This year has made turning a profit for Columbia’s bars and restaurants almost impossible. Business owners say their revenues have plummeted because of coronavirus regulations and reduced demand.
The football season is vital for local bars and restaurants. It brings in consumers from across the state and even country, allowing an opportunity to pack their establishments. The prosperous football season allows these businesses to survive through the spring. But the revenue has nosedived this season because of the pandemic.
Nickie Davis is the Director of the Downtown Community Improvement District. She said her organization’s polling shows most of bars and restaurants’ revenues are down 80% compared to previous years.
Construction on Columbiaâs new Gateway Plaza is set to begin in January at the southeast intersection of Broadway and Providence Road.
The Mayorâs Taskforce for Bicentennial Celebration Planning met Thursday to discuss next steps for the 2021 bicentennial celebration events, including Gateway Plaza.
Kathy Becker, executive director for the Downtown Community Improvement District, confirmed the Gateway Plaza will begin construction in January. Becker said the plaza will spell out âColumbiaâ in 5-feet-tall letters with the âoâ being an 8-feet-tall orb. According to previous Missourian reporting, the orb will contain words and statements describing Columbia.
The plaza will be five feet higher than the middle of the intersection, said Mike Snyder, Parks and Recreation planning and development superintendent. This was a recent change in the plans, so the plaza would be visible from a longer distance.
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