A new city program has helped downtown businesses make something beautiful out of these dark times.
Eligible businesses have taken advantage of a $2,000 grant to not only secure their buildings during the shut down but also to showcase the work of local artists.
About 25 businesses have taken advantage so far. While many of them are understandably upset about the shutdown, they are also looking towards the future and better days ahead. For more information see the program information online.
You can take a tour of the artwork by following this map safely from your car. Please follow social distancing guidelines if you visit in person. Click this link for the map or see it below.
Here is a list of the businesses that have participated in the program. We talked to some of the owners about how they are handling the shut down and how you can show your support for our small business community.
7th & Carson 616 E. Carson Ave.
After being open for 2.5 years and enjoying critical acclaim from the Nevada Restaurant Association, and Forbes, they were sadly forced to close for two weeks. Thankfully, they worked with our business licensing team to change their business license. Now, they have reopened as a corner market to provide grocery items, packaged liquor, wine, pantry items and other favorites from their brunch and dinner menus. “I look forward to the future of downtown and our community growing together,” owner Liam Dwyer said. Learn more about his business here: https://www.7thandcarson.com/
Antique Alley Mall 1126 S. Main St.
For this family-owned business of three years, the shutdown has been hard but they also worry about the 63 vendors that they support. They look forward to welcoming shoppers again after the shutdown and say they have something for everyone in their unique shop in the heart of the Arts District.
Carson Kitchen 124 S. Sixth St., Suite 100
Carson Kitchen in downtown Las Vegas has been devastated by COVD-ID, leaving it at a complete closure. During this difficult time, the business is doing what families do at a time like this -- trying to support each other. Carson Kitchen was the first original concept developed between restaurateur Matt Harwell, and the late Chef Kerry Simon. In his career, Simon said that this little joint in DTLV was his absolute favorite, and that's something the restaurant is very proud to uphold each and every day. “The city’s Business Protection Program to help businesses has been truly inspiring, uplifting, helpful, and even necessary," said Harwell. "The fact that the city has acknowledged a need, taken action, and come alongside so many of us in this time is absolutely incredible. The sense of partnership is wonderfully encouraging, and is laying the groundwork for us to climb out of this as a neighborhood and community.”
Commonwealth 1028 E. Carson, Suite 200
Donut Bar Las Vegas 124 S. Sixth St., Suite 140
After calling downtown Las Vegas home for the past four years, the shop was forced to close during the shutdown. Known as the “MOST AWARD WINNING Donut Shop in the USA,” Donut Bar has become a sensation in Las Vegas after expanding from San Diego. Owner Joe Thomas says they are just trying to get through this hard time and miss everyone. When they reopen, he recommends trying their french toast donut, which is only served on Saturdays and Sundays. Keep up with their business on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DonutBarLasVegas/ and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/donutbarlv.
Downtown Cocktail Lounge 111 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Evel Pie 508 Fremont St.
After celebrating five years on Fremont East, Evel Pie was forced to close down during the shutdown. Thankfully, they have opened a pop-up location at Ada’s in Tivoli Village. You can place orders beginning at noon daily; orders are limited but you can see the menu at Popup.EvelPie.Com. Place a phone order at 702-840-6460 beginning at noon daily or order through Postmates.
FC Ice House 650 S. Main St.
Flippin Good 505 Fremont St.
Flippin Good Chicken on Fremont Street had to lay off all of its staff. By staying safe and practicing social distancing, the owners are preparing for the reopening of our community. “We love our downtown community and this grant from the city proves why we continue to invest in it, “ said Eric Scott -- “great people and leaders who support each other through thick and thin."
Inside Style 1119 S. Main St.
In business for 16 years, owner Marc Abelman says the phone has nearly stopped ringing. Still, he reminds us that “this too shall pass -- we are healthy and with loved ones.” When businesses are allowed to reopen, he recommends working with designer Jill Abelman and his team to “redesign your home that you have looked at for the last few months and you want to see your home in a whole new way!” You can learn more about their business here: http://insidestylehome.com/.
Jammin Vegas 1401 S. Main St.
Family owned and operated by three brothers that are the tie-dye artists, they wanted to make sure their facade was still attention-grabbing during the shutdown. Owner Jeremy Strebel says they are committed to a space expansion after being in business for the last three years, making this time extremely difficult for them. While their building has closed, they remain open for online sales. Neck jammers that cover your face and masks are available on their website https://jammintiedye.com/.
Josephine Skaught LLC (Hair Salon) 1025 S. First St.
