Local Business Owners Concerned About Growing COVID-19 Cases

A recent spike in COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has caused concern about what may be next for Tulsa businesses.

"It’s scary, and I hope to God we don't have to go back to that position again,” said Tally Alame, owner of Tally’s Good Food Café.

However, the recent spike in COVID-19 cases has brought fear to some business owners like Alame because he's concerned his restaurants might have to close again.

His two locations just opened in late April. Alame said that getting all his employees back to work has been the biggest challenge.

"Even though we offer them a full-time job, but they say they’re not ready yet until the end of July because they’re getting their unemployment."

Even with a full staff, other Tulsa restaurants are struggling just to get customers to show up again.

"We tried to open the restaurant, but it's really slow,” said Roberto Tejeda, the owner of Rincon Mexican Grill and Cantina. 

Tejeda said they had only a couple hundred dollars in sales Wednesday, which is way below their normal average.

Alame said he's trying to be optimistic but believes having to close again would be the worst possible scenario.

"I would rather stay open and keep everything nice and clean, so we can get this economy back."