability of a local Main Street program to mitigate through services such as family emergency, retirement, or a change in a specific business industry.
Regarding the 11 net new businesses, they generated 83 net new jobs. This figure remains consistent with historical quarterly averages and reflects a growth in income opportunities for residents. These new businesses range from nonprofits to retail shops and food establishments to service providers reflecting the diversity and resilience of Missouri’s downtown areas. Get to know two new ventures in Missouri’s Main Streets that are already making a mark in their communities.
Relish Sandwich Bar + Social Club in Cape Girardeau
Relish Sandwich Bar + Social Club opened in March of 2025, quickly becoming a vibrant addition to downtown Cape Girardeau. Located at 130 North Main Street, this locally-owned eatery blends inventive sandwiches with a welcoming social atmosphere. Their menu includes everything from house-made sauerkraut slaw to gluten-free options catering to diverse tastes.
Their bold and playful social media presence, building buzz before opening by tagging celebrities and stirring up fear of missing out (FOMO) across the region, sets Relish apart as a must visit restaurant. In just a few months, Relish has created eight new jobs and infused fresh energy into the district, drawing both locals and visitors with its creative menu, cheeky marketing, and community vibe.
Liz Haynes, Executive Director of Old Town Cape, shared, “We are excited to have a locally-owned gourmet sandwich shop in our downtown. Relish fills a gap in our downtown community and has quickly become a well-loved destination restaurant.”
Pretti on Main: Style, Spirit, and Community in Liberty Square
Kelli Fee opened Pretti on Main, a salon and boutique, in the spring of 2025. She brought her vision to life, in the heart of downtown Liberty, with her 18 years of hairstyling expertise to create a business that is just as vibrant as the district itself. Since opening in downtown Liberty, Pretti on Main has fully embraced the downtown energy, quickly becoming a local favorite not just for beauty services, but for its enthusiastic community spirit reflective in the boutique clothing and accessories offered.
According to Main Street Executive Director, Danelle O’Connell, the business “rocks social media, actively participates in Main Street events, and consistently shows up in support of fellow downtown merchants.”
These businesses represent countless other businesses that have launched or relocated to Main Street districts across Missouri. Through the investment of these entrepreneurs and leaders their dreams come to life in places that hold deep meaning, history, and heart. Our Main Street districts aren’t just backdrops for business; they are the foundation for community-driven success.
Main Street leaders continue to champion their districts, equipping business and property owners with tools, resources, and unwavering support. Together, they’re cultivating environments where dreams take root, grow, and thrive—one storefront, one story, one step at a time.
Footnote: Missouri Main Street Connection, like other Main Street Coordinating Programs, collects quarterly economic data from all designated Main Street programs across the state. This reporting is required as part of each program’s annual agreement and fulfills obligations to both Main Street America and the Missouri Department of Economic Development. All data is collected and stored anonymously, with only cumulative quarterly and annual figures shared publicly.
