'Get the hell out of Franklinton' written outside Black-owned business

The owners of a Black-owned business in Franklinton said they have been targeted with a message to get out of town.

"Get the hell out of Franklinton," was written in sidewalk chalk outside Jamaican Patty Shack, at 19 S Main St., and the business' windows were shattered.

But, the restaurant's owners said they won't be intimidated by the vandalism.

"We're not going anywhere. We're here to stay," Travis Savage said Monday.

The owners said this wasn't the first time the restaurant was targeted.

"We've reported a few other incidents that happened to our building, as far as vandalism is concerned, like throwing noodles and rice at the side of the building, taking bricks and busting out the windows in the back, cutting the cable lines and now this," Savage said.

Savage added that all the vandalism has happened within the past six months.

Franklinton police said there needs to be more investigation before the incident can officially be called a hate crime.

The owners said they're thankful for the community support they've received since the vandalism. Savage said community members have offered to pressure wash the message off the sidewalk.

"We get back up and we keep moving," Savage said. "I just appreciate all the support is showing, the city is showing, the police department and all their efforts."