A2: Economy

A Freep article looks at how restaurants are affected by the tough economy and quotes Mike Gibbons, president of Ann Arbor-based Mainstreet Ventures Inc.,which owns Palio and Gratzi, among other eateries. “We’re making sure we’re not over-portioning, and we’re employing fewer people than in the past….The new state taxes have been devastating to our industry,” he said. “Our taxes are up $15,000 to $20,000 per restaurant.” [Source]