MEMPHIS, Tenn. — People in the Pinch District said they hoped the Bass Pro Shop would bring traffic to the area.
However the opening was also a little bittersweet.
After waiting for years for Bass Pro to open, some businesses decided they couldn’t wait any longer for the added traffic.
But those that remained have hope.
“A lot of people have been holding and waiting for a few years but now it’s here,” said Jimmy Ogle a Memphis historian who often gives tours of the Pinch District. “I’m sure it’s very bittersweet.”
Ogle told WREG he has seen the area go through its ups and downs.
When the pyramid opened in the early 90s, tons of parking spaces were created.
However when it closed, those empty parking lots made business a bit more difficult for existing shops in the area.
“That’s not a lot of synergy there for the businesses that hung on, a couple closed, a couple are still open,” he explained.
Open for more than 30 years, Westys was the last full service bar and restaurant in the Memphis’ oldest district.
But the owner said that could change; he wanted to see more restaurants to once again be his neighbors.
“I want somebody else here,” said owner Jake Schorr.
Schorr said he’s been waiting for this day for years.
“Bass Pro is a plus,” he said. “Should somebody be interested in coming. Come on down, see me and I will help you get it together and talk about my experiences both good and bad.”
People in the Pinch District said property owners with empty building have just been waiting until Bass Pro was actually up and running before they decided what to do next and there could be more construction soon.