The closure of Big Whiskey in Little Rock’s River Market raises questions

Little Rock, Arkansas – You might have noticed the increasing amount of empty buildings if you’ve ever been around Little Rock’s River Market in downtown. Many stores and eateries have shut down in recent years.

The newest addition to that list is Big Whiskey’s, but according to Ward 1 City Director Virgil Miller Jr., they are certain that the doors won’t remain closed for long.

“Anytime a business closes it’s not something that we like but business comes and goes,” Miller said.

Every business has a life cycle, according to Gabe Holmstrom of the Downtown Little Rock Partnership, and while some will close, the river market will continue to expand.

“I have no doubt that new operators are going to use that opportunity to move in to try their concept,” Holmstrom said.

He added that there are a lot of promising things in store for us.

Miller concurs but said that creating a community that supports the local companies is just as important as filling those spaces.

“When we support the businesses that are there, guess what? They stay in business,” Miller said.