Almost every day someone new walks into Bill Hannong’s Amazing Tattoo Studio on Cape Coral Parkway.

Hannong said that since opening Dec. 12, he’s seen potential clients come into his new store and ask about his tattoo work. Hannong’s tattoo parlor is just one of the 54 businesses that have opened in or near downtown Cape Coral since July, according to the Cape Coral Community Redevelopment Agency.

John Jacobsen, executive director of the Cape Coral CRA, said these new businesses include three restaurants, five retail stores and 46 professional and personal services establishments. Jacobsen thinks this is a good sign for the Cape Coral economy.

“We believe we’ve turned a corner in the recession,” Jacobsen said.

He said he’s very encouraged about the progress downtown Cape Coral is experiencing.

“I think people are cautiously optimistic,” Jacobsen said. “2012 is going to be a much better year than last year.”

Hannong is also optimistic about the new year.

“Actually, for a new business it’s been doing relatively well,” Hannong said.

Hannong has been a tattoo artist for 35 years. He said many Cape Coral residents are loyal and that his clientele has followed him to his new venture. This isn’t a unique occurrence.

Jim Scully, owner of Upper Crust Pizzeria and Wine Bar on Del Prado Boulevard, said that many customers from his past restaurants have followed him to his new venue. Scully was a former owner of Sal’s Pizza Parlor and also owned the now closed Bella Sera restaurant. Upper Crust opened in October.

“We do have a following with the Sal’s and Bella Sera reputation,” Scully said.

Scully said that business has been slow starting in these times and in a favorable economy more people will come out and try what he has to offer. He said he’s trying to differentiate Upper Crust from other pizzerias in the area in order to bring in business.

“We tried to do a restaurant that did not feel like you were committed to have dinner but that’s more upscale than your typical Cape Coral style pizza joint,” Scully said.

Scully said he’s also having daily specials to bring customers in the door. Jen Velez, owner of Melux Hair Studio on Southeast 47th Terrace, is using online special deal websites in hopes of drumming up business for her new hair salon.

Melux, a full-service hair salon, opened in early December. Velez said the salon has done well during the holidays. Velez was a hairstylist at another Cape Coral salon for six years before opening her salon. She said that many of her clients followed her to the new location but she hopes that deal sites such as Groupon will help bring in new customers.

“It (the salon) just sells itself,” Velez said. “It’s what you make it. We’re looking forward to meeting new clients.”

Jacobsen said that it’s going to take a while for new businesses to get their engines running, but he’s hopeful. He remarked that driving into work he’s seen businesses with “now hiring” signs. He added that people are starting to patronize businesses again.

“They’re out spending — that’s a very healthy and good sign,” Jacobsen said.