Amidst the mansions and high-end property affected by the California wildfires, small businesses are also being wiped out. They now face the challenges of rebuilding and wondering whether or not their customers will stick with them.
Small independent restaurants are the types of low-margin businesses that have a more difficult time bouncing back from natural disasters, according to a study of roughly 50,000 businesses affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas.
The Reel Inn fish shack in Malibu is no exception. Owners Andy and Teddy Leonard told the Wall Street Journal that while they have survived fires, an earthquake, mudslides and the COVID-19 pandemic over the past three decades, this devastating fire might be the end of the business.
While the restaurant has more than $1 million in insurance, which includes coverage for business interruption and rebuilding, the true costs of rebuilding are likely to be much higher. They don’t even know if they will be allowed to rebuild on the land owned by the California State Parks department.
For now, their customers are supporting them and their 22 employees through a GoFundMe campaign which has already raised more than $139,000 –- 97% of its goal. It’s a testament to the community’s love for this place and the people who made it special.
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