JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The nation is seeing a spike in COVID-19 cases, but the impacts are clearly visible right here on the First Coast.
Business owners are facing staffing shortages and fewer customers, all while trying to ensure the safety of their employees and guests.
Owners at the 1748 Bakehouse were hopeful they could return to 100% capacity, but the current COVID spike is putting those plans on hold.
“So we have three tables that we have never put back in," Allison D'Aurizio, Co-owner of 1748 Bakehouse, said.
Due to COVID, the restaurant is staying at 50% capacity. Employees and guests are required to wear face masks. COVID has also caused staffing shortages that owners fear could force the shop to close.
“We haven’t had to shut down yet, but if we get a positive test while people have worked a shift, we’ll close," D'Aurizio said.
They are not the only Jacksonville restaurant feeling the impact. The Jax Beach Brunch Haus has been closed since Monday.
In a message on the company’s Facebook they pointed to the “rise in positive cases of COVID-19 and its variant,” as the reason.
At the Bakehouse, D'Aurizio says she's made many changes ---Including take out orders and online menus, and she is preparing for the WORST.
“We are not anticipating to furlough anyone, but our staff does know that there might be a week when we have to cut some hours here or there," D'Aurizio said. "But we are trying very hard to find other sources of revenues and different revenue streams so that we can keep all our employees at their current hours."