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In Durham, local restaurants face uncertainty in Phase 2 reopening

Durham businesses and restaurants received the green light this week to resume operations with a few restrictions in Phase 2; however, local issues with looting and destruction have some remaining boarded up.

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By
Lora Lavigne
, WRAL Durham reporter
DURHAM, N.C. — Durham businesses and restaurants received the green light this week to resume operations with a few restrictions in Phase 2.

Many business owners have made tough financial decisions to board up their store fronts even though they have the go ahead to open up.

Walking through the Five Points area of downtown Durham you’ll see plywood covering entrances of nearly every business and restaurant.

With the first week of Phase 2 underway, this is beyond what anyone here could’ve predicted.

Boarded up store fronts are everywhere you turn. Protection from the spread of the coronavirus is no longer the main concern for BeYu Cafe owner Dorian Bolden.

“The reality is from a business standpoint we have to be able to measure both the peaceful side of protesting and those who come in to use it as a catalysts to do other things and be a bit more destructive," said Bolden.

The cafe has been a part of this community for a decade now. “We were here when the KKK said they would come marching through downtown Durham," he added.

Bolden said he‘s not against the movement for George Floyd, but will continue only take-out services for the time being.

“I get it. I understand that rationale to push for change, and because of that, it was a conscious business decision to make sure that we protect our building. Not to mention, we were just broken into two weeks ago," he said.

It’s a similar business decision for next door restaurant owner Kelli Cotter from Toast. “I definitely woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. I was very sad. Very sad once again," she said.

Trying to remain positive, she mentioned keeping parts of her business closed was a tough financial move, but the best approach for now.

“We just have to readjust everything we’ve been doing for 12 years. We just have to change everything. But we’re relying on some of the support coming down from the government," said Cotter.

Both business owners said there is no definite answer on how to move forward from here, but they credit the community’s support for giving them hope. “Durham is such a small community. Everyone looks out for each other," Cotter added.

Cotter said it’s impossible to maintain social distancing guidelines inside her tiny shop. It could be past July 4th before she decides to completely reopen. Currently, she’s open for take-out or curbside services Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. They also offer delivery.

BeYu Cafe is aiming to open dining services next week. It’s also operating take-out and curbside services.

BeYu Cafe has participated in Feed the Frontline, Durham FEAST, and Durham Public School System meals. They’ve served 17,000 meals in the last 60 days.

A meeting is scheduled for Thursday to discuss the plans for reopening.

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