As temporary business closures start Tuesday, Whatcom owners work on next steps
As the coronavirus outbreak leads Whatcom’s economy into uncharted territory, businesses owners are appreciating the support they are hearing from customers.
On Monday, March 16, the day before they were forced to close the dining area of the Birch Door Cafe, Casey and Taria Nagler said breakfast drew steady business. Not as many customers were in the waiting area of the popular eatery, but the seats were filling up.
“We’re so grateful that everyone is being really supportive,” Taria Nagler said in a phone interview, adding that there was a we’re-in-this-together attitude common among customers and employees.
The Naglers have decided to start with the takeout and delivery services (through Viking Food,) on Tuesday, offering the same menu as customers would find in the dining room. They also trying to figure out how to ensure their more than 40 employees are working enough hours. Taria Nagler said she’s had a few employees offer to give their hours to others who need it more.
“We’re committed to weathering this,” she said, adding that right now they are focused on figuring out how to navigate this next phase of offering just takeout and delivery.
The industries slated for temporary closures and restrictions from Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s announcement represent a significant portion of Whatcom County’s workforce. According to data from the Washington State Employment Security Department, Whatcom County had just over 10,401 people employed in restaurants, hotels, recreation and entertainment centers in 2018. At the time, it represented 11.4% of the total workforce. Wages from those jobs totaled more than $204 million for that year.
Uncertainty for many
Many businesses are dealing with the uncertainty of what will happen in the coming days. Cathy Buckley, who operates the Bellingham Athletic Club, said that as of late Monday morning she was still seeking clarification about whether she could keep her facilities open. Buckley had already canceled group exercises and was waiting to hear whether they could let some members in if they passed a screening first.
By Monday afternoon Bellingham Athletic Club learned they did need to close through March 31. Buckley is now figuring out how to help her 85 employees and will keep members updated by email.
Despite these challenges, Buckley remains hopeful that they will get through it. As the BAC facilities close temporarily, she is looking for ways to get the community together to solve the problems.
“As the daughter of the greatest generation and seeing all the things they went through, I feel like we can get through this,” Buckley said.
Taking it in stride
On Sunday, before the announcement of restaurant restrictions were announced, Linda Melim had a feeling that something big might happen that would impact her business Leaf & Ladle. So she spent the day making casseroles.
The next day her downtown Bellingham restaurant was taking orders to-go, and it was actually a fairly brisk business.
“Thank goodness we have customers calling in orders and saying ‘we want you to stay open,’” said Melim. She noted with a chuckle that some of her customers said they are also putting in to-go orders now before they have to turn to the rice and beans that they’ve stored in the garage.
There is not much she could do about the bar next door called L&L Libations, which Melim opened with her daughter Taylor in November. The bar is closed temporarily; Melim plans to offer the bar employees work some food prep shifts if possible.
She’s also offering free food to her employees for the time being.
This story was originally published March 17, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
