Enough is Enough: A Birmingham Eatery's Fight Against Repeated Vandalism
In the heart of Five Points South, a small restaurant is fighting an uphill battle. Slide Café, known for its sliders and wings, has faced a relentless wave of vandalism. The owners, Chef Raquel Ervin and Angel Lenzie, have had their windows smashed five times in less than two years. They've had enough.
The restaurant sits above the former Hush Lounge, a site marred by a tragic mass shooting last year. But the problems at Slide Café go beyond just broken glass. The owners have faced:
- Personal assaults
- Stolen belongings
- Bullet holes in their breezeway
It's a constant struggle that's taking a toll on them, both emotionally and financially.
A Never-Ending Cycle
The owners have tried to handle things privately, but the situation has become unbearable. They've had to deal with:
- Cleanup and repairs
- Lost time
- Homeless people using their dining room inappropriately
It's a never-ending cycle of damage and disruption.
City Council Takes Notice
The city council has taken notice. Council member Crystal Smitherman has called for increased police presence in the area. She believes the restaurant is being targeted. Newly sworn-in council member Josh Vasa has also expressed concern about public safety. He wants Birmingham to remain a welcoming place for businesses.
A Plea for Peace
The owners of Slide Café are speaking out. They want the public to know what they're going through. They love their customers and their business, but they just want to operate in peace. They shouldn't have to endure this kind of chaos just to keep their doors open.
