Businesses across the US are slowly starting to reopen, but some people fear they may be left out of the post-COVID economy. In Florida, restaurants can open at 50% capacity, but bars are still retail-only, and owners are trying to find creative ways to satisfy impatient customers.

As restaurants begin to reopen in Florida, bar owners are still turning away frustrated customers and the money they would have spent. The road back to normalcy feels long and uncertain, with the tourism engines that drive Orlando's economy unlikely to rebound anytime soon. Out-of-work food and beverage workers are starting to calculate just how long they can continue to hold out for their jobs to come back.

Florida’s restaurants were allowed to reopen at 25% capacity this week. It’s a faint light at the end of the tunnel for Orlando’s wine and food businesses, but there are still many unknowns. When will bars get the green light? How will they reconfigure their spaces and police their patrons’ behavior? How will servers … Continue reading Episode 7: Unanswered Questions

Talk of reopening the economy provides a glimmer of hope for these small businesses and laid-off employees trying to keep their heads above water amid COVID-19 restrictions and closures – but nobody knows exactly what that reopening will look like or how to plan for it. Meanwhile, another round of monthly bills is coming … Continue reading Episode 6: Reopening?

Anxiety is setting in for Orlando’s food and wine professionals, as they realize the smallest of America’s small businesses seem to be at the back of the line for government rescue funds. Despite the struggle to stay positive and solvent as the crisis drags on and the days run together, they’re conflicted about reopening … Continue reading Episode 5: Groundhog Day

The COVID-19 pandemic is deep into its second month, and help is slow to arrive for businesses and employees affected by the economic fallout. Some who work in Orlando's hard-hit food and wine industry are re-evaluating their long-term business plans ... and even their hair color! Meanwhile, concerns continue about a sick parent, a vulnerable kid, and a beloved pet.

Three Orlando wine professionals face first-of-the month bills as the COVID-19 pandemic enters its second month and a statewide stay-at-home order takes effect.

Three Orlando wine professionals consider how a new stay-at-home order will affect their livelihoods, amid rising concerns about their families and colleagues.

Three wine professionals in Orlando, Florida face the reality of what COVID-19 could mean to their livelihoods.