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Eric Inthaluexay - Bartender/Server, Sasha’s Wine Bar

I asked them and a few others to tell me a little from their point of view on Covid19 and how they are dealing with things, this is what they had to say...

Did  Covid19 affect your career? “Yes” 

Is this Temporary? “yes”

Are you Looking for work or just riding this out? What are you doing in the downtime? “I’m riding it out. My downtime has consisted of lots of cooking, bike rides, and walks on the trails near my house, spending time with my family, and whiskey!”

Before all of this, What was your outlook, expectations, and feelings about the year at the beginning of 2020? “I had just stepped down from managing the bar at Taco Circus and moved on to Sasha’s hoping to Not work a million hours a week and to improve my mentality and not be constantly stressed out. I was hoping to travel more, and just do stuff that I have always wanted to but threw aside.”

When / where did you hear about the coronavirus AND were you worried? “I remember hearing about it in China sometime in January. And honestly, I wasn’t. I had that we’re in America that doesn’t happen here mentality like a fool. I thought it would be like Ebola and sars or those kind of things..” 

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing on March 1st? “I was scared, angry, nervous. Just so many emotions. Getting laid off, not knowing how this will all play out. It’s crazy."

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing when the city officially shut down? “More scared than the beginning. I’m worried about so many of the small businesses and hoping they’ll be able to make it after all of this. I couldn’t imagine being a business owner and potentially losing my business over something I couldn’t control."

What are your Personal hopes/goals for when this is over? “I want to stick to what I had planned at the beginning. I’m going to travel, I’m going to continue working out, I’m going to do things I’ve always wanted to.”

What do you think the new normal for you will be when this is all over? “Honestly I don’t even know.."  

What do you think will be the new normal for STL after this is over? I really don’t know. I’d like to say everything will return to normal. Everyone will go back to their jobs, the industry field will be better than ever. But, I really don’t know.

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Gil Bley - Bartender, Atomic Cowboy/Taco Circus

I asked them and a few others to tell me a little from their point of view on Covid19 and how they are dealing with things, this is what they had to say...

Did  Covid19 affect your career? “Yes” 

Is this Temporary? “yes”

Are you Looking for work or just riding this out? What are you doing in the downtime? “Fortunately I am receiving unemployment which allows me to ride out this storm. Been reading a lot during the day and watching too much TV at night.er for like 12 years. Of course, the never-ending movie streaming. And bike rides. Gotta go on bike rides.”

Before all of this, What was your outlook, expectations, and feelings about the year at the beginning of 2020? “I generally have minimal hopes (high or otherwise) when the new year rolls around. I certainly wasn’t expecting a global pandemic to be the Fucked Up Event of the year...”

When / where did you hear about the coronavirus AND were you worried? “I had been hearing whispers about it since January. It wasn’t til early March that I started to grasp that this was a serious thing.” 

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing on March 1st? “I wasn’t sure how to feel. Even at that point it still didn’t seem real. That feeling didn’t last long."

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing when the city officially shut down? “This is when it started getting surreal to me. Both of my jobs decided to not open it’s doors and instead do to-go or curbside orders. Can’t tend bar when there’s no bar to tend."

What are your Personal hopes/goals for when this is over? “I’d like to come out of this with a clean room and all my laundry folded and put away. And to not die.”

What do you think the new normal for you will be when this is all over? “It’s hard to say. I tend to be a homebody even when there is no pandemic so staying in the house hasn’t hampered me too much. However, I’m ready to hang out with literally anyone right now. I know I will definitely cherish the shit outta my friends when we’re all allowed to gather again.."  

What do you think will be the new normal for STL after this is over? “Hopefully people have learned by now to properly and thoroughly wash their hands and cover their faces when sneezing and/or coughing. That would be a pretty cool “normal.”

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John Parker - Bar supervisor at moonrise door guy at pinup

I asked them and a few others to tell me a little from their point of view on Covid19 and how they are dealing with things, this is what they had to say...

Did  Covid19 affect your career?  “Yes” 

Is this Temporary?  “yes”

Are you Looking for work or just riding this out? What are you doing in the downtime? “Just riding it out. I haven't been out of work since I was like 16 so it's a little weird but I decided to just do the unemployment. I've been cooking a lot, recording music with my roommate. We've been playing music together for like 12 years. Of course, the never-ending movie streaming. And bike rides. Gotta go on bike rides.”

