TEXARKANA, Texas - Businesses here, especially those in customer service, restaurants and the like, have come a long way in dealing with the COVID crisis. From shutdowns to mask mandate, conducting business has been an ever-changing, every-day challenge.
Now with state leadership dropping restrictions and lifting the mask mandate, some businesses see an opportunity to create some momentum, though several business owners have said they will do so while still proceeding cautiously.
But after a trying ride, many welcome the chance to slide out of neutral and back into gear.
"We will be taking down our stickers (soon)," said Chuck Taramona, manager of Brewsters on the Boulevard. "I told my girls 'masks optional.' Personal responsibility."
Brewsters on the Boulevard was a relatively new business when the COVID restrictions first came down, and they managed to weather the storm with Taramona's characteristic good cheer.
"Customers have asked about the (governor's declaration), and I told them, 'your choice," she said. "Everyone is being pretty chill about this, not too worried. We all want cases to go down, and if they are in decline, that's great."
Benchmark American Brassierie also was relatively new when the situation took place. But like Brewsters on the Boulevard, Jason K. Williams, owner, his staff and his customers have taken things pretty much in stride while doing what they needed to do to keep things safe.
"We are happy and excited to see it (the declaration from Austin)," he said. "So are our customers. But the folks who come here were never too worried about it anyway. No mandate being in place is good, but it really is not going to change things much here."
The Texarkana Regional Chamber of Commerce officials have been hip deep in the COVID crisis, working to help out local businesses with resources and information as the situation developed. They view the changes coming from Austin favorably.
"The chamber sees the easing of the mask requirement as an opportunity for our business community to move forward but still maintain a safe attitude," said Mike Malone, chamber president and CEO. "Our restaurants will also benefit by the ability to go 100%. These are great signs of confidence by the governor in our communities and the support for businesses as they regain their momentum."