TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — It's no secret that this has been a difficult year for small businesses, but some new local businesses are pushing through despite the pandemic.
"It took a lot of planning and prayer to finally see it come to fruition. It means the world to me," said Arkeba Bouie, owner of Decadent Delights Bakery that opened up off of Appalachee Pkwy on Dec. 3.
"There was no doubt for me because once I set my mind to do something, I follow through with it," said Bouie.
The Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce said they're seeing an increase of businesses opening within the city.
"We have had businesses that are opening and joining the chamber, which is telling us a lot of commitments are being made for this year," said Sue Dick, President, and CEO of the chamber. "Individuals are feeling as if they need to go ahead and follow through with it if they financially can."
More than 100 businesses have joined the chamber this year, and most feel like it's now or never.
"They really feel that they need to double down and network and promote themselves and communicate to the local community that they're open for business and they really want the locals to support," said Dick.
And one business that is doubling down, Island OMG Seafood, a Thomasville staple that's opening its second location in Tallahassee on Jan. 1, said that opening businesses during this time can only help their local economy.
"When you run a business, you employ so many other businesses because of your products," said Felicia Stanley, the owner of Island OMG Seafood.
Island OMG Seafood, known for their 12-foot seafood tables in Thomasville, said they will also be bringing that tradition to their Tallahassee location.