Before all of this, What was your outlook, expectations, and feelings about the year at the beginning of 2020? “Honestly I just went into it like any other year. Of course, election years are always funky but I didn't expect anything like this.”

When / where did you hear about the coronavirus AND were you worried? “I wasn't worried at first. I remember someone telling me about it and saying it was just like swine flu. At first I really just thought it was a bad flu-like we've had in The past. It wasn't until I heard about Italy that I really was like whoa, this is something different. I guess I'm Not really too worried about getting the virus myself but definitely afraid to pass it so I make sure to do everything I can to stay clean and distant..” 

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing on March 1st? “I really didn't think it was going to go this far at that point."

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing when the city officially shut down? “Kinda like being in a store and lights turn off and everybody leaves. It was definitely the scariest part.."

What are your Personal hopes/goals for when this is over? “I'm looking at this as an opportunity to save money, get healthier, I think there's a lot of good things people can do for themselves right now.”

What do you think the new normal for you will be when this is all over? “Who knows. I think there's still more evolving to do."  

What do you think will be the new normal for STL after this is over? “I don't know. Things are going to be tight for a while. We still have a lot of work to do. I think people will take better care of each other. We kinda have to. I really think things will be cleaner too.”

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Luke and Tsion -  Owner-operator and Assistant Bar Manager, Electric Mayhem Tattoo and Taco Circus

I asked them and a few others to tell me a little from their point of view on Covid19 and how they are dealing with things, this is what they had to say...

Did  Covid19 affect your career? “Yes” 

Is this Temporary?  “yes”

Are you Looking for work or just riding this out? What are you doing in the downtime? “We are riding it out at home, we had saved some money for a lot of trips this year so..... Painting and photography as creative outlets. Working on the yard. Going for drives to take a hike, getting upset at how many people are doing the exact same thing, staying in the car and driving right back home without ever actually getting out. We do that one a lot. Reading and watching movies.”

Before all of this, What was your outlook, expectations, and feelings about the year at the beginning of 2020? “Sober, saving money, working out 5-6 days a week, therapy, waking up early, selling our house...”

When / where did you hear about the coronavirus AND were you worried? “Friends parents live and work in China, they were sending videos of what it was really like there. Early February I think… Definitely worried. Scientists had been predicting a flu-like pandemic for quite a long time..” 

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing on March 1st? “We were still working but had discussed stopping by this point. I had urged Tsion to stop working sooner than later, we self quarantined before the stay at home orders we even in effect."

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing when the city officially shut down? “We had already been in our home for a week or two at this point so it was pretty much more of the same. Scared, but hopeful that our country could handle things better than Italy had at this point."

What are your Personal hopes/goals for when this is over? “It’s been amazing watching the STL community adapt and support one another. Our hope is that it continues as this progresses. So many people had 2020 as “their year”. Things were happening. Dreams were coming true. Hopefully, that can still happen. Especially our own!”

What do you think the new normal for you will be when this is all over? “I never liked crowds much anyway. I’m pretty sure my “new” normal will look much like my old normal. Maybe less international travel..."  

What do you think will be the new normal for STL after this is over? “I think we never completely “go back” to what we knew as normal. I imagine we will see a lot of innovation and adaptation to current businesses and services. Restaurants that can’t make enough money selling normal menu items might start doing more things like packaged “prep in your home” meals. Apotheosis became a comic book and beer delivery service. The business that can’t adapt won’t survive most likely, but I have confidence that we as a city have the ability to come back from this. Probably a little scarred for it, but this town has always taken it’s hits and keeps on going.”

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Tony Saputo -  Beverage Director, Spruce Street ( Midwestern, Start Bar, Wheelhouse)

I asked them and a few others to tell me a little from their point of view on Covid19 and how they are dealing with things, this is what they had to say...

Did  Covid19 affect your career? “No” 

Is this Temporary?  “No”

Are you Looking for work or just riding this out? What are you doing in the downtime? “I've been using this time to complete projects I've been meaning to get to the last 6 months. Whether it's fixing something around the job, remodeling a venue, or knocking out house projects. The lady and I are also using this time for me to bond more closely with my son. We started having me putting him to bed alone, and take time having one on one experiences with him to help him become a more independent toddler. Also I have focused on diet and exercise to keep my motivations in line as well.”

