by Samantha Weideman
(Louisville, Neb.)-Thirty minutes south of the Omaha Metro, a usually bustling Main Street is nearly deserted.
In Louisville, most storefronts have been dark since March 15, following Nebraska’s State of Emergency Declaration in response to the spread of COVID-19.
At B’s Diner and Bakery, business owner Brenda McCaul has decided to remain open.
B’s closed temporarily from March 15 to March 25 to switch to temporary hours and develop a new carryout menu that includes dinner.
“I felt like I was going to be able to help more people in the evening than in the morning,” McCaul said.
These updated menu and hours have garnered overwhelming community support leading to meals selling out, but McCaul said she’s excited about another positive.
“I’m seeing more local people that I’ve never met before,” McCaul said.
Although B’s Diner is one of the only local small businesses that remains open on Main Street, it hasn’t been without its hardships.
When McCaul closed B’s temporarily, she was forced to lay off 12 of her 15 employees.
While most those employees were part-time high school and college students, McCaul said she wants to help two who rely heavily upon their income.
“I have a couple of single mothers that do count on their income,” McCaul said. “So those are the two that I’m focusing on.”
Kathleen, a former member of B’s staff, said Brenda immediately encouraged her to file for unemployment.
“It’s, right now, only $108 a week,” Kathleen said. “Which obviously is not that much.”
Kathleen said she’s continuing to rely on God to make ends meet and has nothing but love for McCaul.
“She not only is my boss, she has become a friend,” Kathleen said. “I know she has a deep love and concern for all her employees.”
