Support Inland Empire Small Businesses Today

As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses in the United States, many small businesses are drastically affected but continue to operate and adapt to the current situation. In recognition of U.S. small businesses, the annual holiday, Small Business Saturday encourages people to take notice of local, small businesses and show their support on Nov. 28.  For the past 10 years, American Express sponsored Small Business Saturday and the Shop Small Movement on the Saturday following Thanksgiving and before Cyber Monday to promote shoppers to use small businesses for their holiday needs. Two of several small businesses located in the Inland Empire are The Pup Shack: Food Truck for Dogs in Redlands and Downtown FIT Camp in San Bernardino. Both businesses shared their experiences in starting and maintaining their businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. As an upcoming small business starting in December 2020, The Pup Shack: Food Truck for Dogs will be the first dog bakery and food trunk opening in the city of Redlands and the Inland Empire. Julie Farquhar, owner of The Pup Shack and native of Redlands is working alongside her daughter Bailey, a senior at Redlands High School to soon open their business to local dog parks and events in Redlands and cater to private events. Farquhar mentions how Bailey plans to study business in college to expand their business in the future. “Many people will assume that the treats we offer are for dogs and the other food is for humans, but what makes us unique is the fact that all of our food is exclusively for dogs,” said Farquhar. According to Farquhar, the Pup Shack will offer several different novelty food options, such as dog-friendly baked treats, pizza, a beer that are dog treats in liquid form and much more. All food is approved by the dog taste-testers in her neighborhood. Even though the food is meant for dogs, she explained that since the food is made with human-grade, gluten-free and healthy ingredients owners can eat it as well. During the preparations prior to their launch this December, Farquhar describes how she began renovation on a novelty trailer that she anticipates using the song “Love Shack” by the music group, The B-52’s to set the atmosphere through decorations and music around their food truck. “We are hoping for this to be a unique experience for all of the dog moms and dads and their pups to come to visit The Pup Shack and have the opportunity to try our food,” said Farquhar.  In consideration of COVID-19, Farquhar explains that her business will be held primarily outdoors, and all food will be prepared beforehand to abide by safety precautions. Also, she stated that customers will remain outside of the food truck as they purchase food. To learn more about The Pup Shack: Food Truck for Dogs, visit its official website and Instagram account. As a small business that has operated for nearly three years, Downtown FIT Camp is known as the top local boot camp gym located at 455 W. 4th St in Downtown San Bernardino. Jose Chiprez, owner of Downtown FIT Camp and native of San Bernardino explained how many people negatively describe downtown San Bernardino as a “ghetto” area. When first starting his business in 2018, Chiprez noted the emptiness of the area from many businesses closing.  “I have so many good memories from growing up here and I love my city, so I wanted to change people’s bad perspective of Downtown San Bernardino and bring more life to the area,” said Chiprez. Ever since starting his business, Chiprez refurbished his gym’s appearance inside and outside of the building to bring a better appearance. He elaborated on how the gym offered a boot camp and striking classes initially, yet his business expanded to offering yoga, Zumba, combat sports, cycling, and boxing classes to accommodate his female visitors.  However, Chiprez explained that the COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected the operations of his gym and forced him to layoff several instructors for several classes offered constantly. In response, he mentioned that many classes were canceled and mainly instruction for the boot camp and striking classes continued. To abide by health and safety regulations, he explained that there are various classes held outdoors and constant sanitation of commonly used spaces within the gym. In addition, people are subject to temperature checks prior to participating in activities provided by Downtown FIT Camp   On top of losing instructors and adjusting to the safety regulations, Chiprez mentioned that the pandemic affected the levels of traffic passing his gym every day. Since many employees in his area are working from home, he noticed a decline in people visiting the gym during the week.  Despite the many challenges that he faced so far with his business, Chiprez continues to move forward and adapt to his situation. “It’s been a tough year for all the small businesses in the area, but this is just making us stronger,” said Chiprez. To learn more about Downtown FIT Camp, visit its official website and Instagram account. For a list of small businesses in the Inland Empire, the map on the American Express website displays several businesses sponsored by Small Business Saturday and the Shop Small Movement.