The DoubleTree by Hilton Memphis, a prominent hotel located at 185 Union Avenue, is set to permanently close its doors on November 30. This closure will result in the layoff of 88 employees, according to official documents filed under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act. The news was formally communicated to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development on September 30.
This development marks a significant change for the local hospitality sector and the affected workforce in Memphis. The hotel's decision to cease operations highlights ongoing challenges within the industry, particularly for established properties in competitive urban markets.
Key Takeaways
- DoubleTree by Hilton Memphis will close permanently on November 30.
- The closure affects 88 employees.
- A WARN notice was filed on September 30.
- Affected workers will receive support from the Greater Memphis Local Workforce Development Area.
Hotel Closure Details and Timeline
The official WARN notice confirms the permanent closure of the DoubleTree by Hilton Memphis. This action will become effective on November 30. The hotel, situated at 185 Union Avenue, has been a part of the downtown Memphis landscape for years.
The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development's Dislocated Worker Unit received notification about the impending closure on September 30. This notification is a legal requirement under federal law, designed to provide advance warning to employees and state agencies about mass layoffs or plant closures.
Fact: The WARN Act
The federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act requires employers with 100 or more employees to provide 60 days' notice of plant closings and mass layoffs. This notice allows workers and their families time to prepare for the job loss and helps state agencies provide reemployment services.
Impact on Employees and Support Services
The closure directly impacts 88 individuals currently employed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Memphis. These employees hold various positions across hotel operations, including front desk staff, housekeeping, food and beverage services, and management.
According to official documents, the employees affected by this closure will be connected with the Greater Memphis Local Workforce Development Area. This organization is responsible for coordinating services aimed at assisting dislocated workers. These services typically include job placement assistance, career counseling, and access to training programs.
"The Department of Labor and Workforce Development's Dislocated Worker Unit was notified on September 30," official documents stated, confirming the start of the formal process for employee support.
Assistance for Dislocated Workers
The Dislocated Worker Unit plays a critical role in helping individuals transition to new employment. Their support can include resume building workshops, interview coaching, and information on unemployment benefits. For more information regarding these services, the Dislocated Worker Unit can be contacted directly at (615)-253-6355.
The sudden nature of job loss can be challenging for individuals and families. The resources provided by the workforce development area aim to mitigate some of these difficulties by offering practical support and guidance during the job search process.
Economic Context for Hotel Closures
Hotel closures, especially in urban centers, can reflect broader economic trends. Factors such as fluctuating tourism demand, increased operational costs, and intense market competition often influence these decisions. The hospitality industry has faced significant shifts in recent years, requiring businesses to adapt to new consumer behaviors and economic pressures.
Memphis, like many cities, has a dynamic hotel market. New developments and renovations can sometimes put pressure on older properties. The specific reasons for the DoubleTree by Hilton Memphis closure were not detailed in the WARN notice, which primarily focuses on the impact on employees.
Memphis Hospitality Landscape
Memphis is a key tourist destination, known for its music history, cultural attractions, and business conventions. The city's hotel sector is competitive, with a mix of national chains and independent establishments. Changes in this market can affect hundreds of jobs and local economic activity.
Broader Implications for the Memphis Economy
The closure of a hotel like the DoubleTree by Hilton Memphis has ripple effects beyond its immediate employees. It can impact local suppliers, nearby businesses that rely on hotel guests, and the city's overall capacity to host visitors.
While 88 jobs represent a fraction of the city's total workforce, each job loss is significant for the individual and their family. The coordinated effort by the Dislocated Worker Unit aims to help these individuals quickly re-enter the workforce, minimizing the long-term economic impact on them and the community.
Looking Ahead
The Memphis business community will monitor the situation closely. City leaders and economic development agencies often work to attract new businesses and support existing ones to ensure a resilient local economy. The focus will now be on supporting the affected workers and understanding any broader implications for the city's hospitality sector.
The permanent closure on November 30 will mark the end of the DoubleTree by Hilton Memphis's operations at its Union Avenue location. The efforts to support the 88 impacted employees will continue in the coming weeks and months.
