The economy is finally showing signs of dragging itself out of the quicksand.  This slow but steady comeback has sparked some pleasant surprises throughout downtown over the last few months. Like a chain reaction, specialty businesses are popping up in some rather unexpected places, encouraging more to follow suit, as rents are becoming more affordable and creative spaces more available. Sugar and Spice Specialty Desserts, 1201 F St., is a valuable oxygen source to the span of 12th from D through H streets. For the last six months, that area had stretches of blocks with no tenants as “for lease” signs littered the windows. Now, change has come. I pass by that location every night on my wa

Sacramento's famous little vintage diner, Jim-Denny's, is about to quietly change hands. Regulars and history buffs can breathe a sigh of relief: The buyer plans to keep the 76-year-old landmark restaurant operating right where it is, said broker Dave Herrera of Colliers International. An investor who values the diner's history is purchasing the business and the property at 816 12th St. It's expected to close escrow in the next two weeks. "He had a lot of interest because of the history that the building and business have had, and the impact it's had on all the locals," Herrera said. An agreement was reached within about a week of when the historic diner and restaurant business was mar

Sacramento landmark Jim-Denny’s went up for sale Monday. The Lane family has decided to sell the historic white and red diner after five years so Patsy Lane, the heart and soul behind the counter, can retire to Montana. The restaurant has served breakfasts and burgers for 76 years – first at 16th and J streets, where Jim Van Nort initially opened the restaurant. Van Nort moved the business to 816 12th St. after returning from WWII. The Lanes struggled with the decision even before the diner was featured on the Travel Channel show Man v. Food in late September. Lane just turned 60, and she's ready to take it a little easier, said her daughter, Joanna Lane, part owner along with her mothe

Jim-Denny's has gotten lots of local attention in 76 years of grilling burgers and serving breakfast. Now travelers and foodies throughout the country have a chance to learn about the little white and red diner when Jim-Denny's is featured on the Travel Channel show “Man v. Food” Wednesday night. After finishing a batch of chicken corn chowder Tuesday morning, co-owner Patsy Lane said she's a little stressed about the show and a viewing party they're throwing Wednesday night. Lane will make food for the party, to be held from 7-10 p.m. at Butch N Nellie's, 19th and I streets. Everyone in the community is invited, Lane said. "I'm nervous," she said. The show will air at 9 p.m. For the e

It's that time of year again - time for "Best Restaurants," brought to you by Sacramento Magazine. After reading the readers' picks for each category, it made me wonder whether the results would be different for readers of The Sacramento Press. Our focus has been primarily on events and coverage of things in the Grid, whereas Sacramento Magazine covers a larger demographic including the suburbs. There were four categories that stood out to me in Sacramento Magazine's Best Restaurants: Best Burrito, Best Pizza, Best Burger and Best Coffeehouse. I live in the Grid and therefore have my own biases about restaurants that live in Downtown and Midtown. I prefer restaurants in this area to tho

 “These guys are nuts. I really hope no one throws up. Care for some hamburger with your water?” I thought to myself as I watched eight men sitting in a row, stuffing Jim-Denny’s half-pound hamburgers down their throats, one of who proceeded to dip his half-eaten burger and patty into a cup of water between bites.   On the stage behind them stood the emcee, Sacramento's local music guru Jerry Perry, with a mic in hand, watching with everyone else to see who would clean his plate first.   Pedro Alarcon won the Jim-Denny’s superburger-eating contest at 3 minutes and 41 seconds. Perry handed him a T-shirt for his accomplishment and suggested the rest of the men take their leftovers home.

BMX stunt show, local music extravaganza, hamburger eating contest -- Jim-Denny's 75th anniversary celebration will have it all. Everyone is invited to the massive celebration Saturday, May 16 which will take place at Jim-Denny's hamburger joint on 12th Street and spill into side-street Terminal Way. Says owner Patsy Lane, a $3 breakfast buffet will begin at 8 a.m. and include scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, and mini pancakes. Then at 10:30 a.m. a pancake eating contest will see who can eat a "hubcap-sized" pancake the fastest. A $20 donation is required to enter the competition, and the winner will be awarded a prize. Every hour on the hour, there will be a raffle held for prizes such a