SYRACUSE, N.Y. — As COVID-19 cases continue to spike in Onondaga County, concern over potential spread of the virus is growing. Because of these heightened numbers, the county announced beginning Monday that it would start providing free Coronavirus tests for all hospitality workers. One area which has felt the effects of this fear is local business. Manny’s on the Hill, a Syracuse University retailer located on the ever-popular Marshall Street, has been empty more often than not recently. Sam Markham, an employee at the store, said workers at the store will not take part in the free testing, as he believes the risk is low with only three employees in the building. However, he said the pandemic has still brought up concerns for the future.
“I’m not sure what we’re going to do when the students leave, you know, being gone for two months and without spectators in the Dome we may adjust our hours a little bit, we’ll kind of wait and see how things go,” Markham said.
Markham said business has been slow, as much of Manny’s revenue is derived from events at the Dome and visiting parents, two things which have been nonexistent this semester. Nevertheless, Markham said he’s hoping that Manny’s’ reputation can keep them afloat at a time when many other local businesses have failed.
“We’ve been here for 71 years so we have a good, loyal following, [and] we offer good products at a fair price and I think that’s helped tremendously,” Markham said.
Rain or shine, Manny’s is hoping to see plenty of customers this fall and beyond.
