Memphis Restaurant Sees 70% Revenue Drop After National Guard Books Adjacent Hotel

Co-owner says business model depends on hotel guests, who are now displaced by National Guard troops.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Monique Williams, co-owner of Biscuits and Jams restaurant in downtown Memphis, says her business has seen a nearly 70% drop in revenue since the National Guard booked the adjacent Hotel Indigo, where her restaurant served as the hotel's food supplier. Williams says the bulk of her business came from hotel guests, including catering needs, but with the National Guard troops now occupying the hotel, her primary customer base has been eliminated.

Why it matters

This case highlights the unintended consequences that can arise when government decisions, even those made with good intentions, fail to consider the impact on local businesses. The deployment of National Guard troops to address public safety concerns has had a devastating effect on this small, locally-owned restaurant that was dependent on the hotel's guests.

The details

According to Williams, Biscuits and Jams opened its downtown location specifically to serve as the food supplier for the Hotel Indigo. The restaurant's business model was heavily reliant on hotel guests, including catering services. However, since the National Guard troops began occupying the hotel in mid-November, Williams says revenue has plummeted from over $100,000 in December 2024 to just over $36,000 in December 2025. Some days, the restaurant has made as little as $100.

  • In mid-November, the National Guard troops began occupying the adjacent Hotel Indigo.
  • In December 2024, the restaurant brought in just over $100,000.
  • In December 2025, about a month after the National Guard began staying at Hotel Indigo, revenue dropped to just over $36,000.

The players

Monique Williams

Co-owner of Biscuits and Jams restaurant in downtown Memphis.

Hotel Indigo

The hotel adjacent to Biscuits and Jams restaurant, which was the primary source of customers for the restaurant.

National Guard

The military troops who began occupying the Hotel Indigo in mid-November, displacing the hotel's regular guests and eliminating the restaurant's primary customer base.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know how we are going to make it. To be honest with you. Not here.”

— Monique Williams, Co-owner of Biscuits and Jams (WMC/Gray News)

“We have literally had days since the change where we've made $100 a day. $100.”

— Monique Williams, Co-owner of Biscuits and Jams (WMC/Gray News)

“When that decision was made, we should have taken a look at how it would affect our city in this economy. It's not fair, it's not fair to a business that I worked hard to start. It's not fair to the people that come to work every day to get an honest living.”

— Monique Williams, Co-owner of Biscuits and Jams (WMC/Gray News)

What’s next

Williams said she is unsure if the restaurant will be able to make it through the next month, let alone until October when the National Guard's occupation of the hotel is expected to end.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for government decision-makers to carefully consider the potential ripple effects on local businesses when implementing policies or deploying resources, even if those decisions are made with the best intentions. Small, locally-owned businesses can be devastated by unintended consequences, underscoring the importance of comprehensive impact assessments before major actions are taken.