OLD HICKORY, Tenn. (WTVF) — After being forced to shut down by the Metro Public Health Department, a community is rallying around a small business in Old Hickory.
A benefit concert was held in the parking lot of the Full Throttle Bar and Grill to raise money for the owners.
In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 Metro Public Health Department closed businesses that sell more alcohol than food through July 31 but, Full Throttle stayed open, which was a violation of the public health order. A few days later health officials returned with a warrant saying the business had to be closed.
Performers took the stage in the parking lot to show their support and help offset the cost of shutting down.
"We're all really angry the way is being handled." said organizer Penny Samson, "and this pandemic is really killing smaller businesses. This closure was not fair, he did the best he could do trying to do everything right but closing like that is startling for them."
Musician Jasmine Cain says she knows all too well the struggles people are going through trying to work during this pandemic.
"We are all fighting for our businesses, I mean musicians are a business and we're all trying to stay alive and operational," Cain said.
This is the second time during the pandemic Full Throttle has had to close their doors. They only began operating in February with all the proper licenses.
There is also a GoFundMe page that has been set up to help with the legal fees. The owners say the retainer alone is averaging between $7500-12000. Money from the GoFundMe will be used to pay attorney fees, court costs and anything left will go towards helping the employees who have lost their source of income.
