O’Connell’s downtown deli to close today

The deli and small-item grocery store at 208 McDaniel St. has struggled to make a profit since opening in 2003, and the financial situation became too stressful, O’Connell said.

Despite a number of “absolutely faithful” customers, O’Connell said declining business and rising operating costs were the final blows.

Soon-to-be projects College Station and the Heer’s building renovation – both within sight of O’Connell’s – were sure to bring a much-needed increase in foot traffic, but O’Connell said she couldn’t wait any longer. College Station is set to open later this year, two years after its original estimated completion, and construction should begin this summer on Heer’s after nearly three years of anticipation.

“I gave it a good fight,” she said. “I just couldn’t keep holding on, waiting for College Station and Heer’s.”

O’Connell said she’ll be happy to take some time off before finding a job, and she has no regrets.

“It was a great experience. I met some wonderful people,” she said. “I don’t regret it at all.”