MARION (WSIL) -- Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, News 3 has reached out to local business owners to see how they've been operating through the restrictions.
Business at Tower Square Pizza hasn't stopped since the pandemic, but chef Steve Whitt says it's been a bumpy journey.
"It's been off and on lately…it's, you know, it's some people in here, but we could always use more," he said.
The pizza shop has barely been open for a year, but Whitt says the community support has been great.
"Oh, we get some support from the local owners in our area, and they come in and order the food here, and some of the locals do come in…so it's nice to see them."
Whitt says everyone enjoys the buffet option. Customers just have to put on gloves before using the utensils
"Always kept it going. We expanded it to Wednesday nights, and now we're not doing the night time, but now we do it at lunch for the lunch time people," he said.
On the other side of town, Thai D says business has also been a rollercoaster.
"Took some time for us to adjust and adapt to the circumstances like closing the dine-in, for example. You know we had to set up dining outside by ourselves," said co-owner Settha Natisri.
Aside from other cleaning procedures, the restaurant has been taking extra steps by using a UV Disinfection Robot.
"We usually run it after everyone leaves, and we use it in the common area here, the dining area and also back here and the bathroom as well," he said.
Customers say they the virus hasn't kept them from visting the restaurant.
"Oh, I feel 100% safe. I think everyone's taking safety precaution," said Amy Graves
Thai D says through all the adjustments, they're staying positive.
"Definitely forced everyone and motivate everyone to adapt accordingly," said Natisri.
The Marion Chamber of Commerce says three chamber businesses have had to close.
