With the economy wreaking havoc on the hospitality industry around the state, there's good news from New Prague: John Schumacher is reopening his inn.

It was closed for four years, but Schumacher missed the hustle and bustle and the long hours, says the Mankato Free Press

He no longer offers a four-star German and Czech menu and formal three-hour dining experience -- that was part of the problems that led to the closing four years ago.

He told the paper:

“That trend was ending. It was kind of like I was in the typewriter business. You can make a great typewriter, but no one will buy it.”

Instead, he now offers “casual gourmet” with all entrees less than $20, smaller portions and swifter diner turnarounds. But there will still be wild game on the menu, and standards like dumplings and Czech sausage.

The hotel has been modernized, converting the 12 rooms to six suites.

Townsfolk are thrilled.

“We were praying for the day he would reopen. We were going to go to his house with torches if he didn’t,” said Tonya Pavek, co-owner of a downtown boutique that, like other Main Street businesses, benefits from Schumacher’s out-of-town trade.

“This is going to be a win-win for everyone,” New Prague Chamber of Commerce Director Kristy Mach said. “Its reopening is really solidifying our business district.”