Memphis Restaurant Association calls on Memphis and Shelby County leaders to address crime

Omer Yusuf, Memphis Commercial Appeal
·4 min read
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After a number of recent break-ins and thefts at multiple restaurants in the Memphis area, Memphis restaurateurs are calling on elected officials to come up with a better plan to address crime.

Memphis Restaurant Association President Mike Miller sent a letter to Memphis City Councilmembers, Shelby County Commissioners and both Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris this week addressing restaurants' concerns.

“We witnessed our community seek shelter, in fear for their lives, while simply attempting to enjoy what our industry offers,” the letter reads in part. “We have had staff members shot, restaurants robbed and vandalized, and our patrons’ and employees’ vehicles broken into on seemingly a daily basis."

“Through all this our people, our families, have not succumbed to fear,” the letter continues. “They have consistently responded with compassion, concern and responsibility for the safety of our patrons and each other. To all those affected by these horrific acts, we are with you, and thank you for your continued support.”

Memphis Police Department officers respond to a “potential armed party” at Ubee’s on Highland Street near the University of Memphis in Memphis, Tenn., on May 2, 2023. FOX13 News’ station, which is next to Ubee’s, reported that a bullet “fell outside the front door of the lobby,” when a shot was fired at the station.
Memphis Police Department officers respond to a “potential armed party” at Ubee’s on Highland Street near the University of Memphis in Memphis, Tenn., on May 2, 2023. FOX13 News’ station, which is next to Ubee’s, reported that a bullet “fell outside the front door of the lobby,” when a shot was fired at the station.

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Fear and concern from Memphis restaurateurs have continually increased in recent months after a number of high-profile incidents that have left them searching for solutions and leading to this letter calling for change.

"Memphis restaurants are at the core of our identity as a community," Miller wrote, who is also owner of Patrick's Neighborhood Bar and Patio in East Memphis. "We employ thousands of Memphians. We drive millions in sales tax dollars. We bring tourism and pride to our city. All of which are threatened by the lawlessness that is upon us. It is past time. We implore our legislative and law enforcement leaders to act immediately and decisively."

Miller issues the following questions to elected officials in his letter and also added in the short-term he wants to see more Memphis Police Department officers on the streets to combat this.

  • What specific actions are you taking to address the increase in violent crimes in our city?

  • How will you ensure that law enforcement agencies have the necessary resources to combat violent crime in our community?

  • How can residents and business owners of our city help support efforts to reduce violent crime?

  • What is the current staffing level of Memphis Police Department, and what is the target number of officers?

  • What is the plan to achieve these staffing goals?

  • When businesses ask for help in additional policing, what should they expect in response?

  • What is the policy regarding GSW (gunshot) patients being released from treatment prior to police questioning?

“I would like to see some action and hopefully we get some answers from the mayors and City Council, County Commission on what is the plan,” Miller said. “What are we going to do besides what we’ve been doing, which is not working.”

Shelby County Commissioner Mick Wright mentioned the letter from restaurateurs during a committee meeting Wednesday, saying commissioners are often asked how they are addressing public safety.

Shelby County Commissioner Mick Wright
Shelby County Commissioner Mick Wright

Apart from creating a public safety ad hoc committee and approving the Crime Commission's safe communities plan, Wright said he couldn't think of anything else that had been done.

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He has asked for a public safety fund in the current budget cycle, Wright said, something the mayor has included in his proposed budget.

“This is having a dramatic impact not only on those who are being shot and transported to Regional One Health or getting their car stolen, but it’s meaning these restaurants, businesses are losing revenue and it’s going to have a bigger impact on our economy as well,” Wright said.

During a later discussion on the Shelby County Sheriff's budget, Commission Vice Chair Miska Clay Bibbs said she want to ask the sheriff, who is expected to speak with the commission next week, “How is the Sheriff’s Department and the MPD working together around a concentrated effort of what Memphis and Shelby County looks like regarding crime? At this point our constituents… there’s something happening every night.”

Commercial Appeal reporter Katherine Burgess contributed to this report.

Omer Yusuf covers the Ford project in Haywood County, FedEx, tourism and banking for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached via email Omer.Yusuf@commercialappeal.com or followed on Twitter @OmerAYusuf.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis restaurant leaders call on elected officials to address crime