Enough is Enough: A Birmingham Eatery's Fight Against Repeated Vandalism

In the heart of Five Points South, a small restaurant is fighting an uphill battle. Slide Café, known for its sliders and wings, has faced a relentless wave of vandalism. The owners, Chef Raquel Ervin and Angel Lenzie, have had their windows smashed five times in less than two years. They've had enough. The restaurant sits above the former Hush Lounge, a site marred by a tragic mass shooting last year. But the problems at Slide Café go beyond just broken glass. The owners have faced personal assaults, stolen belongings, and even bullet holes in their breezeway. It's a constant struggle that's taking a toll on them, both emotionally and financially. The owners have tried to handle things privately, but the situation has become unbearable. They've had to deal with cleanup, repairs, and lost time. They've even had to deal with homeless people using their dining room inappropriately. It's a never-ending cycle of damage and disruption. The city council has taken notice. Council member Crystal Smitherman has called for increased police presence in the area. She believes the restaurant is being targeted. Newly sworn-in council member Josh Vasa has also expressed concern about public safety. He wants Birmingham to remain a welcoming place for businesses. The owners of Slide Café are speaking out. They want the public to know what they're going through. They love their customers and their business, but they just want to operate in peace. They shouldn't have to endure this kind of chaos just to keep their doors open.