COVID-19 surge affects local restaurants in Yuma

As cases continue to rise in our area, local restaurants are feeling the effects of the pandemic in more ways than one, reports Luis Lopez of 13 On Your Side

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) — COVID-19 cases continue to rise, and while all sectors of the economy have been affected by Yuma, local restaurants are among the hardest hit.

The National Restaurant Association says over 80,000 restaurants nationwide have closed temporarily or permanently since the pandemic began. Michael Beyl is the owner of the press café and bistro.

He took over the business about 10 months ago.

While he knew running a business would be challenging during the pandemic, like many people, he didn’t expect it to rise any further.

“Yeah I’m definitely worried, this pandemic has already caused some big problems getting stuff from point A to point B, so I’m trying to find groceries to bring, plastic and paper products are really difficult,” said Beyl.

Other companies have also felt the effects. Garden Cafe owner Debbie Gwynn says she has trouble finding things she needs for her business.

Mainly because of the ongoing supply bottlenecks.

“We haven’t been able to get a lot of our products that we normally take for granted and a lot of the things that we probably use to take out and things like that,” Gwynn said.

The companies we spoke to also reiterated to me their commitment to keeping customers and employees safe. Things like wearing masks and social distancing are still very much encouraged.

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