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Beloved soul food restaurant is struggling due to COVID-19 impact

Posted at 6:37 AM, Apr 09, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-09 14:08:18-04

MILWAUKEE — Mr. Perkins, located at 2001 W Atkinson Ave., is a family-owned business that’s been in operation for five decades.

The owner, Cherry Perkins, said it’s a blessing to have been open over the years. She credits their success to faith in God, good food and good people.

“We are trying to stay in the community. We have had great success in the business and I’m not ready to go away,” said Cherry.

Recently, the restaurant known for their soul food is struggling. Business is down 70% and they have had to scaled back on hours. The restaurant, located at 2001 W Atkinson Ave, is now only open on Fridays and Saturdays, except for Soul Food Sunday, which is the first of the month.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like this from a business perspective,”said Cherry.

Cherry said the coronavirus pandemic has made things especially hard for her family. Her brother and sister, who live out of state, both recently underwent surgery but due to COVID-19, she has not been able to visit them.

Although times are hard, Cherry is thankful for her health and she is confident her faith will get her through this.

“I fall back on my faith I’m a god fearing woman I love the lord and I now know he will see us through this,” said Cherry.

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