Mark McDonnell, founder of LaSalle Grill and the Downtown Dining Association, said restaurants across the country are seeing economic effects tied to the weather. McDonnell started the tradition of restaurant weeks and the Downtown Dining Association in 2011 following the 2008 recession. “For many big cities that kind of ended and they seem to be thriving, South Bend was really dragging all restaurants were suffering,” McDonnell said. It gets people to come out of their cocoons.”While showcasing some of the restaurant’s specials Meehan said the fireplace isn’t the only thing keeping the place warm in this cold stretch. Both long-time businesses say they have watched downtown South Bend transform over the years and are eager for what is still to come even after a brutal winter.