Marigold’s Golden Counter on Madison’s near east side is temporarily closed.
“Like so many of our neighbors, we’ve personally and professionally felt the impact of this tragic event,” the company said in a statement about the police killing of Corey Ruiz on July 22.
In the weeks it has been open, the Golden Counter, whose owners also own Marigold Kitchen, has been serving breakfast and lunch at 1511 Williamson St.
Owners Kristy Blossom Heine and her husband Clark Heine said in the statement that closing now “gives us the best opportunity to reopen successfully once our neighborhood begins to recover. This decision also weighs heavily on us because it means fewer hours for our amazing staff.”
This pause in business comes at a time when the intersection of Williamson and Baldwin streets nearby is closed due to protester encampments.
Shops and restaurants in the area of the shooting have reported slow to nonexistent business. One person In Business Madison spoke to, who didn’t want to use their name, wasn’t sure their business would last much longer due to the loss of shoppers.
Some, like St. Vinny’s Thrift Store on 1309 Williamson St., closed after the shooting. It reopened Friday with normal business hours.
“The safety and well-being of our employees and shoppers has been our highest priority during this time,” St. Vinny’s said in a statement. “We closed the store immediately following the incident and remained closed while city street closures prevented normal operations.
“Throughout the past week, we’ve worked closely with the mayor’s office and a community liaison to determine when it would be safe to reopen.”
The Willy Street Co-op at 1221 Williamson St. said store traffic is down.
“Willy Street Co-op East is the store directly affected, and we have seen fewer customers there,” Willy Street Co-op marketing and communications director Brendon Smith said in a statement. “Co-op staff and shoppers have generally been quieter and more introspective. There is a shared sense that this is not an ordinary moment for the neighborhood or the Co-op.”
On Thursday, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said in a statement that what is happening at the intersection is not sustainable, especially for businesses.
“We are also hearing from Marquette neighborhood residents that they can’t sleep, can’t conduct business, are experiencing financial hardships and can’t safely move around the neighborhood.
“Those who also want real change after the police shooting of Corey Ruiz are increasingly failing to understand and losing patience with a protest tactic that seems misaligned with bringing the community together.”
Rhodes-Conway said city staff, elected officials and neighborhood leaders are working with residents and businesses to address their concerns.
