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“We need the Congress to get something done,” says Dayton restaurant owner, struggling to make ends meet amid COVID-19

DAYTON — If you ask Chris Bhai how business is going at his restaurant, Brixx Ice Company in Dayton, he’ll start on a positive note.

“We’re not complaining too much,” he said.

After the COVID-19 pandemic shut down in-person service for months this spring, and the season canceled for the Dayton Dragons, who play home games steps from Brixx and drive a lot of business at the establishment, Bhai said, “We’re just happy to be here.”

But that’s not to say things are easy.

Between social distancing requirements, the closures early this year, and, indeed, the loss of the typical summer crowds at Dragons games, Bhai estimates business was down 75 percent during the summer – typically the strongest season for Brixx.

“We had a limited summer. We definitely did,” he said.

Part of what got Brixx to this point was help from the federal government’s stimulus bill this sprint. The CARES Act allowed Bhai to rehire his staff.

But with that money now spent and a difficult winter for business approaching, Bhai told News Center 7′s Sean Cudahy he’s closely watching negotiations in Washington, where lawmakers, so far, have been unable to reach a deal on a second round of stimulus.

“It’s truly essential for our business,” he said. “I am rooting for it every day, we hope congress is going to be in session and trying to do the work of the people every day, I’m hoping and praying for that.”

The financial impact of the pandemic spans industries, too.

Chris Kersnher, President & CEO, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, noted Wednesday, the impact COVID-19 has had on retail stores as well.

“We all know that retailers have been significantly impacted because of COVID-19,” Kersnher said. “Heck, the state was shut down for multiple months, and now folks are still leery about going out and that’s impacting the retail environment.”

Even as countless small businesses – and individuals – await congressional approval for a second round of stimulus, some money from the first bill remains available locally.

In Montgomery County, the Office of CARES Act, formed this spring, continues to accept applications for grant money going toward a wide range of areas – including small businesses, education, agriculture, rental assistance – and, now – utilities assistance for Dayton Power & Light and Vectren.

“The need in the community is wide-ranging. And we have been trying in the county to step up and meet that need, and get money where it is needed most,” said Brianna Wooten, Montgomery County Director of Communications.

Wooten noted, anyone still hoping to get assistance from the first round of CARES Act funds should act quickly, with the program expiring in the coming weeks.

“It’s really important that people if they are seeking these funds or plan to apply that they do so now. Because that window of opportunity will be closing,” Wooten said.

Additionally, Governor Mike DeWine hinted at more CARES Act money potentially set to be made available from the state soon. At his Tuesday news conference, DeWine said he is hoping for an announcement later this week.

“This would include funding for rent, mortgages, water and sewer utility bills, as well as funding for small businesses and non-profits,” DeWine said.

In the meantime, as Congress continues to debate a second stimulus bill, Bhai said his business will keep pushing ahead, trying to stay open….and hoping lawmakers can come together.

“The partisanship takes place in Washington,” he said. “The people on the ground are who really feels this.”

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