Small Businesses Struggle to Stay Afloat Amid Los Angeles Fires
Small businesses in Los Angeles are facing a dire situation in the aftermath of the deadly fires that have ravaged the city. While many structures have been destroyed, those left standing are struggling to stay afloat with costly damages and no foot traffic driving business.
For some industries with slim profit margins, just a few days without business have forced permanent closures. The economic loss from the wildfires is estimated to be between $250 billion and $275 billion, making it one of the costliest wildfire disasters in modern US history.
One such business that has been forced to close its doors is The Ruby Fruit, a lesbian wine bar in the Silver Lake neighborhood. The owners, Emily Bielagus and Mara Herbkersman, announced on Instagram that the financial impact from the fires has made it impossible to continue operating the bar.
The closure announcement has sparked an outpouring of support from fans and patrons, with a GoFundMe campaign launched to provide wages for the bar’s staff. However, the challenges faced by small businesses go beyond financial aid, as the costs accrued from being closed quickly stack up.
Despite the devastating impact of the fires, some business owners are determined to weather the storm. Betsy Martinez, owner of Fan Girl Cafe in West Hollywood, has lost thousands of dollars in revenue but is navigating the situation as best as she can.
As the community comes together to support businesses that have been destroyed, many small business owners are left grappling with the uncertainty of the future. With memories of the COVID-19 pandemic still fresh, the resilience of these entrepreneurs is being put to the test once again.