Before all of this, What was your outlook, expectations, and feelings about the year at the beginning of 2020? “I had a really rough 2019. I opened Midwestern, and it took us a very long time to figure out what worked in that space. I was moved onto a more macro position and focused on Start Bar. The whole block started really growing at the end of 2019. We created this momentum and were crushing sales like crazy. I felt like I was riding in stride. I was focusing on becoming an even stronger force on the block. This was always meant to be a year of regrouping and growth for me.....”

When / where did you hear about the coronavirus AND were you worried? “I knew of it from just general putzing around on the internet. Before we knew we would shut down. I was having conversations with upper management at work. "If we stay open, know that this staff will become infected." I was down for the cause and happy to work. My wife and I agreed to me moving in with another bartender so I could keep working and not worry about affecting our family. Luckily we shut down early enough, and I didn't have to do that. I was overly confident at first and as I learned more it humbled me.” 

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing on March 1st? “I figured if any place in Saint Louis would be a source for it. It would easily be the bars I work at on Spruce Street. We're full of young, drunk, college kids slammed into a small space just trying to party and flex. I knew I would be sleeping in the lion's den if we stayed open. Until the end of March, I was comfortable with it."

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing when the city officially shut down? “By that time, I was anxious. Questions erupted in my mind, "Who's really being affected by this? What's happening to my salary? How do I make sure our staff is taken care of? Is this going to happen every year? IS this the reality my son has now? What's really happening?"

What are your Personal hopes/goals for when this is over? “Becoming the best version of myself I can be. I want to consistently utilize the changes I’ve developed in my routines. I also would like to remain in closer contact with my friends and take time to nurture those relationships. The ever-present goal of keeping my family safe and happy also runs in these trails.”

What do you think the new normal for you will be when this is all over? “I'm still going to work like crazy, but I'll be spending more waking hours at home as well."  

What do you think will be the new normal for STL after this is over? “Sadly I don't think there's going to be a bigger change. I think this summer will be heavily event-driven. I believe for a minute people may take this as a wake-up call to be better, but people, in general, will backslide into what makes them comfortable. Hopefully, people appreciate what this society is and realize how polished and privileged our culture has become. Hopefully, we become a little harder and more understanding. I won't be betting on it though.”

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Nick Openlander -  Bar manager, Moonrise Hotel

I asked them and a few others to tell me a little from their point of view on Covid19 and how they are dealing with things, this is what they had to say...

Did  Covid19 affect your career? “yes” 

Is this Temporary?  “Yes”

Are you Looking for work or just riding this out? What are you doing in the downtime? “Currently riding it out, but that may change. In the meantime, I've been painting, reading, watching tv, exercising. The apartment’s never been cleaner!”

Before all of this, What was your outlook, expectations, and feelings about the year at the beginning of 2020? “Optimistic, and I still am. My expectations were to continue doing a job I love, be creative and spend time with family and friends. Obviously some of that has become more complicated with current events, but I do see this as temporary, while simultaneously realizing the gravity of the situation. People are sick, people are dying. Ultimately, what I can do right now is be compassionate and considerate of the wellbeing of others as well as myself. I try to keep in mind as well that whenever I experience hardship or loss, it's important to remember and be grateful for everything I still have.”

When / where did you hear about the coronavirus AND were you worried? “I first heard about it through news outlets in December, and I wasn't worried. From what I understood at the time, symptomatically it was similar to a cold or the flu, but more contagious yet having a fairly low mortality rate. It seemed so removed from me that I saw no reason for concern.” 

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing on March 1st? “My feelings have changed, it's definitely more personal. There's an added level of caution and awareness as soon as you walk outside. There's also sympathy for so many others who feel lonely and are distanced from so many aspects of their lives. This is so different because it's not just a recession or a terrorist attack, it's a public health crisis and so many more people are vulnerable. Everyone's life has been shaken up. I'm currently not working as well as most of my friends. So much of how I spend my free time, going out to restaurants, bars, concerts, have all been put on hold which coincides with being able to spend time with family and friends. Something as simple as visiting my mom isn't viable right now. All of that seems trivial though as hospitals are being overwhelmed. It will pass, but there's hardship along the way.."

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing when the city officially shut down? “Similar to the answer above, it hits so much closer. Hearing about our city, as well as so many others and even countries going into lockdown shows how serious the situation is and from I understand can/will worsen before it gets better.”

