TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) -Small businesses are being hit by inflation from all angles, and with Brew Bank announces closure on October 23rddowntown Topeka is no exception.
“I think we’re all seeing a slowdown in consumer spending,” said Hazel Hill Chocolate owner Nick Xidis. “It’s hard to really tell, but I think his insurance is double and his food is 20 percent more.”
Hazel Hill Chocolate has been on Kansas Avenue for over 20 years.
Owner Nick Xidis says his heart goes out to Brew Bank, which opened its doors just before COVID-19.
“We’re a lot more established and we can kind of work these things out, but if we were just starting out and had all that startup debt and all the things that burden you when you get started, we’d be in a lot of trouble,” Xidis said.
Hazel Hill makes all of its specialty chocolate in the store. Most chocolate has three key ingredients, but one has become more expensive over the years.
“Historically, it’s been just under $3,000 a tonne, it’s been up to $12,000 this year, and right now it’s $7,000 to $8,000 a tonne, so cocoa is three or four times what it was a year ago,” he said. Xidis.
Supporting downtown when you can will help those who need your coin the most.
“I think we’re going to see a lot more small businesses, especially in food and service, kind of struggle to hang on as we go through that spending contraction,” Xidis said. “It’s really important that people keep that spending local and we see we understand if you have to cut back, but you have to support your neighbors too, right?”
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