As inflation, staffing shortages, and shifting post-pandemic consumer behaviors persist, small businesses in the Oklahoma City metro area are being forced to innovate in order to stay afloat.
Local entrepreneurs say recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic remains an uphill battle. Among those navigating this economic landscape is New Story Brewing President James Schellhorn, who highlighted a sharp decline in downtown foot traffic as a major challenge.
“I would say that we have absolutely been rocked by the post-COVID effect,” said Schellhorn. “Every small business, I think, goes through a period of recovery. Some did not make it. There’s also been rising costs of inflation.”
In 2022, Elk Valley Brewing Co., a once-popular Oklahoma City taproom, closed its doors. Despite the closure, the brand found new life. Elk Valley’s founder and current New Story Brewing leadership salvaged most of the original brewing equipment and relocated operations to a new co-op facility in Tulsa. There, the Elk Valley brand continues to be produced and sold.
Similarly, The Pump Bar, a well-known Oklahoma City establishment, recently faced the threat of closure. Owner Hailey McDermid cited seasonal challenges and a lack of consistent business as major hurdles, particularly for a venue known for its patio space.
“We just didn’t have enough sustained business,” McDermid said. “The winter is always hard for us.”
After sharing the business’s struggles through a candid social media post, The Pump Bar experienced an outpouring of community support that helped keep the doors open.
“We literally would not be surviving if that hadn’t been for the outpouring of support from our community,” McDermid said.
To enhance its long-term sustainability, the bar has since partnered with others to diversify its offerings, with plans to revamp its food menu in the near future.
Despite economic challenges, Oklahoma’s brewing industry has shown signs of resilience. In 2023, state breweries generated approximately $600 million in revenue. That year, nearly 80 craft breweries across Oklahoma produced a collective 75,000 barrels of beer. However, the Brewers Association reported that U.S. beer sales have been in decline since 2023.
As national trends shift and economic pressures mount, Oklahoma’s small businesses continue to adapt, relying on community engagement, collaboration, and innovation to persevere.
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