

How a Small Bar Battled to Survive the Coronavirus
Oct 6, 2020
Jack Nicas, a technology reporter for The New York Times, shares his firsthand account of the struggle faced by the Hatch, a beloved bar in Oakland, during the pandemic. He chronicles the bar owner's relentless drive to keep the business afloat through innovative strategies like takeout services. Nicas highlights the personal stories of staff, including Maria, an undocumented worker, whose resilience stands out amid financial hardships. The conversation sheds light on the broader impact of COVID-19 on small businesses and the human spirit's response to crisis.
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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.
Pancho's Story
- Louwenda "Pancho" Kachingwe, the owner, grew up in Zimbabwe and moved to Iowa at 10, later living alone at 14.
- He found success with The Hatch after bartending and transforming an old Hawaiian restaurant.
Maria's Struggle
- Maria, an undocumented immigrant from Michoacán, cleaned The Hatch and supported her family.
- After the shutdown, her family lost work, and she depleted her daughter's graduation savings for rent.