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Businesses in uptown Charlotte hurting after violent protests

Businesses in uptown Charlotte are trying to get customers back through the doors after violent protests kept a lot of people out of center city.

PHOTOS: Uptown businesses damaged during second night of protests

Co-owner of Sea Level restaurant Andrew Chapman said while his business wasn’t physically damaged by last week’s protests, it did take a financial hit.

Chapman said the protests, police and National Guard scared away patrons, and now the restaurant is working to get back on its feet after deciding to close Sea Level last Thursday.

“Sales were down almost 85 percent. The strength of our business is Wednesday through Saturday so we felt that impact greatly,” Chapman said.

Sea Level has reopened, but business is slow, forcing Chapman to cut staff hours. He said some have picked up shifts at partner restaurants.

Charlotte Center City Partners CEO Michael Smith is urging regulars to start revisiting their favorite spots in uptown.

“Hospitality businesses are highly susceptible to disruption,” Smith said.

But, he said, since the Hyatt House invited local artists to decorate their vandalized hotel this week, it has become a sign of hope.

“The obstacles have been lifted, the National Guard, the state of emergency, I think that will help people become more comfortable with traveling uptown,” Smith said.

Businesses hope customers will return this weekend, which could help give them the bounce back they need.

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