Local Businesses Adapt to COVID-19 Guidelines

By: Lexy French FAYETTEVILLE, Ark – Local businesses have changed operations to stay open and continue serving customers during the pandemic.

New safety guidelines and protocols, such as keeping customers six feet apart, are enforced. Dana Neely is opening a new restaurant this fall. Neely is actively finding ways to ensure her business plans follow guidelines before opening. 

“I’m working on an order line, a pre-order line, and then exiting out the other side, so it works with the flow and people aren’t all right next to each other and going against each other,” Neely said. 

Local businesses face new challenges as adaptions to operations take place. Finding different materials for an outdoor area has been a challenge, Neely said. 

“It’s still going to be a challenge, I want to build a deck, and I hear there are shortages of wood, shortages of heaters, and those are the main challenges I’m finding right now,” Neely said. 

Local businesses have faced challenges throughout the ongoing pandemic. Choosing to shop and order locally is a great way to support local businesses during these challenging times.