The Daily How a Small Bar Battled to Survive the Coronavirus: An Update
Dec 28, 2020
In this engaging discussion, Jack Nicas, a technology reporter for The New York Times, revisits the struggles of The Hatch bar in Oakland during the pandemic. Owner Louwenda Kachingwe shares the emotional toll of transitioning to takeout and the challenges of securing PPP loans. Bartender Abel Olson opens up about financial hardships faced by hourly workers. Together, they shed light on the resilience of small businesses and the wider implications of the pandemic on community identity.
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Finding The Hatch
- Jack Nicas frequented The Hatch, a classic neighborhood bar in Oakland, after moving there.
- Its unpretentious atmosphere, cheap beer, and relaxed vibe made it his local hangout.
Pancho's Story
- Louwenda "Pancho" Kachingwe, the owner, grew up in Zimbabwe and moved to Iowa at 10, facing cultural isolation.
- At 14, his parents split, leaving him to live alone, fostering resilience and resourcefulness.
Maria's Struggle
- Maria, an undocumented immigrant, worked as a cleaner supporting her family, facing hardship when laid off.
- Ineligible for federal aid and afraid to seek other assistance, she depleted her daughter's graduation savings for rent.