Thinking locally, affecting globally 

by Addison Wright

Locally-owned businesses across the country have suffered great losses due to Covid-19 despite their efforts to adjust to make ends meet.

Many local restaurants nationally have shut down or have been forced to close their inside-seating option. This has created challenges for business owners and workers as well as customers.

One favorite local business of many FPU students is the family-owned cafe and bakery called The Bagel Mill, located in Peterborough, New Hampshire. Amanda, a manager at The Bagel Mill, said, “The first day was a huge hit to business but since then it has been better. However, our business has seen a decline overall. Some days it’s down 30% and other days it’s down 50%.”

The Bagel Mill changed its closing time from 4:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. as a result of a decrease in sales.  However, the business expanded its delivery coverage to 12 towns in order to help with revenue flow. “We are aware that people are isolated not by their choice and cannot get out,” said Amanda.

The Bagel Mill has continued to work with its staff who have experienced a shorter amount of shifts. “Anyone that wants to work is working and has been given as much work as they want. Customers have also been very generous with tips which help workers make up money from lost shifts as hours have been altered,” said Amanda.

Brics, an ice cream shop and fair-trade coffee house located in the Broad Ripple neighborhood in Indianapolis, Indiana, implemented changes due to the current safety guidelines. Naia Hopson, an assistant store manager at Brics, said, “Of course we have to adjust as everyone does, but we have always had a walk-up window and despite the current situation business has still been very good.”

A majority of Brics’ success is due to its location. The establishment is adjacent to a trail where hundreds of locals walk on a day-to-day basis. “Since we are right on the Monon Trail, people can see us easily. But we no longer offer samples and make sure there is not too much contact or conversation which is an unfortunate new reality as we are usually very close with our customers. But safety guidelines still have to be followed,” said Hopson.

Unfortunately, a lot of local businesses were forced to shut down due to the pandemic. Amanda said, “We had the option to shut down but we chose not to and we have had a lot of customers who are very grateful that we have not shut down.”

Not all businesses were able to adjust as successfully as Brics and The Bagel Mill.

Brics’ neighboring business, Public Greens, remains closed until quarantine rules in Indianapolis are lifted. The same situation exists for many businesses which, before Covid-19, did not have a carry-out option, drive-through option, or walk-up window.

Joey Landeros, an Indiana resident, said, “It has been especially sad and unfortunate to see locally owned businesses shut down due to this pandemic. I’ve seen a lot of sustainable businesses that offer fair-trade foods forced to shut down. These businesses are positive daily influences to their Indiana community and it is really worrisome to see what the future holds for businesses like these.”

Discretionary Sentence: Some interviewed individuals wanted their last name to remain confidential in this story, thank you.

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