Alamo Trial Brings Economic Boom
By: Mario Boone
Updated: July 24, 2009
Local restaurants and other downtown businesses in Texarkana are getting a much needed boost thanks to the Tony Alamo federal trial. Merfield's Deli is directly across the street from the courthouse and has seen its business double. Dozens of defense lawyers, prosecutors, media, and federal police make the short walk over to Merfield's for breakfast or lunch.
Restaurant worker Laura Booth says given the lagging economy, the extra business has tremendously helped their bottom line. Just one week ago things were barely at a crawl. Now there's a line almost out the door. Booth hopes people continue shopping downtown even after the trial is over.
