Memphis Brunch Spot Sees 70% Revenue Drop After Guard Lockdown

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Biscuits & Jams, a popular downtown Memphis brunch spot, has seen its revenue plummet nearly 70% since National Guard troops started staying at the adjacent Hotel Indigo in mid-November 2026. The restaurant, which was the in-house food partner for the hotel, has reported days with as little as $100 in sales as the hotel has been "completely locked down" and the troops' meals are supplied elsewhere.

Why it matters

The financial struggles of Biscuits & Jams highlight the broader impact that the National Guard's presence in Memphis is having on local businesses. With the hotel fully booked and off-limits to the general public, the restaurant has lost its main source of foot traffic and catering jobs, putting its long-term viability in jeopardy.

The details

Biscuits & Jams co-owner Monique 'Chef Mo' Williams says the downtown location brought in just over $100,000 in December 2024 but only around $36,000 in December 2025, a 70% drop. Some days since the Guard's arrival have produced only about $100 in sales, and on one recent Friday at 12:30 p.m., the business had made around $500 for the entire day. The restaurant was specifically launched to serve as the in-house food partner for Hotel Indigo, a setup that brought in most of the spot's foot traffic and catering jobs.

• The National Guard's presence in Memphis began last fall as part of a federal 'Memphis Safe Task Force.'
• The Hotel Indigo has been fully booked with National Guard troops through September 30, 2026.
• The hotel has been "completely locked down" since mid-November 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Downtown businesses are watching to see how long the National Guard troops remain housed in local hotels, whether state or federal agencies step in to ease the financial hit on nearby merchants, and if hotel contracts shift as the situation unfolds.