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Will new incentives and increased security strengthen downtown Memphis?

Will new incentives and increased security strengthen downtown Memphis?

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – The downtown dining scene has certainly suffered setbacks in recent years due to pandemic-related shutdowns and customer concerns about crime.

But could new incentives support the foot traffic much needed for a restaurant revival?

Business is booming at one of Memphis’ hottest new breakfast and lunch spots.

“I’m excited about the growth and excited about what’s happening in the region,” said Monique Williams.

Williams owns Biscuits and Jams — one of more than 30 downtown restaurants that have opened in the last 12 months.

Thanks to a $12,000 grant, she just opened a new speakeasy downstairs.

Customers dine at Biscuit and Jams in downtown Memphis
Customers dine at Biscuit and Jams in downtown Memphis(Action News 5)

“The Downtown Memphis Commission allowed us to build some of these things, provide lighting, signage, all of those things for the Juke,” Williams said.

Chandell Ryan is president of the Downtown Memphis Commission.

“Downtown is not dying,” Ryan said. “We’ve seen more (businesses) open than close in the last 12 months.”

She said grants and business loans are luring restaurants back after more than a year of high-profile closures such as the Hard Rock Cafe, Gray Canary, Blind Bear and the Supper Club on Second Street.

Those are four of the 27 downtown restaurants that have closed in the last two years.

“There is an increase in labor costs, an increase in inflation and the cost of their goods and services, that has been a factor. Some closed because they wanted to bring back something new and different,” Ryan said.

Another factor contributing to closures is a decline in foot traffic due to customer concerns about crime.

Memphis saw record numbers of homicides and car thefts in 2023. In 2024, despite more surveillance cameras and an increased police presence, there have already been several shootings and minor robberies on downtown streets.

“What I heard was a sense of security and the way I’m fighting that is just to remind people that the numbers are going down. The numbers are down over 34%,” Ryan said.

Main Street in downtown Memphis
Main Street in downtown Memphis

Devonte Payton works downtown and is optimistic about bringing businesses back to the neighborhood he loves.

“Yes, there is crime, but crime was everywhere. Yes, there are closures, but there have been closures everywhere,” Payton said. “For a lot of them, it’s foot traffic. There aren’t as many people coming into downtown as we did before the pandemic and trying to figure out how we can revitalize it or re-energize it so people can get back into the heart of the city.”

The Downtown Memphis Commission has hired a commercial strategist to work with business owners and recruit new ones. Popular events are on the program to attract crowds again.

“We host events like Downtown Dining Week and other events like Alley Dayz and do everything we can to increase traffic downtown,” Ryan said.

It’s all music to the Williams’ ears.

“I think the more we come, the more we invest in our downtown, the more people will feel safe and the more people will come back and work,” Williams said.

Monique Williams, owner of Biscuits and Jams
Monique Williams, owner of Biscuits and Jams(Action News 5)

She hopes this will create a recipe for success, not just for her restaurant, but for downtown as a whole.

“All I see is growth and potential, so I’m excited about that,” Williams said.

Downtown Dining Week begins Monday, November 4th and runs through Sunday, November 10th.

More than 50 restaurants offer specials and special menu items. So return to one of your favorite restaurants – or try something new! For specific details click here.

To learn more about the Downtown Memphis Commission’s incentives and programs, click here.

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