What are your Personal hopes/goals for when this is over? “They remain the same as they were at the beginning of the year. I'm eager to spend time with loved ones and get back to work. I also hope for myself, and for others, to be more present and aware of the people in my life. I hope we come out of this more sensitive and appreciative of our relationships and how much they enrich us. As far as society goes, I hope we can consider ways or elect candidates to improve/expand healthcare and create a climate that is more efficient and responsive to crises that may arise in the future.”

What do you think the new normal for you will be when this is all over? “I hope as far as the routine goes, my life will resume its previous state, I was pretty happy with where I was."  

What do you think will be the new normal for STL after this is over? “It will take time to recover, but ultimately I imagine things will more or less return to their original state, but perhaps, and hopefully, with an added level of kindness and charity towards others. Every challenge is an opportunity, this is a moment to reflect upon how much we value our relationships and what we can do for our friends, family, and community, and everything they do for us. Also, once everything is up and running and knowing this city, I'm expecting a perfect storm of mardi gras/Stanley cup/world series level of partying to continue FOR MONTHS.”

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Chris Voorhis -  Cooked, ran it, Friendlys

I asked them and a few others to tell me a little from their point of view on Covid19 and how they are dealing with things, this is what they had to say...

Did  Covid19 affect your career? “Yes” 

Is this Temporary?  “no”

Are you Looking for work or just riding this out? What are you doing in the downtime? “Both honestly. I haven’t had much downtime in the past year. Then it’s time to figure out how to support myself again..”

Before all of this, What was your outlook, expectations, and feelings about the year at the beginning of 2020? “Eh, I don’t get hopes up. I’ve lived through some bad situations and stupid mistakes. If it goes well, awesome. If not, no shocker.”

When / where did you hear about the coronavirus AND were you worried? “Reddit pretty early on I guess. I didn’t take it that seriously. Hindsight obviously proves how mistaken I was.” 

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing on March 1st? “Worried, but only slightly.."

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing when the city officially shut down? “Pretty genuinely scared. People didn’t take this seriously and it shows in how fast and hard it’s hit this country. I’m doing my best, but it takes all of us.”

What are your Personal hopes/goals for when this is over? “I suppose personally I just want to survive this, and after six years at the same job, start over. It’s not going to be easy.”

What do you think the new normal for you will be when this is all over? “Not too much has changed besides time spent at home not working. I think taking my health and wellness more serious is a plus."  

What do you think will be the new normal for STL after this is over? “I’m cautiously optimistic that this will strengthen communities and industries within the city. I’m hopeful this puts a human face on wage talks / health insurance talks has a positive impact on how people treat each other. We’ll see but that’s my hope.”

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Zach Thenhaus -  General Manager, Pin-Up Bowl

I asked them and a few others to tell me a little from their point of view on Covid19 and how they are dealing with things, this is what they had to say...

Did  Covid19 affect your career?  “Yes” 

What are you doing in the meantime? “Utilizing the resources I currently have. I do prepare for things like this. Some may call me a prepper. I just call it prepared. I am generally doing housework, fixing up what’s broken & reading about Fred Noe, Jim Beams great grandson..”

Before all of this, What was your outlook, expectations, and feelings about the year at the beginning of 2020? “Excited. Planning trips, working on my motorcycle & getting out of CC debt.”

When / where did you hear about the coronavirus AND were you worried? “The Illuminati informed me as I kept forging forward in my duties. I feel twisted saying it but I thought time off work would be welcome. Not worried. Just cautious. If you cant be quick, be quiet.” 

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing on March 1st? “Again, cautious. The threat is real. It stopped my St Louis Blues in their tracks."

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing when the city officially shut down? “On alert. Also worried about my friends, co-workers & comrades in arms within the biz.”

What are your Personal hopes/goals for when this is over? “Hopes: I’d like to think the nation as a whole would be more compassionate but I know who’s running things. Goals: Exercise more. Get outdoors. Ride my bike. Go on more hikes. Get healthy & out of debt.”

What do you think the new normal for you will be when this is all over? “Same as the old but with more hand sanitizer."  

What do you think will be the new normal for STL after this is over? “Business as usual.”

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Alice - Bartender, Atomic Cowboy

I asked them and a few others to tell me a little from their point of view on Covid19 and how they are dealing with things, this is what they had to say...

