It is a tough, very Competitive business. It is also not the best of economic times for any business. It does not take much of a push in the wrong direction to make a marginal business fail.
Starbucks was never any bargain - good coffee but you PAID for it. Someone already pointed out the early morning differences between Starbucks and Paneras - around 100 people. They are not cheap either but they do cater to TV lifestyle better than Starbucks did - more snacks and alternate food offerings.
Spanish Springs has several empty "restaurants" right now - Big City Grill, Starbucks, Bourbon Street. Some others have turned over numerous times like Gators Dockside (on it's third restaurant name, I think). Also Ay Jelapso (I can't even begin to spell that correctly) is on its third or fourth restaurant name. It happens at LSL also - Fish Camp is now Cody's, Dominicks is now Red Sauce, and I think The Veranda has changed but not sure about that one. There is a Starbucks at LSL but no Panera's to compete against them. Let a Dunkin Donuts, Krispy Kreme, or similar move into LSL and you would probably have another Starbucks in trouble. Even retail is having it's problems - at both squares.
I do think it is sad, even bad, but not devastating to SS. It will recover eventually, new businesses will move it and give it a shot, and if they are fight for the community, they will thrive - if not, they will fail.
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