CULLMAN COUNTY, Ala. – After the recent public health order from Governor Kay Ivey, local businesses around the county have shown they’re going through trials and tribulations to continue to serve customers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Tribune spoke with several local businesses to see how they have been impacted and what they’re doing to continue business as best they can.
Cullman’s local chain Frios Pops’ co-owner Kristy Keiffer shared, “Coming out of the winter season as a specialty dessert ice cream and smoothie shop, obviously our sales were reduced. With recent COVID-19 recommendations, we’re feeling additional crunch. All our events are cancelled through April. Our plan is to keep on poppin’ with our drive-thru, take-out and special deliveries. Now more than ever, our goal is to encourage other and bring smiles. As a faith-based business, we want to remind folks there is reason to hope for tomorrow.”
Fairview’s Brindley Mountain BBQ Co-Owner Anthony Garlowich added, “We are working hard to stay on top of the health guidelines, which have been changing frequently. Early on, even before the mandate, we shut the dining room down and started operating with the drive-thru only. My wife is a nurse, and she knew that’s what we needed to do to be as healthy and safe as we could for our customers and our staff. Of course, business has been impacted significantly. We are still operating, but we’ve had to cut back on our staffing. Our customers are loyal folks and have tried to support us as they could, but many of them are older so they are having to be careful about being out and about. I expect things will continue to slow down in the days ahead as we all stay in more. But as long as we are allowed and able to do it safely, we will continue to serve. We are fortunate to already have a drive-thru service So that has helped our particular situation some.”
Other restaurants have had to close their business down entirely due to not enough business or inability to offer drive-thru or curbside services.
Cullman’s Busy Bee Café posted to their Facebook page on March 20 at 7:08 a.m., “Good Morning Cullman. We’re here dine out only. Today is our trial if it doesn’t work, we will have to close until the Government lets us reopen.” The restaurant then posted the next day (March 21), “Closed till virus is over. See everyone once we open back up. Will miss everyone.”
Cullman’s Wacked Out Weiner (WOW) location also closed, the business posted, “After much consideration, we have come to terms to close WOW of Cullman until further notice. Pray for our Cullman Small Business Owners and the rest of the Country. We shall overcome.”
Cullman’s Valley Tavern and Grille has also shown to close, the business posted March 19, 2020 at 3:51 p.m., “Per Gov. (Kay) Ivey, our doors will be closing at 5 p.m. this evening until further notice. Make sure to stay on the lookout for future posts. We can’t wait to open back up and have more fun with you guys! Praying for protection over each family.”
Look for a full list of local area restaurants offering curbside and drive-thru services, coming soon.
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