Daniel Davis
The Impact of COVID-19 on Small Businesses: A Look at Bourbon House in Downtown Salt Lake City
The Beginning of Bourbon House
Bourbon House located in downtown Salt Lake City has been a local favorite for years, known for their extensive selection of bourbons and whiskeys. Opened in 2016, the venue quickly gained a reputation for its cozy atmosphere and carefully crafted cocktails.
The owners, a group of friends who shared a passion for bourbon and whiskey, dreamed of bringing the southern tradition of sipping on delicious drinks to Utah. They put their hearts and souls into creating a welcoming ambiance that would make their customers feel at home.
The Impact of COVID-19
Everything was going as planned until the pandemic took the world by storm. COVID-19 hit the hospitality industry hard, with bars and restaurants being forced to close or limit their capacity. Bourbon House was no exception, and the owners had to quickly adapt to the new reality.
Initially, they decided to close the venue entirely and wait it out. However, as weeks turned into months, they realized that they needed to find a way to keep their business afloat. They came up with a plan to offer curbside pickup and delivery, hoping to keep their loyal customers satisfied while also bringing new ones in.
Although the response was positive, it was not enough to cover their expenses. The costs of rent, utilities, and supplies continued to pile up, and the owners had to make some tough decisions.
The Impact of Closing
After months of struggling, they finally decided to close the venue permanently in December 2020. It was a heartbreaking decision for the owners, who had invested so much time and energy into creating a long-lasting establishment.
The impact of COVID-19 on Bourbon House is just one example of how the pandemic has affected small businesses nationwide. According to a survey conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research, up to 43% of small businesses had to shut down temporarily or permanently due to COVID-19.
The Future of Small Businesses
Although the pandemic has caused immense damage to small businesses, there is still hope for the future. More and more people are getting vaccinated, and states are gradually lifting restrictions.
As we slowly return to normalcy, it’s important to continue supporting small businesses in any way possible. Whether it’s by ordering takeout, shopping locally, or leaving positive reviews, every bit counts and can make a difference.
Bourbon House will be remembered by its loyal customers as a victim of COVID-19, but its legacy will continue to live on. The owners are now focusing their efforts on new ventures, and we can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
