Branson is feeling the crunch.
When speaking with the motel last time I checked in they said they had been up for the year. Also I have read that SDC is
up this year as well. It sounds to me like people want the experience but are doing it on a budget.
I have worked as a loan officer in the past, when you look at finances today consider how much your insurance and medical costs have gone up, for the middle class discretionary income is gone or severely bruised. There is a reason Wal Mart, McDonalds, The Gap, Mattel....... all have shown same store sales drop for several consecutive quarters.
These are all extras, luxuries we spend our extra/discretionary income on. ( yes Wal Mart sells groceries as well but broaden your perspective.)
Branson, SDC, Tanger Mall, restaurants, vacations are all discretionary income expenses'.
Not to incite a political argument but the affordable care act is killing the middle class. Even the media is starting to admit the effects of this are widespread. If we were privy to the demographics of the SDC customer base I would bet that its heavily middle class.
Man I hope your brother has a turn around, the restaurant business is tough, I know from experience.
We should remember this when we are spending our funds around town. I often pick the privately owned business because I know how dependent they are on every dollar.