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Black-owned restaurant owner says community support helping revive metro business

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — On social media you're seeing a lot of people post about the kind of change they want to see in the world following the death of George Floyd.

One of the calls is for supporting black-owned businesses in metro Atlanta.

The owner of one of those businesses told Channel 2’s Lori Wilson it’s giving him encouragement.

There is a new call to support black-owned businesses in metro Atlanta.

“The support of the black community means everything. And the reason why our business is consistent and successful,” said Sims Walker, co-owner of Ms. Icey’s Kitchen and Bar.

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Walker says restaurant on Clairmont Road in Decatur has lost 95 percent of their business when they only offered food to-go because of COVID-19.

Their dining room just reopened, but Walker says business has been slow until Ms. Icey’s was added to a list of black-owned businesses.

“It was amazing. We're thankful for the recognition,” Walker said. “I think the response to that list has been awesome.”

Walker says he's grateful to everyone bringing awareness to the cause on the street and on social media.

And because of that awareness, Walker says he's got a whole new coalition of customers.

“I’ve noticed that we also have our white neighbors that are calling in saying, ‘Hey I saw this list and I want to order and support from you guys in response to that,’” Walker said. “So you know the effects of it are definitely positive, and I hope that that continues.”