Restaurants Closing Their Doors As Crime Concerns Continue In Memphis
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The continuing crime incident in Memphis has led to a concerning number of restaurant closures in the city as owners voice concerns for the safety of their clients and workforce. Several establishment owners have cited increasing crime rates in the city as the primary reason for their decision. As a result, the local economy takes yet another hit while local law enforcement works tirelessly to restore safety and order.
The Road To Closure
A prime example of this trend is the now-closed Cupcake Cuties located on 300 South Main Street, Memphis. Owner, Robert Clayton, a passionate entrepreneur forced to rethink the premise of his business due to ongoing crime concerns. After a devastating incident involving the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Charlisa Reed near his restaurant last year, Clayton had to make the difficult decision of closing down in December. The closure didn’t just impact Clayton’s business but also left a dent in the neighborhood’s soul, upsetting many loyal customers who had turned the cupcake shop into a staple in their diets.
Trading Bricks for Wheels
In response to the closure, Clayton has decided to switch gears and attempt to recuperate losses by operating a food truck instead. A strategy that is increasingly becoming more common among restaurant owners in high crime-rate areas. Despite the shutdown, Clayton received continuous calls and messages from past customers inquiring about the location of his new food truck, indicating the community’s adaptive resilience to the increasing crime.
A Tale of Two Dessert Shops
Just few blocks away, the owner of Devour Desserts, Pete Brady reflects a different perspective. Unfazed by crime, Brady vows that his dessert shop is unyielding to the crime wave and not planning on closing anytime soon. Brady holds a faith in the increased police patrol initiatives and the work of the local law enforcement, which has so far managed to spare his establishment.
Memphis’s Dark Stain
However, recently published crime statistics in the nearby areas suggest that the incidents of thefts, murder and motor vehicle robbery have risen in the first four months of the year. Brady remains undeterred and plans to persist against odds, while Clayton remains skeptical of reopening another brick-and-mortar establishment until the city’s crime problem improves.
Conclusion
The contrasting stories of Cupcake Cuties and Devour Desserts illustrate the dichotomy faced by small businesses in Memphis. While some remain optimistic and able to overcome adversity, others take drastic measures to safeguard their livelihood. As the city continues to grapple with its crime problem, the future of many more businesses hangs in the balance.
