Elkhatib, who’s Pakistani and initially wished to promote garments, stated promoting alcohol is towards his Muslim faith.
“However it didn’t work out that approach so right here I’m,” he stated. “These days I’m extra into my actual property enterprise as a result of I need to assist reshape Park Manor to carry sit-down eating places, artwork galleries, rooftop bars, and even a theater.”
Park Manor has 17,109 residents whose residents are 97 p.c Black; 1.3 p.c white; 0.9 p.c Latino and 0.1 p.c Asian. The median family earnings is $31,120, in contrast with $55,198 citywide.
However regardless of some Park Manor companies with the ability to survive the pandemic, others will not be so fortunate, stated Richard Wooten, president of the nonprofit Greater Chatham Alliance.
“It’s good to see some small companies pushing on and in a position to preserve their doorways open, however I see plenty of companies that may find yourself closing if extra help, particularly from the federal authorities, will not be made obtainable quickly,” says Wooten, a retired Chicago police officer. “There must be a greater system in place to help small companies as a result of too many will not be getting helped.”
One group of companies hurting from the pandemic is bars, in accordance with Ald. Roderick Sawyer, sixth, whose ward consists of Park Manor.
“I’ve plenty of bars in my space and are actually threatened to be closed. I’m anxious about this as a result of some are generational companies which have been round 40, 50 and 60 years,” Sawyer stated. “Some companies (like bars) want individuals to point out up to achieve success.”
Very similar to A & S Drinks, Ellana Boutique, 7511 S. Cottage Grove, has been in a position to preserve its doorways open regardless of not receiving any COVID-19 grants, in accordance with co-owner Ella Dukes.
“Our revenues are down about 70 p.c, however we now have been in a position to preserve our doorways open because of loyal clients, who proceed to buy with us, and with a small Paycheck Safety mortgage,” Dukes stated . “I hoped for a $50,000 mortgage however received lower than $25,000, which was very useful.”
She added that whereas it has been a wrestle to remain open with no grant help, “we aren’t behind on our mortgage and sure, I’ve used private cash every so often to get by.”
Earlier than the pandemic the ladies’s clothes and accent boutique averaged $3,000 every week in gross sales, in accordance with Dukes, who stated she’s fortunate to do $1,000 every week proper now. And since the retail retailer makes use of unbiased contractors as gross sales consultants it didn’t have to fret about layoffs.
“By the grace God we now have been at this location nearly 21 years, and if it’s His will, we might be right here for a lot of extra years,” stated Jan Blake Greene, supervisor of the boutique.
