Columbia business owners open tabs at local eateries hoping to boost sales

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rock small businesses across the country, many locals have decided to step in to help local eateries weather the storm.

The financial impact of the coronavirus has devastated restaurants. Data from the National Restaurant Association shows the industry has lost 3 million jobs and $25 billion in sales since March 1.

Andrew DuCharme, owner of Lakota Coffee Company in Columbia said small businesses make up a huge part of the local economy, and this is taking a toll on everyone.

"Any type of small business is hurting, and we are as well," DuCharme said. "We've really wanted to focus on how we can provide a paycheck for our employees."

With reduced hours and slower business, they have had to cut back on the number of hours they can provide to employees. DuCharme said many of their employees are students so they have voluntarily gone home

On the other side of this crisis, DuCharme said they have had an overwhelming response from individuals and businesses in the community helping to keep them afloat.

"It's really been amazing to see the community pull together," DuCharme said.

Part of that support has been a group of three Columbia chiropractors from different practices. They have been opening tabs at local businesses for people in the community to use.

Nourish, Lakota Coffee in University Hospital, Murry's and Bangkok Gardens are some of the businesses they have been supporting as of Sunday, but there are more to come.

Kelli Winarski, Owner of Family First Chiropractic said as small business owners themselves, they understand how much this crisis is hurting local restaurants.

"The goal is to drive business to small businesses when maybe they aren't getting as much business right now," Winarski said.

"It's a big circle, if people aren't spending money at businesses, businesses are not bringing money in, and then they are not able to pay their employees, and those employees are the people spending the money," Winarski said. "In my opinion, it can only help our economy."

The group puts out information on their Facebook page about the open tabs. People are then able to use those tabs for things like 10 dollars off a meal.

Ashley Emel, Owner of Compass Chiropractic and Wellness said the tab open at Lakota in Univeristy Hospital is for hospital workers to get a free drink.

"They are giving so much to our community and the people right now with everything that's going on with COVID," Emel said. "They've been very appreciative, just a small treat to thank them."

Emel hopes this allows businesses to pay their bills and employees while adding so much value to the city.

"Without small businesses, our community doesn't have as much left," Emel said.

Arminta Phelps, Owner of Achieve Balance Chiropractic reiterated the importance of small businesses. She said this also helps individuals and workers who may also be struggling during this time.

"It's like a win-win scenario," Phelps said. "It's a win for the restaurant or whatever business we are working with, and it's a win for the people receiving it, and it's a win for Columbia."

Phelps hopes that the "giving back" mentality she has seen in the community continues after individuals and businesses are able to come to the surface after this crisis.

"Giving without even knowing whose getting it or expecting anything in return is so much more powerful," Phelps said. "It makes us feel good as human beings to help other human beings."

Watch ABC17 News at 9 on KQFX and 10 on KMIZ for the full story.