MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Business owners in the Pinch District shared their reactions Monday to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s planned expansion.
St. Jude said it plans to execute a $7 billion plan that will bring in more than 1,000 new jobs.
That plan includes getting more patients in clinical trials, working more with proton therapy and doing more internationally to save children in different countries.
“I think it’s a happy time for the city,” Westy’s owner Jake Schorr said. His restaurant has been in the Pinch District about 32 years.
“We’re ready,” he said, referring to serving lunch to the new employees in the neighborhood.
Another business owner told WREG that he does not think the expansion will do anything for him. He said the Bass Pro Pyramid did not boost his business, and he does not think the St. Jude construction will either.
There are also some vacant businesses in that area.
St. Jude told WREG an official should be available Wednesday to share more about the expansion, which is part of a six-year strategy.
Schorr said the expansion is about more than just the Pinch District. He said the expansion matters for patients and the rest of Memphis.
“The industries of housing, grocery stores and wherever it may be is incredible. If you look at more people coming, Memphis wins again,” Schorr said.
Northaven resident Eric Jones told WREG the expansion is a “gift from God.”
