MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Bass Pro Shops at the pyramid is scheduled to open this week, but the impact it will have on downtown businesses remains to be seen.
The Pinch District did not get a pedestrian bridge linking them to the pyramid, and some feared the lack of connection could mean they lose out on business.
Jake Schorr said his restaurant Westys was already raking in profits thanks to Bass Pro.
With the grand opening just days away, construction crews said they were scrambling to put finishing touches on the wilderness themed megastore.
But noticeably absent was a pedestrian bridge connecting the pyramid to the Pinch District.
Schorr admited it could be a while before people learn how to navigate between the two.
“I don’t know what will happen the first week or two. there will probably be more clutter, because you can’t get from here to there,” he said.
But with huge crowds expected, Schorr said parking may become an issue for the pyramid.
“There’s not enough parking at Bass Pro for the business they’re going to have,” he said.
It is an issue that may end up paying off for businesses like Westys, because Schorr said people will have to park north and south of Jefferson.
But ultimately, he said in the Bluff City, what is good for one is good for all.
“We will win. Our staff will win, and I’m just happy to have something else selling Memphis. It is not Bass Pro. It is not Pinch. It is Memphis,” he said.
