[media-credit name=’Ben Smidt’ align=’alignnone’ width=’648′][/media-credit]This is the second part of a series examining the growth, variety and constant change occurring on Madison’s State Street.

For a Midwestern campus, the University of Wisconsin offers a large amount of ethnic food options for the student body and downtown residents — just within walking distance of each other.

Madison’s State Street and side streets offer a wide variety of eatery establishments, from Indian to Chinese, as well as Himali and numerous other sorts.

According to Susan Schmitz, president of Downtown Madison Inc., there has been a slight increase in the number of restaurants on State Street over the past six years, mainly in ethnic food establishments.

“That’s what people are wanting,” Schmitz said. “Ethnic places fit into what’s happening in our community.”

King of Falafel Manager Meshel Aldaee saw the downtown as a market suitable for opening the Mediterranean cuisine restaurant last December. Since its opening, Aldaee has remained confident in the hold the restaurant has taken at 453 W. Gilman St.

“There’s a market for different kinds of foods here,” Aldaee said. “With cheap prices and being so close to campus, we thought it would be good for students.”
For many UW students, such restaurants are a nice change of pace from day-to-day eateries.

“The chicken shwarma is top notch [at King of Falafel],” UW junior James Dunham said.

Schmitz added a majority of the downtown ethnic eateries on State Street have been there for some time and have built up a strong reputation among residents living in the area.

“I think there will be a continual attraction for people to go out,” Schmitz said. “More people living downtown like young couples or empty nesters are looking to go out to eat.”

Like many restaurants near campus, Aldaee expected business to depend on the student population when opening, but he soon realized local residents could account for a steady flow to his business throughout the year.

Similarly, Husnu’s, located at 547 State St., opened up in 1979 and learned business could maintain strong earnings even when the student population is not around, as business tends to be best during the summer months.

Schmitz said she enjoys eating in State Street restaurants because, “It’s a blast. I love it. I love trying the different restaurants … the fact that you’re eating in a locally owned restaurant is amazing.”

Like any restaurant, time of opening and location are essential to success.
Himal Chuli Restaurant moved to its current location at 318 State St. after several years as a Library Mall vendor. When space on State Street opened up in 1986, owners were quick to take residency, according to employee Jamuna Shrespha.

“We’ve been successful ever since,” Shrespha said.

Like others, Himal Chuli Restaurant’s menu has mostly remained the same since its opening, although it has recently made accommodations for more variety among vegetarian selections.

King of Falafel has also maintained the same menu since opening, despite the constant flux in the surrounding State Street and downtown atmosphere.