Christopher Rovezzi, owner of Rovezzi's in Sturbridge, created a mantra last year: "Within these four walls, we don't recognize a recession."

Instead, he focused on serving his customers. "Once you get people in the door, we have to make them forget about the bad stuff," Mr. Rovezzi said.

Restaurant owners may have been the first to see signs of an impending economic downturn a few years ago, as disposable dollars for dining out are often the first dollars people start saving in a financial crisis.

And restaurants may also be the first to see glimmers of hope as consumer confidence and the economy show tentative signs of improvement.

http://www.telegram.com/article/201003 21/NEWS/3210359/0/NEWS07