Goodfellow's restaurant was in that space for almost 18 years. So to say that it's tough for a restaurant to survive there is a bit exaggerated. Perhaps things have changed so dramatically in the restaurant business though - as we continue to have more and more "fast" options?That stretch of 7th might be the most uninviting city block in all of downtown Minneapolis. It'd be tough for any restaurant to survive there.
Is it an awkward stretch, yes. I think the bigger issue is how these cross streets feel so different than Hennepin & Nicollet. They feel windswept and gross. I'm not sure how to change that. Even if the podium of City Center were updated - the Foot Locker and parking ramp across the street are so uninspiring! It doesn't help that the prime real estate on the corner of 7th & Hennepin (old Chevy's space) still sits vacant! How is that possible?! There are so many things that make me shake my head in wonder...
6th, 7th & 8th streets are all bad stretches between Nicollet & Hennepin.
I can't imagine any owner will invest millions to update their facade so long as the City/County (whoever owns these STROADS) doesn't do anything to alter their 'feel'.