DECATUR — When Rodney Powell assumed the title of “Mayor of Merchant Street,” the moniker was based entirely on his longevity as a businessman along the downtown Decatur street.
Powell’s been the owner of Robbies Grille and Robbies Outlet for the past six years, but his connection to the business goes back 22 years and a chance conversation with its then owner. He was 16 years old and working in construction at the time.
That conversation with Robbie McGrath led to a part-time job washing dishes, which led to work in the dining room, behind the bar, in the kitchen (where he eventually became chef) and as general manager.
Along the way he started college with an eye toward a job in criminal justice but changed course after realizing the restaurant business provided all the satisfaction he was looking for.
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“I love what I do,” Powell said.
And his customers love what he does. A back wall of the restaurant is covered with 24 certificates proclaiming the business as a Herald & Review Readers’ Choice Award winner in a host of categories, including best waiter/waitress, soup, salad, mixed drinks, bartender and place to eat healthy.
Powell’s particularly proud of the awards that celebrate customer service, which brings us back to his new role as mayor.
Powell points to customer service as a selling point that distinguishes the “mom and pop” downtown businesses from their franchise counterparts.
“I was born, raised and baptized in good ol’ Decatur,” Powell said. “I know the community very well. You have to cater to Decatur. It is a unique place.”
This means listening to customers when creating a menu that changes every day and being prepared to alter the hundreds of recipes he keeps stored in his brain or buying gluten-free vodka to reflect the latest healthy eating craze.
As mayor, Powell is making it his mission to bring downtown merchants together to open the eyes of the public and collectively market the goods and services they provide.
“Our goal is destination downtown,” Powell said.
His efforts were recognized last month by the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce, which presented Powell with its Downtown Impact Award.
“Rodney goes above and beyond to unify downtown merchants and raise community awareness of the vitality of Decatur’s downtown area,” said presenter Anastasia Lingle of StarTek.
A recent addition has been Street Party Saturday, a monthly event (May-October) that sees Merchant Street closed to vehicle traffic to make way for a night a music, food, drink and fun. Go to downtown street parties on Facebook for details on future events.
Powell estimated last month’s Brew Fest, which featured various craft beers to sample, drew a crowd of about 1,100.
The street party events also serve to raise awareness and money of local groups and charitable activities. Last month’s beneficiary was Junior Achievement of East Central Illinois, which used the opportunity to promote its upcoming Downtown Diva and M.U.D.D. run events.
Junior Achievement President Jill Applebee said Powell is textbook example of the principles the group promotes: business owners looking beyond their own doors to make the community a better place.
Nate Allen, owner of Goodfellas Fine Cigars, extended his store hours during Brew Fest and wasn’t disappointed.
Of the hundred or so people he catered to that night, Allen said most of them were people he’d never met.
“I think it pulls people downtown that normally wouldn’t come down here,” Allen said. “It gives me an opportunity to get more exposure.”
Allen agrees with Powell’s team approach to promoting downtown.
“We can all pull together and survive or go at it alone and crash and burn,” he said.
Powell predicts things will only get better with the addition of new businesses and the city of Decatur embarking on an aggressive downtown redevelopment project, which will include a change in traffic flow and additional on-street parking.
Phase 1 of the project will encompass changes to Water Street. Phase 2 will encompass changes to Central Park, Main Street, Lincoln Square and Merchant Street. Phase 3 will encompass changes to Franklin Street.
“It’s all about getting the word out,” Powell said.
