Downtown Durham Inc Addresses Concerns: ‘The Struggle is Real’

Downtown Durham Inc has expressed concern over the challenges faced by businesses in the area, with 82 closures since the Covid-19 pandemic began. Some of these businesses have relocated, while others have shut down permanently. The CEO of Downtown Durham Inc, Dorian Bolden, expressed pride in the legacy of Beyu Caffe but was devastated by its closure in downtown.

Bolden pointed out that walking through downtown during the day, especially on weekdays, can feel like a ghost town due to the lack of foot traffic. The combination of remote work becoming more common, expensive parking for employees, and issues with development construction have all contributed to the challenging situation for businesses in downtown Durham.

Andrew Catlin, who has worked at Beyu Caffe for years, cited the high cost of parking as a significant problem. With rising costs and long hours of work, employees are feeling the financial strain. Bolden made the difficult decision to close the downtown Beyu Caffe location while keeping other locations open to adapt to changing market conditions.

In response to these challenges, a group of owners led by Downtown Durham Inc President Nicole Thompson brought their concerns to the Durham City Council. Thompson emphasized the impact of construction sites on businesses, including difficulties with access, deliveries, utilities, and waste management. She called for renewed support and partnership from the city to address these issues and help businesses thrive in downtown Durham.

The closure of Beyu Caffe is just one example of how businesses in downtown Durham are facing challenges due to various factors such as remote work becoming more common and expensive parking for employees. These issues have been exacerbated by development construction that creates obstacles for businesses operating in downtown.

Downtown Durham Inc is advocating for changes that would make it easier for businesses to operate in this area while still providing benefits to residents and visitors alike. They hope that by working together with city officials and business owners alike, they can find solutions that will help sustain this important part of our community.

The closure of Beyu Caffe is a reminder that even established businesses can struggle under current conditions. However, it also highlights the resilience required by entrepreneurs who continue to open new doors despite these challenges.

In conclusion