CLEVELAND — Businesses across the United States are currently fighting to stay open as COVID-19 cases across the country continue to skyrocket. Northeast Ohio is no different.
The owners of Pickwick & Frolic, a downtown Cleveland restaurant and club say they’re doing everything in their power to stay open. The fight, they say, includes installing plexiglass dividers, socially distanced tables, sanitizing stations, and making sure to spray daily to ensure a safe environment.
The thought of another shutdown is unnerving to owner Nick Kostis.
“It’s more than frustrating, I will tell you. It is frightening to many the insecurity this brings to the many who work here and throughout this industry,” says Kostis.
Another business owner in jeopardy? J. Bellezza Salon and Boutique.
Owner Jenna Dashnaw built her salon and beauty business in Beachwood to have private rooms. When the first shutdown was implemented by Governor DeWine, she still had to pivot her business.
“We’ve been doing sales of products online since we closed down in March. So we’ve been able to safely get products to customers from our retail store to their homes safely. We also do curbside pick-up too,” says Dashnaw.
As these businesses work to keep their staff and customers safe, Pickwick General Manager Rick Cassara says Ohioans have the power to stay healthy and keep our economy healthy as well.
“It doesn’t take much to put a mask on and keep everyone safe around you Take it seriously and we will provide the elements to keep you safe while you’re here,” says Cassara.
Dashnaw says the extra cleaning and ongoing education on sanitation and disinfection is all well worth it.
“I feel that we’ve taken every extra precaution and step to ensure customers that they can still come in and do something nice for themselves and feel like they’re in a safe environment,” says Dashnaw.
As the businesses work to remain open, they hope Governor DeWine and their customers will continue to support them.
“Give us a chance to survive this. It’s not only our health survival but at this point it’s the economic survival of a lot of people,” says Kostis.