By Marci Izard
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (abc40) Downtown Springfield has been a victim of the same epidemic that is plaguing cities all across the country. It's called "job sprawl" and it means fewer jobs are now concentrated in downtown areas.
In other words, fewer people are going downtown and that makes it harder for businesses there to survive. But Thursday morning, John DeVoie, his brother Chris and his brother in law Don Watroba announced they are up for the challenge of bringing new business downtown.
The three men own Hot Table, a restaurant in the sixteen acres section of Springfield. They opened the restaurant two years ago and hope to recreate their success downtown.
"Business is doing well and we have a very loyal following in Springfield and we're looking to expand on that," says DeVoie.
It's a big investment in a shaky economy and in a city struggling at the hands of layoffs and job sprawl. But DeVoie says despite all the challenges, he's optimistic.
The new Hot Table is expected to open at the old Gus and Paul's location in Tower Square by mid-summer.
