Local

Restaurants, coffee shop among concepts that opened during pandemic

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal.

It's never easy starting a business — particularly during a worldwide pandemic.

But dozens of Orlando retailers have opened during Covid-19 for a number of reasons. Some think their business can be successful in these uncertain times; others are forced to open due to lease obligations.

The former is the case for Ashley Swanson-Torres, who plans to launch her health-focused concept Veg'n Out LLC in the next few weeks in Lake Nona. She was able to find her six employees quickly for her business that will occupy 945 square feet of space in the Pixon mixed-use building in the fast-growing southeast suburb. Swanson-Torres thinks people will want to come to her concept because the foods she serves promote wellness.

But she’s encountered challenges including the ability to secure goods, which has been disrupted due to Covid-19. “It causes delays that you wouldn’t typically anticipate.”

Click here to read Jack Witthaus and Ryan Lynch’s story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website.