June 24, 2020

As businesses have been reopening over the past few weeks in Sioux Falls, a few have been standing out more than others, according to a survey conducted by SiouxFalls.Business and the Augustana Research Institute.

More than 700 readers shared insights into how they’re approaching reopening and recovery during COVID-19 in an open survey conducted June 1-8. 

Many respondents said they’ve felt comfortable overall with the measures and guidelines in place at many Sioux Falls businesses.

“(It’s) hard to pick one industry,” one respondent said. “I believe that most businesses in Sioux Falls and the state are doing the right things. Respect the virus and take appropriate precautions, but don’t be fearful and move forward.”

“Ones that require masks, curbside, takeout, online options,” another said. “They can continue their business, pay their employees and help customers while keeping others safe.”

While larger chains such as Hy-Vee, Costco and Menards received praise, respondents also took time to highlight a few smaller local businesses they felt were doing a good job maintaining customer and employee safety.

One such business is Shenanigans Sports Bar and Grill. Owner Don Rose said the restaurant has moved all tables 6 feet apart, uses plastic utensils and paper menus, and has increased carryout orders. 

He said staff members have been weaned off of being required to wear masks because many found it increasingly difficult to do their jobs. Also, as more people become comfortable with patronizing restaurants, Rose has seen fewer customers wearing masks or taking physical distancing guidelines seriously. 

“I think some people are still skeptical about it,” Rose said. “It’s been definitely mixed over the past few weeks — some people wear masks, some don’t. The older crowd are not taking it as a joke, and they’re realizing they can get it and they’re at risk.”

Since reopening at the beginning of May, Last Stop CD Shop on East 10th Street has required masks for employees and customers. The store has masks available for customers to purchase for a dollar. 

Store manager Matthew Gribble said he has noticed appreciation from customers on the mask requirement. 

“Far more people appreciate the mask rule than complain about it,” he said. 

Other businesses named by survey respondents include JJ’s Wine, Spirits & Cigars, Terra Shepherd Boutique & Apothecary and Bread & Circus Sandwich Kitchen.

Chelsea’s Boutique also was named by readers and has seen far more customers than owner Chelsea Giedd anticipated. Initially expecting 40 percent to 50 percent of typical traffic, she said the shop instead had about 80 percent. The downtown store has taken standard precautions such as employees wearing masks and adding hand sanitizing stations at the counter and door. 

For much of the spring, downtown Sioux Falls felt eerily empty with vacant parking spaces and very little foot traffic outside the boutique’s window on Phillips Avenue, Giedd said. Over the past few weeks, business has been getting back to normal. 

“This past weekend, it was insane all day long,” Giedd said. “A ton of people were outside and enjoying the day. It was really, really cool to see downtown coming back to life. It’s been weird the past few months, but people are definitely back and ready to get back to normal.”

From reopening to wearing masks, Sioux Falls weighs in on COVID-19 recovery