MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - If you take a stroll on South Main in Downtown Memphis, you're going to notice changes. The Downtown Memphis Commission is working on a rebirth for the historic district.
See the Difference Interiors has been a staple in the South Main District for 7 years.
Unfortunately, after dealing with a few disloyal employees who are now being investigated for embezzling from owner Diane Gordan, she decided to close her store. But, she is still designing.
And as one door closes, there are others opening.
The current President of the South Main Association, Cynthia Grawemeyer, has opened two new businesses with her husband and two daughters: Everleah's at Station Square, a women's clothing store, and Rizzo's Restaurant, where they're building an outdoor patio for the restaurant right now.
"The time is here and now for South Main Street, I see it coming alive," said Grawemeyer. "This store my daughters have opened has only been open for a few months, and in that time they have managed to turn over inventory several times."
This month they will open Grawemeyer's Restaurant with a 1900's theme that will also have a bar and bakery. They're also opening Sir Samuels, a men's clothing store.
They're using a retail forgivable loan from the Center City Commission to help with Sir Samuels.
Grawemeyer says, "It's the only property we chose to apply for a grant because it was such a large scale project and needed more funding."
The Center City Commission jump started new businesses on main by investing the same amount of money the owners invested, hoping they draw customers and stay open.
