MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – The wait is finally over as plans for Whitehaven’s first Starbucks at the corner of Elvis Presley Blvd and Winchester have been leaked.
It’s not the only new coffee shop coming to the Whitehaven community or the only new business driving a new economic wave. People who live and work in Whitehaven saw an opportunity for economic progress along Elvis Presley Boulevard when Graceland expanded.
Tanya Bowley is on the board for the Greater Whitehaven Economic Redevelopment Corporation also known as GWERC. She came to the community in 1996 during an economic exodus, but now she sees a renaissance.
“Now with businesses coming back means we can stay here and shop, keep our own dollars here, and build our own community,” said Bowley.
GWERC secures grants and loans to businesses to encourage them to set up shop in Whitehaven.
“That is really exciting,” said Bowley. “The locally black-owned businesses can come here and thrive and do well.”
Businesses like Eggactly, which opens soon. In one year, GWERC shows investments, loans, and grants in the amount of nearly $14 million in more than a dozen new businesses along Elvis Presley Blvd creating 227 jobs.
This kind of activity is expected to grow more business, and Whitehaven is happy about it.
“I can stay here and buy a new pair of shoes now,” said Bowley.