It’s time for Page Two: News that might not make the front page for Wednesday December 3, 2025.
At Page Two, we’ve been wondering how some of our favorite restaurants were doing in this volatile economy. We turned to Turkey Red for a snapshot of the food service industry as part of a series on the economics of food service in the Mat-Su.
Alex Papasavas opened Turkey Red almost 18 years ago. The restaurant has developed a loyal following since then. People enjoy her focus on local foods and her creative approach to cooking.
Alex sometimes plays with what she calls “Latitude Cooking.” For example, she might make brownies with ingredients from the same latitude: chocolate, lime, and red peppers.
She enjoys looking for new ideas, like the spice mix from Afghanistan that she often uses in soups and stews. She found that in a cookbook. “I travel through cookbooks now,” she says.
Turkey Red has weathered many storms: Papasavas opened the restaurant in 2008 and then rode out the Great Recession. Then, Turkey Red rode out the pandemic—like so many people and small businesses in 2020.
But Alex says the most challenging time is right now, in 2025.
First, Ballot Measure 1 increased the minimum wage. One of the unintended effects was that she had fewer funds to pay back-room staff.
Then DOGE made widespread cuts to government programs in the second quarter of 2025. Alex lost a lot of catering jobs for workshops and events—both from government agencies and from nonprofits.
Tariffs have been especially hard on the food service industry. Feta cheese, for example, went up $4.00 a pound. The price of chocolate has skyrocketed.
A lot of food packaging comes from China. This includes bags, paper products, and all kinds of containers. The tariffs on packaging also drive the cost of food up.
She still has a loyal customer base, but they are cutting back. Some aren’t buying dessert or that second glass of wine.
Finally, the government shutdown hit the business hard, and she still hasn’t recovered. “I don’t think I’m the only one struggling,” she says.
Sadly, this series of economic tsunamis rolled in just as things were finally recovering after the pandemic. She says her staffing has only now “stabilized.”
Alex is brainstorming ways to adapt to the changing economics. She might cut back on in-house service and concentrate on convenience foods for to-go customers: foods like soups and stews that are easy to take home. At this point, she’s not sure.
Will there ever be a Turkey Red cookbook, we asked? She laughed, and says, “I won’t say no.”
The school board meets tonight at 6 p.m. at the District offices at 501 N Gulkana St. in Palmer.
The Mat-Su College Art Department hosts a Makers Market on Friday from 3 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Find handmade arts and crafts, a silent auction, gift wrapping table for donations, and food available for purchase. This event is free.
The annual Mat-Su Veterans Resource Fair is at the Menards Center from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. There will be coffee, camaraderie, and organizations in honor of those who have served. Admission is free.
The annual holiday tree tour at Government Peak Recreation Area is on Saturday from 4 to 7p.m. This free family friendly event is hosted by the Mat-Su Ski Club. Tour the lit and decorated trees on the mile-long Pioneer Loop. Warm up with hot drinks and cozy fires and holiday cheer. Please leave furry friends at home.
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Page Two articles are written by Emily Forstner, Lee Henrikson, and David Cheezem. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Wednesday December 3, 2025.