Local business talks staying afloat post shutdown

ALPENA, Mich. — Many small businesses have struggled to stay afloat since the shutdown in March.  One local business owner shares with us how he has maintained keeping his business open, what new precautions he is taking, and how he plans to take care of his employees.

The bulk of the business for local bowling alley, Thunder Bowl Lanes, is usually in the winter months.  Co–owner John Snyder says when the shutdown happened they had six weeks of tournaments and scheduled fundraisers on the books.  Even though they had to close completely, Snyder said they were somewhat prepared when it happened.

Since reopening, Snyder, like many businesses across the nation, have had to adjust to new normals.  He has half the seating they once had to accommodate social distancing and is regularly cleaning bowling equipment.  Snyder enforces the wearing of masks and has them available for patrons who forget.

Snyder is also concerned about his employees and plans to use the Paycheck Protection Program to assist them

For now, he is optimistic that business will resume back to normal.