Two well-known dining establishments in Chico’s city center, Momona and Winchester Goose, have announced they will cease operations by the end of the year, highlighting growing economic strain on small businesses in the area. n nMahina Gannet, co-owner of Momona, shared that ongoing financial difficulties have made it unsustainable to continue operations. She and her business partner, Sarah Schlobohm, have been considering this step for more than 12 months. Declining customer traffic, combined with increasing expenses from PG&E and employee wages, were cited as key factors behind the closure. n nOpened in 2013, Momona marked its 10th anniversary this past September and moved to its present location on Main Street in 2023. The restaurant had become a fixture in the local culinary scene. n n”It’s rough, it’s really rough. Downtown is suffering. We’ve been talking about it for years,” Gannet stated. “You know, we’ve been trying to tell people that they need to come downtown and support businesses and support small businesses.” n nAs a long-time resident of Chico, Gannet observed that many community members now have less disposable income than in previous years. She also pointed out that the city’s population base may not be sufficient to sustain a large number of commercial ventures. The emotional weight of shutting down a decade-long enterprise, she said, is significant. Gannet warned that other local businesses could face similar outcomes if economic conditions do not improve. n
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Redding Chico Eureka
Two popular restaurants in downtown Chico, Momona and Winchester Goose, have announced they will close by the end of the year, signaling potential challenges for local businesses. n nMahina Gannet, co-owner of Momona, revealed that persistent struggles have led to the decision to close her restaurant, a move she has contemplated for over a year. Gannet cited a downturn in sales, coupled with rising PG&E and labor costs, as the primary reasons she and her business partner, Sarah Schlobohm, can no longer sustain their business. n nMomona, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in September, relocated to its current Main Street location in 2023. n n”It ‘s rough, it ‘s really rough. Downtown is suffering. We ‘ve been talking about it for years,” Gannet said. “You know, we ‘ve been trying to tell people that they need to come downtown and support businesses and support small businesses.” n nAs a Chico resident, Gannet noted that many locals lack the spending power they once had, and the city ‘s population is not large enough to support numerous businesses. She expressed the emotional toll of closing her business and believes more businesses in Chico may face similar fates. n n–