I don't know if you have noticed lately, but times are a little tough and most of us have to make adjustments in order to make ends meet. Lots of businesses are also experiencing "the pinch" and if they are smart, they also must make tough but necessary adjustments to survive. Recently, one smart Downtown Tacoma business had to do just that.

Jim and Jayna Marshall would happily split their time between their two businesses Thea's Market and the Dock Street Sandwich Company, both located on opposite corners of Thea's Landing Apartments. But then times got tough. ...

For six years, both businesses catered to the apartments above, a few local businesses nearby, visiting boaters and the Museum of Glass.  When they originally opened their businesses six years ago, a few condo projects and a hotel were scheduled to be built, but never came to fruition. Both businesses survived, but they struggled. Enter the tough decision.

Rather than continue to struggle, owners Jim and Jayna Marshall decided to pullout of one space and merge both businesses into one. Having previously visited both businesses, I really believe this merger was an excellent move on their part. And not just from a financial perspective, but from an aesthetic one as well.

Before, both businesses seemed a little stark and cold. Together the one space looks full and exudes more vibrancy. One thing I have learned about owning a service-oriented business is that perception is everything. And if you look busy and filled, it draws people in.

The sandwich shop offers a nice assortment of sandwiches, salads and soups. They also provide a few desserts, Caffe D'Arte espresso and homemade fudge in assorted flavors. Chili Fridays are a big hit with your choice of mild or spicy chipotle chili served with all the toppings and a slice of their freshly baked cheese bread.

The market offers more gourmet influenced items like specialty pastas, condiments, smoked salmon and snacks. There are basic staples such as eggs, milk, sour cream, pet food and sundries. Definitely enough there to whip together a meal in a pinch (except for the pet food and sundries), or you can just pick up one of their pre-made dinners. For $20 or more, they will deliver!

Jim and Jayna have really taken the time to choose some great wines for their customers. These include wines from our own backyard like Alexandria Nicole, Fourteen Hands and Townshend, along with many others from around our state, Oregon, California, and wines from around the world.

They also stock worthy beers too, such as Pike, Harmon, Stone and Scuttlebutt.

"I didn't want to carry Budweiser, but too many customers requested it and sometimes you just have to get what the customer wants," says Jim Marshall.

True that Jim, true that. I still wouldn't, but Jim is a better person than I am.

They've already hosted a few very successful wine tastings, and rumor has it that on May 13 during Seattle Beer Week, they plan to host a beer tasting. Maybe the weather will cooperate and they can have the tasting on their lovely patio outside.

Thea's Market and Dock Street Sandwich Company is a valued business to this waterfront neighborhood. Personally, I hope they stay together in this space, but maybe, just maybe, they'll have no choice but to expand. And if this is the case, success is not such a bad thing. Duh.

[Thea's Market and Dock Street Sandwich Company, 1701 Dock St., Tacoma, 253.627.6882]