MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - The Greater Memphis Greenline celebrates its' first birthday the weekend of October 1, 2011. In the 12 months it's been open, business has been booming for restaurants and shops located along the trail.
"From day one when the Greenline opened," says Fitz Dearmore, owner of Republic Coffee, "my staff arrived at six in the morning and there were 10 runners out front waiting. They wanted to get tanked up and go run the new trail."
Dearmore says the popularity of the Greenline is a big reason why his business is seeing more green.
"In the spring month to month, versus last year when the Greenline wasn't open," he tells abc24.com, "we saw a 20 percent growth in business."
Richard Batt manages Vito's on Walnut Grove. Batt tells abc24.com the Greenline is the reason Vito's exists.
"With people coming in on the Greenline, they can bike up here and get a healthy alternative to the fast food stuff. Bikers are coming by now that the weather is nicer and they're enjoying the outdoors more. They're riding around seeing the Greenline and what's out here."
Republic Coffee supersized its menu because of the increase in business.
"We've had to expand our brunch opportunities to meet the demand of the customers coming in," says Dearmore.
The Greenline celebration includes a block party from noon to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 1st, and a half-marathon on Sunday starts at 8:00 a.m.
