Businesses getting ready for a busy game weekend

COLUMBIA, Mo (KMIZ).

Mizzou football is back this weekend and Faurot Field will be at full capacity. Businesses started preparing Friday for fans to be in attendance at the game and downtown.

For some businesses, the process is easier said than done because of the lack of employees. According to the Missouri Department of Labor, unemployment has tripled in the past two weeks.

International Cafe is a family-owned business located on S. 9th street in downtown Columbia. The owners, Elisabeth and Mohamed Gumati, said they have been around a long time and are getting more foot traffic now that more people are out.

Unfortunately, the business does not have enough employees to take care of all the customers. "We don't know. If it doesn't get any better, we are going to close the business. I mean, we can't handle it anymore," said Elisabeth.

Although, this is not the case for everyone. Sparky's Homemade Icecream is located across the street. The conditions from the pandemic did not hit them as hard. Store manager Tony Layson said the store does not require a big staff.

He said summer is usually a busy time for them, especially when the students come back. "I think we will be busy before the game and probably after the game and into that night, hopefully," said Layson.

International Cafe said that they have positions open and if anyone is interested in working, please apply.