TEMPE, Ariz. — Governor Doug Ducey issued a number of new executive orders Tuesday, all with the hope of stopping the spread of COVID-19.
One in particular that's been a broad issue from the beginning is the food and beverage service industry. Now, the governor is loosening the grip on guidelines to give restaurants a fighting chance.
Still, one business we spoke to says even the revised regulations don't quite ease the stress.
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"I need allies in this. I recognize the worth in my teammates and I recognize what we’re offering, and I want to continue to do that, but I can't do it just on my own," 24 Carrots Juice Bar and Cafe owner Sasha Raj said.
Raj has owned and operated 24 Carrots for 12 years and is feeling every effect of this economic downturn.
"No matter how much we've been pivoting with our business – to try and do online, curbside, delivery – it's still not the same and it's not enough to sustain the overhead costs of running a business," she added.
"Many restaurants have unused commodities, food and otherwise, that could be sold to generate more revenue that could pay the bills and help with payroll," Governor Ducey said earlier Tuesday.
Raj said Gov. Ducey's revision of rules and regulations has allowed a little wiggle room for extra revenue.
"While that is really helpful, especially with the loosing of regulations of the sale of alcohol – us being able to sell cocktails out the door has definitely helped – but we're not really in the business of selling toilet paper and things like that," she said
Although Raj said this could be helpful for larger restaurants that have stocked up, it's not going to be a game-changer for her employees.
"It has not reached us yet. It has not either been enough to increase revenue to where we feel comfortable or make sure that we have a solid financial structure to continue to be stable to them," Raj said.
And even with to-go after to-go, going out the door and even kinds words from regulars, it's simply not slowing the bleeding for a neighborhood business that's built with love.
"When I look at this place, all I see is the overwhelming amount of myself that's here, it's such a privilege, it's such a privilege to do this job," she said.
While Raj can't say enough about everyone who's been ordering from 24 Carrots, she can say that her team is worth fighting for and that she hopes small business owners rally together to survive the dream they were living a short time ago.
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