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About Coast river business journal. (Astoria, OR) 2006-current | View Entire Issue (April 8, 2020)
COVER STORY Coast River Business Journal “My biggest concern is ‘How long is this going to last?’ I’m thinking it’s going to last a year before people start to come back out. They won’t come back out until there’s a vaccine. It’s going to affect everyone for a very long time,” Casey said. Whenever the quarantine is eventually lifted there’s concern the impacts will still be lingering. “There’s going to be a lot of people that still don’t want to go out,” Casey said. “I don’t think I’m going to lose The Chowder Stop, but I know it’s going to be a long winter once this summer passes. It’s going to be hard to get a loan, on top of a loan, on top of a loan. We opened both businesses and had a great year last year. But 2020 has been hell.” April 2020 • 9 Your local janitorial and paper supply... ...and much more! Open to the Public! Pool, Spa & Fountain •Packing Materials • Cleaning Supplies for Ovens, Grills, Carpet & Upholstery • Vehicle Cleaning Products The Cove Restaurant The Cove Restaurant has introduced a lower-cost community menu and streamlined a contactless delivery and pickup system in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak and social distancing measures. The restaurant, which typically averaged about 70 orders daily prior to the outbreak, has since slowed to 30, with a vast majority being takeout, according to owner Doug Brown. About half of the staff took a voluntary leave as a result of the anticipated downturn, many to assist at-risk family members. “We’re running on a skeleton crew,” said server Kari Knutzen, adding she was thankful to have the income during uncertain times. “People are tipping well.” Knutzen praised the proactive and community- minded measures taken by the owners, including introducing a new ‘cost conscious’ community menu that involves donating a 10% portion of each sale to local food banks. “(Owners) Doug and Angie have been leaders,” Knutzen said. Dozens of orders were placed in the first four days from the new menu. “We’re trying to take care of our community,” Knutzen said. 2240 Commercial Street • Astoria, Oregon 503.325.6362 • www.WalterENelson.com Monday-Friday 8 am to 5 pm PORT OF ILWACO Full Service Marina Self-Service Boatyard Waterfront Walkway Casey Barella, owner of The Chowder Stop, closed his business the day the Gov. Jay Inslee issued the stay at home order. Relying on takeout or delivery, as many restaurants are attempting, wasn’t an option. “The takeout thing can only go so far. It would cost me more to stay open,” he said. Retail Shops Restaurants Lodging Fishing Charters www.portofilwaco.com 360-642-3143 COMMERCIAL ADJUSTMENT C O M PA N Y “When Time is Money...and you have collection problems, we can help!” Kurt Birdeno Collection Specialist 20+ Years experience Medical • Commercial • NSF Checks • Wholesale • Retail Outstanding rental obligations Recovering large or small assets The Cove Restaurant took proactive and community-minded measures to protect against the spread of the COVID-19 virus, including social distancing changes and introducing a new ‘cost conscious’ community menu that involves donating a 10% portion of each sale to local food banks. Casey and Gail Barella both opened their businesses in 2019 only a few months apart, first Gail in March with the barbershop and then Casey in October with the restaurant. The couple are optimistic that their businesses can survive until customers can return. 901 Marine Drive • PO Box 57, Astoria, OR www.commercialadjustment.com Email: kurt@commercialadjustment.com Ph: 503-325-0511 • Fax: 503-325-9501
