Changes in Downtown Fullerton impact Business Owners By Richard Mendoza
Downtown Fullerton was once thriving with open coffee houses, trendy restaurants, vintage shops and nightclubs. Now, several empty storefronts and temporarily closed businesses are becoming more apparent across the area. Many of those who visit downtown Fullerton speak greatly about the nightlife in the area especially bars and restaurants. The area has gone from packed places to forlorn because of the COVID-19 pandemic—an unusual sight for downtown Fullerton.
“During the uncertainty of whether or not her business would reopen, her landlord was still expecting rent to be paid” As Orange County makes its way into tiers that would allow more businesses to reopen, downtown Fullerton has been forced to change. Businesses large and small have had to adopt other strategies to remain open. Mandates of masks, outdoor dining, social distancing, gloves for workers or customers and improved cleaning and sanitary techniques are some of the new guidelines businesses 6
are being forced to abide by. While this change may be temporary, it has impacted the flow of commerce in the downtown Fullerton area as some shops have permanently closed and others remain closed with an unknown date to reopen. With a lack of foot traffic and a change of demographics in the area, it has been rough for storefront owners, given that most shops and eateries draw the majority of their business from students and the nightlife scene. Keeping up with regulations and restrictions is forcing businesses to work both remotely and shrewdly until the concerns regarding the Coronavirus spread dissipate.Some businesses that have been affected with temporary closures are Dripp Coffee Shop and Calita Cafe, which were both great attractions for customers of the area, including students, like Luis Hernandez. “Before COVID, I’d walk to Dripp and get a coffee and do some homework or just hang out with some friends, and the same goes for Calita Cafe,” said Hernandez. Since the closure of these coffee shops, Hernandez, as well as other once-regulars, have had to seek elsewhere to get their coffee. Vino Nostra, a well-respected wine shop in the downtown Fullerton area, was also forced to close in late 2020, alongside McClain’s Coffeehouse, The Enchanted Closet and Tranquil Tea Lounge. Many storefronts have been left empty, bearing “CLOSED” signs on the doors and windows.