Did  Covid19 affect your career? “Yes,” 

What are you doing in the meantime? “Riding it out. Jigsaw puzzles, embroidery projects, cooking projects with Ben.”

Before all of this, What was your outlook, expectations, and feelings about the year at the beginning of 2020? “High hopes. I had an ambitious semester in front of me, I was so psyched for my Microbiology course and being able to get hands on with the microbial world. When the weather started warming up I was chomping at the bit for work to pick up. We had a huge summer ahead of us and I was behind on bills so I couldn’t wait to catch up.”

When / where did you hear about the coronavirus AND were you worried? “Heard about it in the first few weeks of Microbiology, as it ties into the subject material nicely. It seemed like a distant problem, unfortunately when things happen far away it’s often hard to viscerally relate to the issue as opposed to feeling sad for the people affected and then getting consumed by your own day to day again.” 

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing on March 1st? “It seemed separate from me and my own well-being on March 1st."

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing when the city officially shut down? “Worried. I don’t recover well or quickly from respiratory illness, and I worried even more deeply about the possibility of being asymptomatic and being directly responsible for hurting my own or someone else’s loved one.”

What are your Personal hopes/goals for when this is over? “To have tackled all of the projects I’ve needed to, and I plan on taking online summer courses to work towards my major and productively spend the time”

What do you think the new normal for you will be when this is all over? “Personally? I’ll be far more aware of who and what I touch and much more skeptical of people around me insofar as whether they can get me sick or not.."  

What do you think will be the new normal for STL after this is over? “STL has a kick ass way of reciprocating support. I think the people and businesses who cared for their employees and community will flourish. I want more than anything to see this city come back stronger and reflect the resilience of its population.”

Ben Stein - Clinical Analyst II, Shriners Hospital for Children

I asked them and a few others to tell me a little from their point of view on Covid19 and how they are dealing with things, this is what they had to say...

Did  Covid19 affect your career? “Reduced hours” 

What are you doing in the meantime? “Working what hours I can.”

Before all of this, What was your outlook, expectations, and feelings about the year at the beginning of 2020? “Smooth sailing”

When / where did you hear about the coronavirus AND were you worried? “Work. Very.” 

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing on March 1st? “Concerned"

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing when the city officially shut down? “Elevated concern”

What are your Personal hopes/goals for when this is over? “I hope people have learned to wash their hands.”

What do you think the new normal for you will be when this is all over? “Business as usual.."  

What do you think will be the new normal for STL after this is over? “Likely a few less people and restaurants 😢”

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Parker Schmitt -Goldsmith, Jim’s Pawn & Jewelry

I asked them and a few others to tell me a little from their point of view on Covid19 and how they are dealing with things, this is what they had to say...

Did  Covid19 affect your career? “Yes, Work from home, limited workload.” 

What are you doing in the meantime? “Keeping the kids busy, painting minis.”

Before all of this, What was your outlook, expectations, and feelings about the year at the beginning of 2020? “Exhausted.”

When / where did you hear about the coronavirus AND were you worried? “Followed its global spread on NPR..” 

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing on March 1st? “Expectant."

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing when the city officially shut down? “Challenge accepted.”

What are your Personal hopes/goals for when this is over? “That people will retain their sense of social wealth and well being. We’re all in it together.”

What do you think the new normal for you will be when this is all over? “Hopefully work will pick back up, and life can get back to normal.."  

What do you think will be the new normal for STL after this is over? “Hopefully quarantined until testing and proper PPE become available to manage those who get sick.”

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Corey J. Moszer - Beverage Director,  Atomic Cowboy/Firecracker Pizza

I asked them and a few others to tell me a little from their point of view on Covid19 and how they are dealing with things, this is what they had to say...

Did  Covid19 affect your career? “yes” 

What are you doing in the meantime? “being a parent, teacher, father to my son. trying to keep busy with books. engaging with friends on social media.”

Before all of this, What was your outlook, expectations, and feelings about the year at the beginning of 2020? “extremely positive. I had finally established and sustained some very good habits.”

When / where did you hear about the coronavirus AND were you worried? “through media outlets beginning in December. I wasn’t worried at all.” 

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing on March 1st? “this, I feel like, is when it started getting a good amount of attention here in the states, but still hadn’t alarmed the masses. people were still freely hanging in large crowds."

