‘Same gut-punch.’ Anxious Charlotte businesses must stay closed as NC fights COVID spread
When Gov. Roy Cooper announced Wednesday that the state will remain in Phase 2 until at least July 15, he disappointed a number of Charlotte business owners who were ready to reopen. They’ve been closed for three months and counting because of the novel coronavirus.
But Cooper said that because of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations throughout North Carolina, the state will not move on to Phase 3 reopening all businesses. The Phase 2 order, scheduled to expire Friday, has been extended to July 17.
Now local bars, gyms, music venues and museums will have to wait at least three more weeks before being allowed to reopen. Cooper also announced a statewide mask requirement, effective at 5 p.m. Friday.
“We’re disappointed. I think we think we have a great program that’s in place to be able to maintain social distance and to be able to keep our facilities clean,” said Chris Narveson, owner of an Orangetheory Fitness in Charlotte. “But unfortunately, the governor thinks different.”
It’s been more than three months without revenue.
“I wish somebody would ask the governor who’s going to support us,” Narveson said. “Gyms are closing left and right, but obviously it doesn’t seem like there’s anything to support or prop us up.”
As for his future plans, Narveson said, “I’m not sure. We’ll have to assess.”
‘I’m so beaten down’
Abari Game Bar owner Zach Pulliam wasn’t optimistic the state would move forward with openings because of the coronavirus trends, even though he has had safety protocols planned since he thought he’d reopen in Phase 2.
“At this point, I’m so beaten down it’s kind of hard,” Pulliam said.
Abari opened four years ago in a 2,800-square-foot full bar with classic arcade games on North Davidson Street. With another “curveball,” Pulliam said he’ll continue trying other ways to generate revenue, like the recently held drive-in telethon concert that raised $5,000 with other local bars.
“I’ve got to keep being patient and diversify my business,” he said. “It’s been stressful.”
If Abari remains closed until August, “I’ll have to start selling a bunch of stuff.”
Elsewhere, a cocktail bar in South End, opened five weeks before having to close in mid-March because of the pandemic. Plans for reopening are shelved again.
Co-owner Sean Rega said he respects the governor’s decision but is disappointed bars aren’t being held to the same threshold as restaurants.
“It’s the same gut-punch with Phase 2, and at least another three weeks before opening,” he said. “It’s particularly frustrating.”
Opening anyway
Some business owners aren’t going to wait for the state to let them reopen.
Paul Kreins, owner of Victory Lanes Events in Mooresville, said he’s still opening at 5 p.m. Friday when Phase 3 was supposed to begin.
“It’s time. Our position is unless he (Cooper) wants to shut down all the businesses, we’re opening,” he said.
Krein said it’s unfair to single out bowling or fitness centers that pose no more risk than retail stores, restaurants and day care centers that were allowed to reopen May 22. The full restaurant at the bowling alley has been open since then, too.
“It doesn’t make any sense,” Krein said. “You screwed with our livelihood too long.”
Other revenue streams
Joe Kuhlmann, owner and founder of The Evening Muse, has already sought loans and grants to get through the crisis. The nearly 20-year-old NoDa venue went from being open seven nights a week to nothing.
“The Muse is a very important place for a lot of people. It’s not just a bar. It’s not just a music venue. It’s a community incubator,” he said. “A lot of relationships and friendships have come out of that place. All this comes to a halt.”
The Muse hosts music, poetry and comedy acts. Many artists come from out of state.
“As a business owner I’m disappointed but from health and community standpoint it’s what’s best for all of us,” Kuhlmann said. He hopes other businesses follow safety protocols so businesses like his will be able to reopen soon.
Until then, Muse will continue to live stream shows as it has since closing March 13. Kuhlmann said he’ll start pushing up the pay-per-show program, but for now it’s free and donations are accepted.
“We look forward to being able to celebrate with everyone on the other side of this,” Kuhlmann said. “We will be there as soon as we can. We miss everyone.”
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly named Joe Kuhlmann.
This story was originally published June 24, 2020 at 4:41 PM.
