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New fund launched to aid small businesses impacted by Sunday unrest: Here's how you can help

A new fund has been created in Birmingham to aid businesses that were affected by the rioting and unrest that occurred Sunday night in downtown Birmingham. The Birmingham Business Relief Fund will support small businesses and storefronts that sustained damage during the unrest, which prompted a nightly curfew that will begin on Monday at 7 p.m. The new fund will be administered by the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham. Spire will provide seed money for the fund, which is a collaborative effort between REV Birmingham, Urban Impact, the Birmingham Business Alliance, the city of Birmingham and the Community Foundation. You can find more details and make donations here.

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Customers returning downtown; First Friday for June won’t

First Friday in downtown Gadsden has become a signature event, drawing large numbers of people to enjoy music, visit food vendors and local restaurants, and local retailers staying open late to welcome them in. But Downtown Gadsden Inc. Executive Director Kay Moore said because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the event won’t be back for June. “I want to be careful,” Moore said, before hosting an event that brings 10,000 people to gather in a few blocks of Broad Street where it is not possible to social distance as recommended by health care officials.

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DOWNTOWN TURNAROUND: Temporary parklets will raise revenue for restaurants

Hoping to throw a lifeline to downtown Athens restaurants and retail stores, city officials have agreed to let restaurants temporarily block off parking spaces for use as outdoor dining space. By allowing restaurants to take the action over the next four to six weeks, restaurants could recoup losses suffered during the state shutdown to fight novel coronavirus. Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks is allowing restaurants to apply convert lots to outdoor dining. Athens City Council members approved the mayor's action during the council meeting Monday.

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Gadsden salon won't open until next week so owners can take extra precautions

GADSDEN, Ala. (WBRC) - Even though Governor Ivey gave the OK for salons to open Monday, the owners of one salon in Gadsden say they aren't ready to take that step yet. The Moxie Salon, located in the old Printup Hotel in downtown Gadsden, will remain closed until next week. Brad Norris, who co-owns the salon with his wife, says he wants to go above and beyond to keep his business safe for its customers.

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Alabama reopens: Is it worth it?

Alabama opened in ways Monday, tentative and halting and with varying degrees of enthusiasm. At the Fish Market in downtown Birmingham, where George Sarris has held court for 37 years, the restaurant opened for lunch, but served only about a dozen customers in the first two hours, he said. They ate off plastic plates, with individually wrapped condiments, on tables clean but far apart. It was dining out, but he admitted it lacked the typical “vibe.”

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