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing when the city officially shut down? “terrified. no definitive answers on when or how we get through this. no answers to how it will look on the other side socially or professionally.”

What are your Personal hopes/goals for when this is over? “to still have my loved ones. I hope more than anything that somewhere in this we are able to affect some positive changes”

What do you think the new normal for you will be when this is all over? “being more present with loved ones. not taking for granted how truly in this together we all are."  

What do you think will be the new normal for STL after this is over? “I hope to see more positive outreach in our communities”

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Vivila Rosa - Bartender, Salt + Smoke / Pin-Up Bowl

I asked them and a few others to tell me a little from their point of view on Covid19 and how they are dealing with things, this is what they had to say...

Did  Covid19 affect your career? “yes” 

What are you doing in the meantime? “I am keeping my eyes open for jobs but for the time being, just riding this out. I am working on projects in the house, doing puzzles, reading more, and working on a better routine..”

Before all of this, What was your outlook, expectations, and feelings about the year at the beginning of 2020? “I had high hopes for 2020. I started with a new job and I was genuinely excited to take on this year with new adventures and trips. I had big plans to visit my family overseas..”

When / where did you hear about the coronavirus AND were you worried? “I read about it mid-January after the picture of the woman eating the raw bat went viral. At the moment I wasn't worried. I thought it was only in China and there was no way it would spread that fast. It wasn't until it reached Europe that I realized how dangerous it was.” How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing on March 1st? “At that point, I was concerned about my family. I have 2 nephews and in my mind I just wanted them to stay safe. I told my sister "I don't want to get sick, but I would rather have it than you guys"

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing when the city officially shut down? “I was mad. I couldn't believe that people were so careless to the point it cost me my job. I was a little paranoid for a few days too. I kept thinking "what if one of my customers exposed me to it".”

What are your Personal hopes/goals for when this is over? “I am excited to see the restaurant industry bounce back. I'm excited to give back and help build the community back up..”

What do you think the new normal for you will be when this is all over? “I think everyone is adopting new habits. Whether its cooking more or spending time with their loved ones. I think that overall people will be less affectionate and more careful, and hopefully with better hygiene.."  

What do you think will be the new normal for STL after this is over? “STL is going to be loud! Although I think that everyone is going to be more careful with all their habits, we can't wait to be around each other again..”

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Chris Brown - DJ, Self Employed

I asked them and a few others to tell me a little from their point of view on Covid19 and how they are dealing with things, this is what they had to say...

Did  Covid19 affect your career? “yes” 

What are you doing in the meantime? “I’ve looked at a few job sites... I have a 9-year-old college degree that's never seen the light of day... Might not be the most convincing engineering candidate. There's also part-time work where I would be exposing myself to the virus. It seems to be more of a liability than anything else... So I've been streaming DJ sets and collecting small donations while putting as many debts on hold as possible..”

Before all of this, What was your outlook, expectations, and feelings about the year at the beginning of 2020? “At the risk of sounding cliche... 2020 was my year. I did a ton of business building in 2018 and 2019. I could have literally coast through this year if I wanted to based on the bookings I had already had on the schedule..”

When / where did you hear about the coronavirus AND were you worried? “I'm unsure of the date... but when it was beginning to become a real problem in China with the report of increased deaths, I immediately became concerned. It was only a matter of time until it spread elsewhere..”

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing on March 1st? “I was worried... Mild paranoia had already begun to settle in for anyone following it. I know I kept sanitizer on deck. I knew it would affect my work, I just couldn't guess how long it would take and how badly it would hit me.”

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing when the city officially shut down? “I found out about the gathering bans while I was on vacation visiting my Grandmother in Jamaica... It made it incredibly difficult to enjoy my time away because I knew I was returning to an empty calendar for at least 2 months. I also feared being able to return home... would I get sick during the taxi ride and 2 flights back to St. Louis? Was I already infected and put my grandmother and other travelers at risk? In short, it scared the hell out of me..”

What are your Personal hopes/goals for when this is over? “For the sake of being realistic, I've kept my hopes and dreams in check. I hope this is over around May, sometimes. But realistically, I think this will take much longer than anyone has even anticipated..”

What do you think the new normal for you will be when this is all over? “I have spent a long time thinking about this. And I still don't know... Right now, uncertainty is my only fair assumption. redundant but I have forced myself into better habits in eating and taking care of myself. Hopefully, I'll be able to carry those over and not be quite as apathetic as before.."  

