The Local Business Struggle

By Paige Greene
Web Content Assistant Manager

It has been no secret that COVID-19 has been tough on students, families and schools, but many of us may fail to recognize the strain this pandemic has on local businesses. 

With the lack of labor and supply, many residents of San Marcos have relied on large chains this past year. This leaves many smaller businesses in the dust.

If you live in San Marcos, you have most likely visited one of the many local businesses the city has to offer, which includes Pie Society, Root Cellar, Santi’s Tacos and more. As more students travel home for the pandemic, these businesses face months without consistent consumers. 

These first months are what businesses call the “busy season.” In the busy season, the weather warms up, students get a break from classes and head out often. This spike in revenue is what keeps them going for the winter or “slow season.” With the busy season lacking in revenue last year, this slow season has been tough on these restaurants. 

Local restaurant Pie Society was closed for three weeks when COVID shut down the area. Soon after, they opened the business for curbside only until their dining room could be reopened. Unlike Pie Society, Root Cellar was closed for weeks and still has yet to open their usual dining room. 

It is situations like these that show the lack of support for local businesses. 

It was also apparent that these businesses have the residents’ backs when the snowstorm hit over a month ago. Local gas station and restaurant, Sunny’s Pizza and Wings, remained open to provide local residents with essential food and supplies during the storm.

OMG Seafood also helped by giving away 3,000 to 3,500 pounds of crawfish for free. With only two locations— one in Bryan and one in San Marcos— owner Shane Billiot said, “God put it in my heart that it was the right thing to do,” according to Community Impact.

As financially unstable students, it may be hard to support local owners, but below is a short list of small yet staple San Marcos businesses:

Mochas and Javas

Multiple Locations

Pie Society

700 N. LBJ, San Marcos, Texas 78666

Santi’s Tacos

201 S. LBJ Dr, San Marcos, Texas 78666

Sunny’s Pizza and Wings

507 Craddock Ave, San Marcos, Texas 78666

Two P’s & Calli’s Boutique

690 Center Point Road Suite 205, San Marcos, Texas 78666

TxSk8 Skateboards and Apparel

255 NCM Allen Pkwy, San Marcos, Texas 78666

OMG Seafood

205 Moore St, San Marcos, Texas 78666 

Featured image by Andie Mau.