Memphis’ Summer Avenue is home to many immigrant-owned and -oriented businesses, with restaurants dominating the strip between Mendenhall Road and Highland Street.

A year ago, those restaurants were bustling during the lunch and dinner rushes. Blue-collar workers dominated dining rooms during midday, and families often gathered for meals in the evenings. But much of that traffic has recently died down, according to local business owners who spoke to The Daily Memphian about their concerns. 

“This time of year is always slow for restaurants,” said Taylor Owen, who works at Kim Chai Chinese. “But this? This feels different.”

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