Tommy's is coping, Artesia is planning, and Downtown Diner is departed.

At the Tribune, in an article by Jerod Clapp, we learn that tax-related problems plague Tommy Lancaster's.

I fully empathize with the renewal difficulties at Tommy's.

All governmental bureaucracies are less than perfect, but the degree of kinship between the ATC and the revenue collectors is unusually high, and between them, they miss very few tricks. Think: Fine tooth combs, all the time.

One year, our license renewal got flagged for a stray $100 owed from more than four years before, as uncovered in an audit. They're brutal.

Meanwhile, with Tommy Lancaster’s still open for business, albeit bone dry, another downtown restaurant has closed. Downtown Diner’s Facebook page serves up the sad notice:

We regret to inform our friends that we will be closing our doors permanently on December 31. We have enjoyed serving you and will truly miss all of our loyal customers who have now become our friends. We want to thank each and every one of you for your continued support. It has been a pleasure to serve you.

Too bad, indeed; the breakfasts were excellent and offered quite good value. I’m told that the diner will reopen under new ownership as Earl’s Country Kitchen. Finally, also at Facebook, we learn of transitions at Artesia Fusion Bistro & Catering:

Artesia will be closed temporarily in preparation for dinner service. We are very excited about the long anticipated dinner offerings and hope very much to see you all at Artesia when we have our grand (re) opening!

You know the drill. The restaurant business is difficult in the best of times, and the past two years have been extraordinarily trying for all of us. I know you’ll join me in wishing these stalwart, independent, wonderfully local operators luck, whether coming, going, or at any temporary stage in between. We need them. They need you.