What do you think will be the new normal for STL after this is over? “Thinking beyond STL, the world may have a new appreciation for what's actually important when life takes a shit on you. Maybe people will begin to put each other first. Maybe capitalism will finally die! Maybe we'll create a government that is by the people and for the people. Or... maybe a lot of us will continue to get sick and die and we'll fall apart as a society. I'm keeping my options open and preparing for both..”

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Matthias Muutuki -  Bar manager, Pin-Up Bowl

I asked them and a few others to tell me a little from their point of view on Covid19 and how they are dealing with things, this is what they had to say...

Did  Covid19 affect your career? “yes” 

What are you doing in the meantime? “Haven't started looking yet. It depends on how long the quarantine lasts. Lots of cleaning, reading, cooking, and of course streaming TV shows and movies. It gets pretty lonely and boring without any roommates; you can only talk to your dog and plants so much before even you think you're mental.”

Before all of this, What was your outlook, expectations, and feelings about the year at the beginning of 2020? “I was excited to visit my family in Germany towards the end of May (it's been over 7 years since all 5 of us were together). I was expecting a raise at my job, and I wanted to pick up some better habits and maybe lose a few bad ones.”

When / where did you hear about the coronavirus AND were you worried? “Last year? Not overly worried. I figured it would peter out like SARS or H1N1 did.”

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing on March 1st? “Annoyed. Inconvenienced”

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing when the city officially shut down? “Still inconvenienced but also a little disbelief. I honestly thought we'd still be working through this..”

What are your Personal hopes/goals for when this is over? “Keep my good habits I've picked up so far. I know I will appreciate my job a lot more.”

What do you think the new normal for you will be when this is all over? “Along the same lines as it was before, but hopefully with a better outlook in life. I know it sounds redundant but I have forced myself into better habits in eating and taking care of myself. Hopefully, I'll be able to carry those over and not be quite as apathetic as before.."  

What do you think will be the new normal for STL after this is over? “That is an excellent question. Hopefully, hygiene will be bigger in everyone's minds, but I doubt much else will change. Perhaps a bigger appreciation for those in essential jobs as well as those of us who've lost almost everything..”

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Jane Wilker -  Visual Merchandiser/ Stylist, Ethan Allen/ Mia Grace Bridal

I asked them and a few others to tell me a little from their point of view on Covid19 and how they are dealing with things, this is what they had to say...

Did  Covid19 affect your career? “yes” 

What are you doing in the meantime? “Always looking for new opportunities, and this has pushed me even harder so pursue different career paths..”

Before all of this, What was your outlook, expectations, and feelings about the year at the beginning of 2020? Best year of my life. I still feel like it will be..”

When / where did you hear about the coronavirus AND were you worried? “A conversation with my mother stands out to me as when I realized “ this is real, this is coming, how we deal with it is vital for the health and safety of humans..”

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing on March 1st? “I knew something was going to change, I didn’t realize how much though”

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing when the city officially shut down?  “I was scared. I was worried, and thought about all of us and having this huge social responsibility to maintain.”

What are your Personal hopes/goals for when this is over? “Getting back into a normal routine, while at the same time, using some of the things I have learned while in isolation to make a more positive routine focused on personal connections, a strong sense of community, and knowing we can rise above..”

What do you think the new normal for you will be when this is all over? “Hopefully we will all get through this stronger and more resilient then we were before. Inner strength surfaces and we realize we had it in us all along to get through trying times. I hope this sense of peace and strength continues in the community and within myself.."  

What do you think will be the new normal for STL after this is over? “Strength in numbers and the sheer creativity, earnestness, and outpouring of positivity our local business have shown is inspiring. I hope that this continues and grows.”

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Chip Schloss - Team Member, Atomic Cowboy & Firecracker Pizza

I asked them and a few others to tell me a little from their point of view on Covid19 and how they are dealing with things, this is what they had to say...

Did  Covid19 affect your career? “yes” 

What are you doing in the meantime? “A core group from both of our teams are communicating towards re-opening in ways that show growth from the things people loved about our contributions to our community pre vs. post pandemic. What do we need to keep the same? What should be different? We are facilitating pursuit of funding and support for our staff during the interim shut down. We are also using the down time to organize years of accumulated office documents, we have servers, drop boxes, share points and various cloud based storage full of history that's not optimally archived, as well as our physical office and all of the file cabinets. A huge overhaul deep clean of our record keeping. At home its binge TV and revisiting my music studio, probably some song writing will happen.”

