Smaller Employers Worry About Bouncing Back As Limitations Remain

Many small businesses across the state are feeling the impacts of restrictions put in place by state officials as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise. The changes are hitting close to home for local workers in the service industry.

Earlier this week, Claire Calvin made the difficult decision to lay off staff. More than half of her employees lost their jobs after she was forced to close two of her restaurants in downtown Winston-Salem: Alma Mexicana and Canteen Market & Bistro.

A third location called The Porch Kitchen and Cantina remains open. Calvin says workers are delivering prepared meals five days a week and providing take out for customers.

“I'm happy we had the opportunity to keep as many people that we did and they're working at full capacity but then when I have a moment and I think about it, it makes me sick and sad,” says Calvin. “You know to build a business from nothing and then just to have it wiped out in a week is just horrifying.”

Calvin says community support has been overwhelming. She's selling online gift cards that customers can use later in the year to establish an emergency fund for her workers impacted by the restaurant closures.

For the most up-to-date information on coronavirus in North Carolina, visit our Live Updates blog here.

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