JOSEHPINE SKAUGHT HAIRDRESSING in the Arts District had to shut down completely. To keep healthy, the owners are doing exercise and lots of yard work.
Le Thai 523 Fremont St.
Le Thai had to close its popular downtown restaurant. The company, however, was able to keep a portion of its employees by keeping its second location open for curbside pickup and delivery -- Le Thai 2 (2202 W. Charleston Blvd. #5). Business from customers is helping the company pay for health insurance for all of their enrolled employees at both locations. “We love downtown Las Vegas,” said Shauna Dong. “It captures what Las Vegas means to us as locals. It's not just about the flashy lifestyle as portrayed by the media, but a unique culture of which the city has organically become.” Le Thai focuses on unique Thai food and dining experience. They like to explore western flavors with Thai spices and their ingredients.
Love Story Chapel 628 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Owned by locals who were born and raised in Las Vegas, the chapel had built great momentum during their first four months of operation and were looking forward to a busy spring. The shutdown has forced them to close. “We have hope that we can come out of this stronger,” owner Rev. Arnold Garcia said. He reminds us that their wedding packages will be available as soon as the shutdown ends. Learn more about their wedding chapel online at https://lovestorywedandevents.com/.
Main Street Peddles 1400 S. Main St.
Majestic Repertory Theatre 1217 S Main St
The theatre is receiving zero incomedue to the closure. It has, however, started broadcasting live interactiveshows on its Instagram account and has started research on how to monetizethat. “Majestic Rep weathered the remodel of Main Street. Our doors were openedbefore our block became one-way, and our audiences continued to grow even whilethe asphalt was torn up. We finally hit our stride four years in, and will notlet this crisis destroy us. The human need to share stories has been in ussince the dawn of time, and our scrappy little company will continue to be apart of that history,” said Troy Heard.
Ninja Karaoke 1009 S. Main St.
ReBAR and Davy’s 1221/1225 S. Main St.
After four years in business, they have had to close the business down. Employing 20 people, it was not a decision that was reached lightly. When things are open again, the mystery beer is something owners say you should put on your must-try list. How are they staying strong? “Positive attitude and hope,” owner Charles Vlasic said.
Recycled Propaganda 1114 S. Main St., Suite 120
Retro Vegas 1131 S. Main St.
Retro Vegas on Fremont Street has seen its income dwindle due to the closure. The owners check their building every day as well as the neighbors and keep busy with a vacant rental. “We're so happy that Derek Stonebarger asked us to participate in adding art to our boarded-up building; we jumped at the chance a day or two before finding out about the city's Business Protection Program. Thank you Derek, the artists that participated and the city for recognizing what a gem the Arts District is to our fabulous city!” said Bill Johnson and Marc Comstock.
Santos Gusados Tacos and Beer 616 E. Carson Ave. Suite 140
Sin City Yoga 1231 S. Main St.
The studio has been open for 10 years and recently ownership in 2018 when instructors took the business over. Owners are doing what they can to still support their 22 instructors and employees during the shutdown and are trying to think creatively to not only offer classes online but provide the same connections and support that members rely on the studio for. “We truly miss our student-members and the liveliness of our neighborhood, and are hoping that everyone on Main Street can survive this to reopen safely and soon,” owner Natasha Landrum said. Learn more about their yoga classes at http://www.sincityyoga.com/.
Sure Thing Wedding Chapel 1110 Fremont St.
In business for just over a year, the shutdown has been especially hard for this female-owned business that relies almost exclusively on our tourism population. Most of their clients are from outside of the state of Nevada. They credit their landlord for working with them during this time and looking towards future opportunities, like elopements, when things pick back up. They also have a secret weapon: the only female Elvis impersonator in town. “We love downtown Las Vegas so much and we can't wait to get back to work when it's safe,” said owner Victoria Hogan. Learn more about their business at https://www.surethingchapel.com/.
Us Motel 2500 E. Fremont St.
In business since 1982, the hotel has found the Business Protection Program to be a major help as they work to keep their building safe while also showcasing the work of local artists. Built in 1955, owners have been very concerned about keeping it secured and look forward to once again welcoming guests back.
Viva La Vapor Smoke and Gifts 320 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite 101
For the last six years, owner Glenn Posey has supplied not only vape but also smoke and gift items. While their income has been decimated, they said they are doing what is being asked and staying home so we can all get back to our normal lives sooner rather than later. After the shutdown ends, he recommends checking out their culture art items and CBD selection.