More New Palm Springs businesses are opening their doors during pandemic

The past year we have seen many businesses close their doors for good because of the pandemic. But some businesses are opening for the first time. 

News Channel 3’s Dani Romero spoke with some owners who are staying optimistic 

Its already been a struggle for business owners to stay open during this pandemic. For Sonny Barrera  and his partner, they wanted to brave the risk of opening a new restaurant on Arenas Road. 

“Actually worked a little bit more in our favor as far as the cost on somethings and also of things are deposits and things have been waived and its been more helpful for us,"said Barrera, Owner of Sonny's Fusion Bar and Grill.  

Barrera is hoping to open their doors by the end of June, which is around the same time California plans to fully reopen. He said its the perfect time. 

“I am super excited to be open right at that time too because its going to be busy." said Barrera.

While there’s excitement, Barrera has had some challenges.

“Right now, we’re just behind on my contractor," said Barrera. "He just hasn’t gotten the kitchen finished so we could finish the permits.” 

According to Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce, a new restaurant is expected to replace Peabody’s Cafe by Fall.  

In Downtown Palm Springs, this vacant building next to the Bevmo will soon become a new entertainment spot with dining. 

“Everything from Mexico City to Lima to Santiago," said Giesecke. "We really want to pick up on those big cities in Latin America has some of that influence the food and have influence on the decor.” 

"We started learning alot about what was required for food and so when we saw the space at 333 we thought of it as a separate club where we could do food, we could dancing, we could do entertainment all of those things in one location," said Giesecke.

Rob Giesecke, who’s also the owner of Chill Bar said the pandemic taught him a few things especially when it came to adding food to the menu.

Giesecke is looking forward to his next venture but he’s staying prepared even post pandemic. 

"We built into our models we built it into the contingency plans so if something happens we know exactly what we’re going to do in the new business.”