A string of simultaneous business closures in the downtown Greensboro area has left many wondering why are so many beloved local staples closing?At the end of January, several businesses including Red Cinema, M’coul’s Public House, and Dame’s Chicken and Waffles closed their doors, with announcements that left residents little time to say final goodbyes.Zack Matheny, president and CEO of Downtown Greensboro Inc., said, “It’s not an anomaly; there are a lot of factors in the nation that restaurants are seeing, and it all hit at once for us.”Matheny cited rising food and alcohol costs as contributing factors that he said are not just impacting businesses in Greensboro, but across the country.Another staple, ‘Cille & ‘Scoe on South Elm Street, announced it will close in July after five years.”Last year was probably the worst it’s been in the five years of being open, even during COVID, it wasn’t as bad as it was in 2025,” explained co-owner Tara Reaves.Reaves said less downtown foot traffic over the years was another factor that impacted her business.She also said back-to-back winter storms at the end of January didn’t help.”When I saw the second one coming, I just broke down. I sent a screenshot over to Sean . I was like, What are we going to do?” she said.Reaves shared her experiences on social media, fueling a larger conversation about the struggles of entrepreneurship downtown. J’Mihyia and Paris Wilson, co-owners of Marjae’s Wine Bar and The Breakfast Spot, agree that entrepreneurship is a hard journey.The couple also took to social media to announce they were closing the doors of Marjae’s Wine Bar at their location off of Grecade Street.”There are so many factors that can be landlords. It can be the support from the community… It can be just, ‘Yeah, we just decided not to do it anymore,'” J’Mihyia said.”You’re watching dreamers, hard workers, families, neighbors, make difficult decisions,” Matheny said.Matheny said while closures like these are not uncommon, he hopes the community turns their shock into support.”When the snow melts, we’ve got ‘cabin fever’, we’re going to want to get out there,” he said. “And I hope folks will get out there and come support your local business.”Matheny said he is seeking advice from leaders in nearby cities like Charlotte and Durham, which have faced similar challenges, and is considering new ways to generate business downtown. He said they expect 10 new businesses to come to the area this year.
A string of simultaneous business closures in the downtown Greensboro area has left many wondering why are so many beloved local staples closing?
At the end of January, several businesses including Red Cinema, M’coul’s Public House, and Dame’s Chicken and Waffles closed their doors, with announcements that left residents little time to say final goodbyes.
Zack Matheny, president and CEO of Downtown Greensboro Inc., said, “It’s not an anomaly; there are a lot of factors in the nation that restaurants are seeing, and it all hit at once for us.”
Matheny cited rising food and alcohol costs as contributing factors that he said are not just impacting businesses in Greensboro, but across the country.
Another staple, ‘Cille & ‘Scoe on South Elm Street, announced it will close in July after five years.
“Last year was probably the worst it’s been in the five years of being open, even during COVID, it wasn’t as bad as it was in 2025,” explained co-owner Tara Reaves.
Reaves said less downtown foot traffic over the years was another factor that impacted her business.
She also said back-to-back winter storms at the end of January didn’t help.
“When I saw the second one coming, I just broke down. I sent a screenshot over to Sean [Reaves’ husband and co-owner]. I was like, What are we going to do?” she said.
Reaves shared her experiences on social media, fueling a larger conversation about the struggles of entrepreneurship downtown.
J’Mihyia and Paris Wilson, co-owners of Marjae’s Wine Bar and The Breakfast Spot, agree that entrepreneurship is a hard journey.
The couple also took to social media to announce they were closing the doors of Marjae’s Wine Bar at their location off of Grecade Street.
“There are so many factors that can be landlords. It can be the support from the community… It can be just, ‘Yeah, we just decided not to do it anymore,'” J’Mihyia said.
“You’re watching dreamers, hard workers, families, neighbors, make difficult decisions,” Matheny said.
Matheny said while closures like these are not uncommon, he hopes the community turns their shock into support.
“When the snow melts, we’ve got ‘cabin fever’, we’re going to want to get out there,” he said. “And I hope folks will get out there and come support your local business.”
Matheny said he is seeking advice from leaders in nearby cities like Charlotte and Durham, which have faced similar challenges, and is considering new ways to generate business downtown.
He said they expect 10 new businesses to come to the area this year.
