Blibble, my in-laws have had a family restaurant for three generations that started as a candy store in the 1930s, called American Candy. In addition to the candy they started to make hamburgers and coffee, and soon the candy business was overtaken by the restaurant business. My MIL and FIL worked 7 days a week until my FIL died 6 1/2 years ago. It was an institution in their hometown.

My brother in law had to close it recentlybecause the economy, road works projects and low cost lunch deals from the chains combined to strangle the diner. Plus, he didn't want to devote every day to the business, and I don't blame him. Fortunately, the hardware chain, Lowe's, opened up their east coast distribution center nearby and hired him to operate their restaurant, which means no overhead cost for him and a asteady stream of young, hungry workers, who get a thirty minute lunch or dinner break and don't have time to get in their cars to eat.

How has the economy affected your parents' business?