FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) – The holiday season can be one of the busiest times of the year, but some Fort Wayne business owners say this year looks a little different.
Corey Bowers, a Fort Wayne chef and owner of Chance Bar, says fewer customers are walking through his doors, and it’s taking a toll.
He says foot traffic has become unpredictable and often nonexistent.
“At some point, there is not going to be enough of us around left,” Bowers says.
Bowers has owned Chance Bar for five years, and he says he’s sounding the alarm this season, not just for his small business but for others that are struggling too.
He says they need your support to keep the doors open.
“One day you’re really busy, seats are full. You feel good its happy. For the next two weeks, you have nobody coming into your restaurant. Almost virtually nobody is coming to your restaurant.”
He says the drop in customers is extremely difficult during what’s typically a season they never have to worry about.
Bowers believes part of the problem is hesitation from customers as they work through financial uncertainty.
“A big issue is that people themselves are not sure if they can or want to go out in this tough time.”
To keep business moving, Bowers says he and his team have created special deals to encourage customers to return.
“Support any kind of small business, I don’t care what side of town you’re on. They’re all over the place; this town is riddled with small businesses.”
Bowers hopes the community will answer his call before it’s too late for the small businesses that give Fort Wayne its flavor.
He says continued support is critical to make sure local mom and pop businesses can survive beyond the holiday season.
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