Eudora Local Business & COVID-19

Story by: Micah Katzenmeier

In the time of COVID-19, small and local businesses find themselves going through many large changes which are noticeable by the patrons and employees. Businesses have taken many precautions to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to avoid having an outbreak within their doors. Local business owners and guests shared their views and opinions on the changes they have seen.

Kristin Stueve, the owner of Studio 94 located on Main Street, stated, “The Studio is currently on the mend from the economic hit we took during the state shutdown as all gyms and fitness studios had to close through early summer. The good news is that I think we are through the worst and we are learning to adjust in order to run a successful and profitable business while keeping clients and the community safe and healthy.”

At Studio 94 they are cleaning and disinfecting all equipment after each client/class, class sizes are smaller to ensure social distancing, and they are encouraging clients to wash their hands before and after workouts as well as wear masks if social distancing cannot occur.

“Ultimately I wish things were back to normal, there are many things I don’t necessarily like about COVID-19 protocols, but this global pandemic is out of our hands and as a community we have to work together to stay healthy and help our small business survive.” Mrs. Stuve stated.

With all of the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19, Stueve is thankful for everyone that has remained positive during these times.

“Studio 94 is extremely grateful for the outpouring of love and support from our studio family and the community during this time. There is no way the studio would have survived this pandemic without the support of our loyal clients.”

Senior Jintry Walrod is an employee of Zebs Coffee House.

“We were at first not open, but we began to transition back in and we were open but only for curbside pick-up,” says Walrod. “We have also been making things more safe by making sure that when people come through we sanitize tables down, we require everyone to wear their mask in the shop too, and we also have eliminated a lot of our tables so we have less people coming in.”

Walrod then talked about why she was happy that Zeb’s was able to be open, and who she has seen coming in.

“I am really glad that we are open and people are able to still come in, especially now with the hardships students are having to face because of COVID and having to stay safe. So I’m glad that we are here to be a spot where people can come to do their work.” Walrod shared.

Sophomore Jolie McWhirt has been visiting several local businesses since the beginning of COVID-19 and is glad to see that local businesses are taking the proper precautions.

“I appreciate the procedures that have been enforced during this time, because my family and I take this illness seriously and we want to see everyone healthy just as much as these local businesses do,”said McWhirt.

McWhirt also shared what she thought people’s positions on local businesses should be at this time.

“I have always enjoyed going to these places, but I have been looking forward to supporting new businesses during this time. I personally think it is very important to support local business because they provide opportunities for entrepreneurs of all ages and create meaningful jobs with greater job satisfaction than positions with larger, traditional companies.” McWhirt shared.

McWhirt explained some of her opinions about one specific area of Eudora, “One of my favorite places to go during this pandemic has been Zeb’s Coffeehouse in Eudora. I love the environment for studying and the staff is kind and everyone is willing to give back to the community. I also like that Zeb’s offers things such as the student card to support others in the community who may not be able to afford to have a treat during this stressful time,” said McWhirt.