The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in numerous shutdowns of local businesses, and during this time many forget how the economic recession affects small businesses. AP art history teacher Amanda Beller expresses the importance of spending money to support local businesses.

“In times like these, money is not spent, having a negative impact on the local economy,” commercial banker and husband of Amanda Beller Justin Beller said. “The local chambers of commerce in McKinney and Allen/Fairview are working to help these businesses during this time and are providing great resources to those businesses as well as those consumers who want to support those businesses.”

Beller and her family have many connections with local businesses.  

“We know a lot of the people that own these businesses,” Beller said. “They are friends of ours, or my husband knows them through work.” 

Instead of buying from large chains, people can buy their products from smaller manufactures, supporting these businesses, especially during this time of the pandemic. 

“No business can stay open if income is not being generated,” Beller states. “My family and I have tried to be really intentional about where we eat if we go out, making sure it is not a chain.” 

During this pandemic, many companies have not been able to sell products as usual. As a result, many businesses have suffered financially; however, these small companies are still finding ways to connect with their communities online and in the outside world. 

“I made the decision to close to the public on the 17th,” owner of the downtown McKinney small business The Groovy Coop Katie Scott said. “I felt that was the correct decision to make for both my employees and the public’s safety. I have two sons with asthma and cannot risk possibly transferring the virus to them. However, we are uploading content daily on our social media with product customers can purchase. We are also hosting live-stream concerts from the store’s studio. I love my community and am trying to stay a part of their lives, just from afar for right now.”

While these local businesses have adjusted to following protocol around the pandemic, companies have experienced a complete change of functionality. Many employees have lost their jobs as a result.

“The last two weeks have been by far the toughest two weeks I have ever spent in the business world,” owner of Rick’s Chophouse Rick Wells said.” It is ever-shifting, new rules apply almost daily and 90 percent of our employees have been laid off. We call Lovejoy home, work in McKinney and live in America. We are for sure the lucky ones.”

Businesses want their customers to feel safe and help people get the necessities they need during this time of isolation. 

“Be intentional about your spending locally,” Beller advises. “Call your local restaurants, even if you don’t eat out much, and see what they are offering. Rick’s Chophouse has excellent date night meals. Local Yocal is selling produce boxes. Spoons Cafe is selling groceries. You are feeding your family and your local economy.” 

 Some restaurants are selling bulk produce instead of meals. Instead of going to the grocery store where essential resources are scarce at the moment, one can go to local restaurants and purchase fresh produce while benefiting the community.

“I understand people not wanting to go out. That’s smart, but you still have to get food,” Beller said. “A lot of the restaurants are still getting produce and product shipped to them. The food trucks are still coming, so in order to keep the servers and the chef and everyone with a job, instead of making food and serving, they are still doing some of that through takeout and pick up boxes.” 

During this time, our community must continue to survive. 

“If it is truly local, then you are helping your neighbor,” Beller said. “I believe we are all called to help look out for our neighbors.”