More C.O. businesses added to list of closures amid COVID-19 impacts

Ochoco Brewing Company in Prineville, Dr. Brew Teahouse in Bend closing , Foxtail makes big cutbacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Central Oregon businesses have seen a dramatic loss of business during the COVID-19 pandemic, but a new challenge is right around the corner.

As the months begin to cool, businesses across the High Desert will no longer see as much business from tourists.

Ochoco Brewing Company in Prineville has announced it will be closing its doors this Saturday. Bend's Dr. Brew Teahouse will be closing Oct. 30.

Carissa Glenn, the manager at the teahouse, told NewsChannel 21 Wednesday that trying to adapt a sit-in business to one that would operate solely on to go orders was too difficult.

Nickole Hayden-Cady, the owner at Foxtail Bakeshop & Kitchen, told NewsChannel 21 the business had to cut six positions and stop serving brunch to stay afloat. Hayden-Cady admits while her restaurant is still open, they are still operating month-to-month.

"As November, December and January (approach), we really aren't sure how we are going to continue," Hayden-Cady said. "Our rent is very high. "We are in a very high-rent district."

According to Hayden-Cady, Foxtail has lost 60% of its business, as it heavily relies on weddings.

"We relied solely on weddings to carry us through winter, and to really have the extra income," Hayden-Cady said.