Tupelo Businesses Adapt To The Changes Caused By The Coronavirus

Story and Photos By: Shelby Maynor

Business in Tupelo are learning to combat the effects of COVID-19, each in different ways. Some business have slowed, and others have taken off, but they have all had to overcome challenges along the way.

Many restaurants, grocery stores, and gas stations are running in to shortages when restocking. Restaurants are having to be creative in order to ensure safety while people dine-in. All business are having to spend more time and resources on cleanliness. Overall, each business is striving to counteract the negative effects while still providing the services in which the locals enjoy.

Since the pandemic began, there is hardly ever a crowd on Main Street like there used to be. Downtown Tupelo is home to some of the most loved restaurants in town, including Amsterdam Deli and Kermit’s Outlaw Kitchen. Amsterdam Deli remains busy on the weekend nights but has slowed down some during lunch on weekdays.

Barnes Crossing Nutrition has seen a huge increase in sales since the beginning of the pandemic due to people wanting to become ‘healthier.’ They are taking more precautions when cleaning their equipment and cleaning more often, said Taylor Moore, full-time employee.

Khushi Patel, employee at Scarlet’s Donuts, explained how business slowed down once they had to close the lobby, but when they were allowed to let customers back in, it only took a few weeks for business to be back in the same position. Scarlet’s Donuts is a semi-local donut shop, with two of three of their storefronts being in Tupelo.

Kara Hays, college student, comes to Strange Brew to utilize their unique space and enjoy the coffee selection. Since the pandemic began, Strange Brew is one of the very few public places in Tupelo that has their lobby open, which students can use to study.

Barnes Crossing Walgreen’s is having a hard time filling their shelves. Alisha, a senior cash attendant, says it has been months since they have received disinfectant products on a stock shipment.