TALLAHASSEE, Fla.(WTXL) — A study by Small Businesses for America's Future shows one and four businesses have considered closing permanently due to the pandemic.
But here in Tallahassee there's some hope.
"We should have been open like five months ago. The reason why, because of coronavirus," said Ping Quan Manager at Kami Poki Korean Kitchen.
Some storefronts say Grand Opening.
Others say Sorry, We're Closed.
In either case, the pandemic is changing the face of local businesses.
At Kami Poki Korean Kitchen they're eager to get started.
However, others aren't so lucky.
Damfino's a farm-to-table restaurant in Quincy announced they'll be closing permanently but there's a silver lining.
It will make room.
"I really feel for businesses trying to open right now. We were really excited about this place. We saw the signs up before the virus really hit, so I'm glad they're open," said Joseph Wall, worker at Kami Poki Korean Kitchen.
It's not just restaurants opening, either.
Spoiled Salon Suites Owner Brianne Pate says "it honestly just inspired me to go harder and do better. "
COVID-19 is no match for the size of her dreams.
"I was at home not working with no income and I also was paying booth rent to my previous salon owner at the time and not working so it was a lot going through my head and I was just like, how can I make more money? And I realized that I could actually have my own salon if I put in a little effort," said Pate.
As businesses forge a way forward they have another hill to climb.
Building a customer-base when some are still unsure whether Florida is ready to be open to begin with.
" I don't think that we saw the trend drop low enough to really be sure that we were ready in the first place, and now we're seeing things surge more than ever before so I don't see why anybody would think that we were ready at the moment," said David Fink.
