Tornadoes walloped the artsy enclave on May 10, but tenants are not giving up.
Two deadly tornadoes converged in Tallahassee’s Railroad Square Art District on May 10. This colorful and quirky collection of galleries, restaurants, vintage shops and offbeat attractions were seriously damaged, some buildings destroyed.
Caribbean-themed Pineappetit, owned by chef Sam Burgess, has reopened in Railroad Square. Photo credit / Pineappetit
The future of the district remains uncertain. But remarkably, at least 22 tenants have reopened and they are ready to welcome customers to the first post-tornado First Friday. This includes the collection of very cool restaurants in Railroad Square: Halisi Africa, Pineappetit, Flamingoz A Taste of Miami, Sweet Boozy Cakes Bakery and Cafe, Deja Vu Venezuelan Food and Miami Juice Bar along with food trucks.
The event is from 6 to 9 p.m. June 7.
Railroad Square was seriously damaged by the tornadoes that swept through Tallahassee on May 10, but many businesses were spared and they have reopened. Photo Credit / Railroad Square Arts District
Areas of destruction have been fenced off, and roads inside Railroad Square will be closed for First Friday. But don’t let that keep you away. The group, Arts and Cultural Experiences at Railroad Square, Inc. (ACERS), will be offering free shuttle service and off-site parking.
There’s still construction on Railroad Avenue so look for on-street spots on FAMU Way. In addition, free parking will be provided at the parking lot near the FAMU Child Development Center, 459 FAMU Way. Shuttle bus service will be available beginning at 5:30 pm, running approximately every 15 minutes. Roads will close by 6 p.m. to ensure pedestrian safety. The last shuttle will leave at 9:15 p.m.
Sweet Boozy Cakes Bakery and Cafe was hit hard by the tornadoes but owner/chef Artesa Anderson has been able to get her space back in shape. She’ll reopen for First Friday. Photo credit / Artesa Anderson
This is a great time to show your support for the tenants in the artsy area, an enclave of creative folks, small businesses restaurants and fun destinations.
Railroad Square has created a support page for its businesses with their stories and ways you can help. Check out artdistrict.com/support.
Here are the businesses that are open so far, according to Railroad Square. Please add if I’ve missed any.
Campus Greek & Embroidery Shop
FOTO studio (by appointment)
Lake of Fire (open until Sunday – offering a “fill a box” sale on used books)
Prime Tattoo Company (by appointment)
Sweet Boozy Cakes Bakery and Cafe
Tallahassee Vintage
Lotus Flower Candles & Wellness