Before all of this, What was your outlook, expectations, and feelings about the year at the beginning of 2020? “Unquestionably 2020's outlook was to become our best year ever. It was in optometry speak as near "perfect vision" as we've ever had. Our concert season was shaping up to offer more bigger shows with incredible talent booked. Our restaurants kitchens were staffed up and producing food people loved, our bars were stocked deep with personality, both our people and the product were on point, and our supplier relations were thriving. We were about to start construction renovating our outdoor facility to have bigger capacity and faster volume bars. Then came full stop..”

When / where did you hear about the coronavirus AND were you worried? “The news cycle and morning coffee go hand in hand for me. So as it began to get more media attention, the concern grew with it. We put out proactive memos to our staff about sanitizing and disinfecting weeks before the shut down and ordered in appropriate support products for our staff and guests, and began looking at what if contingencies. We don't have a lot of confidence in our government right now, so it became a delicate situation caught between waiting on authorities to make the call and us trying to do the right thing.”

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing on March 1st? “In short freaked out. We knew it was very serious and we also understood there would be plenty of people who would not take this seriously and create a vicious cycle. I have friends who own a similar business in Nashville who were hit by the early March tornado and their property devastated, but fortunately no one was hurt. I had no idea I would later in the month have tornado envy..”

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing when the city officially shut down? “A science fiction reality. The whole dynamic of human encounters began to change. Getting on an elevator with another human being got weird. Grocery store aisles seeing some in masks and gloves, others with no clue about social distancing. Keeping wipes and gel in my car, not touching anything public without a wipe in my hand, having an itch on my face and not scratching it. I work constantly so I love my at home time when I can get it. My living space is set up for all kinds of comfort. So being at home is easy. But waking up to discover this is still an actuality, I have not gotten used to that.”

What are your Personal hopes/goals for when this is over? “I see this as a great divide between the before and after, and one that I am hopeful the after will help bridge the divide between people in our country, who have become so divided. This is a common enemy no one can deny, at least not for long. Joining together in the fight against this, will be a reality check that we need to accept our differences and take the health of our planet seriously. Work together not just as a country of citizens but as a world community. I have family on the west coast that I cannot get to right now, so as soon as that's a safe practicality I need to go be with them and regroup. I need to be by the ocean. I hope our businesses can be resurrected and made vital again, and our team family can have their happy home back..”

What do you think the new normal for you will be when this is all over? “Atomic Cowboy has been around for 15 years, it started to all blur together. This will create a huge demarcation in our tiny history. I think when we come back it will be with much of our professional team who were so comfortable working together, and I hope will want that back. But I also feel when we return to work it will be with a new sort of reverence for each other and for our guests. If we were a big party before, we might be more than that, we might be a place where a feeling of social closeness is cherished and the party takes on a whole new level.."  

What do you think will be the new normal for STL after this is over? “If its truly over and we can throw caution to the wind, it could get wild. If there are waves of this thing cycling in and out its going to suck for a long time, and the new normal could be shitty, but lets not go there just yet.”

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Ryan Oakley -The Thaxton Speakeasy, Bartender

I asked them and a few others to tell me a little from their point of view on Covid19 and how they are dealing with things, this is what they had to say...

Did  Covid19 affect your career? “Yes” 

What are you doing in the meantime? ‘Riding this out. Playing video games and getting stuff done around the house..”

Before all of this, What was your outlook, expectations, and feelings about the year at the beginning of 2020? “It was the best I had been financially in my life. I was going to continue to save and plan a wedding.”

When / where did you hear about the coronavirus AND were you worried? “Reddit. Yes.”

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing on March 1st? “I knew things were going to escalate so seeing how we handled it was disheartening, to say the least.”

How did you feel about COVID-19 as it related to you and your wellbeing when the city officially shut down? “It was inevitable. I was looking forward to some time off and to be able to get some stuff done around the house.

What are your Personal hopes/goals for when this is over? “Rebuild my savings. Get back into shape.”

What do you think the new normal for you will be when this is all over? “I will stop eating raw bats as often as I do.."  

What do you think will be the new normal for STL after this is over? “We will take better care of our local businesses, hopefully.”