Tough week for Memphis restaurants as many shut their doors due to weather

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - This week’s winter weather was a gut punch to some local restaurants, losing significant profit when many were forced to close their doors for several days.

Ralph Johnson owns the vegan restaurant Plant Based Heat on Highland and Front Streets.

Both locations had been closed since Tuesday thanks to the wintry weather that shut down much of the city.

“So we have just been closed all week so my thought is always my employees because they work hourly and if they don’t work they don’t get a check,” said Johnson.

Johnson spent Friday morning driving around to pick up his employees who couldn’t travel to work due to the hazardous traveling conditions.

Doing whatever he can to open his doors.

Restauranteur Kelly English is one of many people taking to social media asking Mid-Southerners to patronize local restaurants in the coming days from what’s not only been a tough week but a tough year.

" You know things have changed a little bit from maybe six months ago.

In the last 3 or 4 months the numbers business-wise the numbers have gone down.

I do t think it’s anything we’re doing anything wrong as a business,” said Johnson.

Johnson isn’t sure if it’s crime, inflation, or people just not eating out as much, “I’m an entrepreneur so you know those things happen. It’s a roller coaster ride,” said Johnson.

To make matters worse, MLGW issued a boil water notice Friday for all customers, adding another obstacle for restaurant owners.

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