CLEVELAND — They're striking out left and right.
We had a birthday party cancel today and I completely understand why, he said all of the guests canceled on him," said Bryan Kuczinski.
That's not the end of it, Kuczinski, the general manager at Fairview Lanes in Fairview Park, says they've had at least a dozen cancellations.
Schools groups aren't coming out and the only thing that's saving them is league play, but they'll have to cut back on that too. Now, only the bowlers are allowed inside.
"95 bowlers, but we probably have another 30 people watching the league and the kids come in, spouses," said Kuczinski. "While it's a competitive league its also a family time and so that’s definitely going to change things."
He says their best season is during the winter months and they save money during this time to survive in the summer.
"If over time this keeps going on, without that steady stream of revenue, I’m not sure where we’ll be," he said.
In downtown Chardon restaurants aren't fairing too well either.
"People are going to try to practice the social distancing that's being recommended," said Dan Meleski, Chardon's mayor.
Meleski says hopefully starting this weekend they'll have free 15 minute parking spots in front of restaurants so folks can pick up food and head back home.
"We want to do everything possible to minimize the impact to them," he said.
One non-profit is trying to help in its own way, offering interest-free loans to folks impacted by the coronavirus.
"It could be a business that’s not bringing in any income to support their family because people aren’t going out, it can be a parent who’s kids are home and they need to spend additional money for daycare now," said Michael Marcus.
Marcus is the executive director of HFLA, or Hebrew Free Loan Association Northeast Ohio. Marcus says you don't have to be Jewish to apply for the up to $1,500 loan.
"It’s so meaningful to help people and these aren’t people that want a handout, these are people that want to help themselves," said Marcus.
The Small Business Administration says it's also ready to provide low-interest loans and the president is calling on congress to commit to 50-billion additional dollars for that program.
