Sun sets on Terrebonne staple, the Sun Spot Drive-In, due to COVID-19 impact
Another small business falls victim to effects of the coronavirus
TERREBONNE, Ore. (KTVZ )-- Unfortunately, another business has closed its doors due to the coronavirus pandemic, and this time it's a long-time staple in the Terrebonne community.
The Sun Spot Drive-In on Highway 97 has been a part of the Terrebonne community since the late 1970s or early 1980's. Deann Martin, the general manager, said her parents took the business over in July of 2018.
When Gov. Kate Brown ordered non-essential businesses to shut down or go to takeout, the Sun Spot did eventually move to to-go orders, but still struggled to draw in foot traffic.
"We shut down for about 30 days, and we got back up and going," Martin said Thursday. "It's just not going to work -- we just cant make it work. We just don't have enough people coming through the door."
Martin said she has a staff of six employees that will be paid until June 1.
One man who visited the drive-in said he's going to miss the restaurant and wished Martin well. Others took to Facebook to share memories and offer well-wishes.
Martin said the drive-in was a big part of the community, and it will be a loss, and a challenge for the workers.
"I've got six families in here," Martin said. "They range from 81, I have a server, she's 81 and amazing, all the way down to a 20 year old with a family. It's going to be hard on them trying to find jobs after this -- no one is hiring right now.
"The Sun Spot has been a staple to this area for quite a few years. I'm going to miss it. It's going to be hard to walk away tomorrow."
Friday will be the final send-off for the Sun Spot. They're asking the community to come out and support them one last time, and say free ice cream will be given to children.
