Outpouring of support keeps restaurant serving despite pandemic Customers step in to help Black-owned eatery
PHOTO | FAMOUS TOASTERY Justin and Kim Griffith, owners of a Famous Toastery franchise in Center City, rebounded from laying off 30 employees due to the pandemic when customers responded to their call to action in support of their Black-owned business. Justin Griffith knows how to get ready for high-pressure situations, but 12 years in the National Football League could not prepare him for 2020. The former fullback played for the Atlanta Falcons, Oakland (now Las Vegas) Raiders and Seattle Seahawks from 2003-09 and went on to coach with the Raiders. In 2018, he and his wife Kim became Famous Toastery franchisees at 330 S. Tryon St. Their restaurant is conveniently located on one of the busiest streets in Uptown, with frequent foot traffic from people heading into work, grabbing a bite with friends and family, or enjoying a meal before a Carolina Panthers game.