by Brendan Phimsoutham
The struggle of local businesses in Millbrae has been a persisting problem since the beginning of the pandemic. With newer rules in place, businesses are put in tough spots as the government constantly updates their laws and rules for COVID. The changing environment has cast businesses into a struggle for survival.
Some who couldn’t keep up were forced to close. Stores like the cobbler shop Broadway Cobbler, took the opportunity to accelerate retirement plans and close during COVID rather than stay open any more. However, there are still businesses large and small that constantly adapt to the newer and harsher environment.
Fortunately, local restaurants in Millbrae have managed to push through the dreadful situation by using the strategy of selling takeout or deliveries. Cheung Hing, a Chinese restaurant on El Camino, used the takeout method throughout most of the pandemic. Even when the tiers weren’t as strict, they consistently only sold takeout, and finally opened up for dine-in several months ago. Most businesses have been able to reopen for the public thanks to the vaccines. They also have retained their outdoor dining options for those who feel uncomfortable eating indoors.
All restaurants by law follow the guidelines placed by the state government, including mask requirements and social distancing. However, not all restaurants have opened up despite the release of the vaccine. “Even though the vaccine has been distributed, the presence of covid still means that we can’t really dine in. We can only do catering events which harm our business,” Hanson Han, a mover from Lava Lounge in San Francisco says as he describes his scenario for vaccines in the bay area. The restaurant he works at does not allow indoor dining, resulting in lower income of money and customers.
Not all businesses have a mandate however, as online businesses thrived and continue to do so while COVID-19 is present. Walking around Millbrae, many restaurants and grocery stores offer delivery. Sun’s market offers location based delivery services as well as same day pickup. Boba shops, like T4U and YiFang, offer multiple delivery companies. Grubhub, Doordash, and Ubereats are the most common options.
Delivery services were both beneficial and harmful. With the rise of online shopping, the need for going out to shop has begun to dwindle for the residents of Millbrae. Many started to wonder if the deliveries would cause citizens to stop walking around downtown. As vaccinations increased, more people left their house to enjoy strolling Broadway, resuming a semblance of Millbrae life before COVID-19. Hope for all businesses prevailed.
