Driving through Des Moines, one sees many small businesses trying to survive the economic downturn.

Both Aunty Irene's Ice Cream Shoppe and Suthanya Thai recently changed ownership.

Mike and Debbie Rovech, owners of The Reuben New York Eatery & Espresso located on Marine View Drive and 219th in downtown Des Moines, have decided that it is time to put their restaurant on the market.

"It's those with some history that are able to survive at the moment," said Mike Rovech.

The Reuben has just been voted the 1st Runner-up for Restaurants $10 and Under by the Highline Times Best of 2009.

"That's quite an accomplishment," said Rovech, "to have achieved that result after only eighteen months in business. It's remarkable, and it makes it all the more frustrating."

An array of food choices greet the customer upon entering The Reuben, and according to Rovech, their famous New York Reuben sandwich tops the menu.

"People tell us constantly that they love the food, they love being here and they love the attitude. They come here because it feels good," said Rovech. "We took a restaurant that had fallen off the radar screen and have made it a popular place to be."

The Reuben has been innovatively promoted -- by selling vintage cookbooks, to offering same-day discount coupons to neighboring businesses, to having Jerry Miller perform, one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

"Under normal circumstances it takes a couple of years to get a business off the ground. Yet five months after opening, the market imploded," said Rovech.

According to Rovech they would need to sell an extra thirty Reubens a day to survive. People are still coming in, but they aren't spending.

Instead of a whole sandwich they buy half.

"We love the people here. We've made so many good friends in a short time," said Rovech. "The seniors are a joy --- that's a huge part of the equation we have."

Debbie Rovech, who literally knows every customer by name, still hopes for a miracle.

"I want to stay here, my heart is here," said Debbie.

Dotted along the main drag are businesses that are relatively new, older more established ones and some, according to Rovech, are hanging on by a thread.

Their dynamics are all different. A new bar-and-grill is under construction, and where the old Boston Pizza once stood new owners are transforming the establishment into a nautically themed family restaurant called Barnacles at Des Moines.

Barnacles' owners, Steve and Sandy Butler and their children, Jake, Austin and Fawn will be running the business.

All have extensive food service experience from running the hot lunch program at St. Philomena's School, to working in fine dining, to culinary school training at South Seattle Community College.

"We have learned about great service in a restaurant and we learned all kinds of cooking techniques," said Sandy Butler.

Barnacles will open in January 2010 from 4 p.m. to midnight daily and after 9 p.m. will have live entertainment, comedy acts, 2-piece bands and an open mike.

They are liquor licensed and will have a full bar. Specializing in seafood, grilled sandwiches, creamed pastas, salad and soups, the Butlers plan to make everything from scratch.

"I'm really into health food," said Butler.

When asked how they plan to survive the economic downturn, Butler said, "We are working with family and will keep costs down. It will be a place for our many friends and family to come - we know so many people.

"Barnacles will be a fun and relaxing place with outstanding service, delicious food and will exceed our customer's expectations."