Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and recent regulations imposed by the Governor of Nevada, several downtown businesses are being forced to close their doors a many fear they may not reopen. Vince Griffith, the founding landlord of “StartUp Row,” has decided to ease the pain on his current bar tenant’s ownership by issuing his tenant relief program and cease rent payments and is hoping others can do the same.
Several businesses across the country are temporarily closing their doors in the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and Reno is also facing what could be a permanent loss in downtown character and services the community has come to know.
“As a business owner of nearly 30 years, I have been a part of economic turmoil and made the difficult choices that are required during times like these. I know what stress these Owners are facing and I believe it is in all of our best interest to do what I can to assist. It has been shared that for every 1% of unemployment, thousands of Americans die. The cost of a lost job is the equivalent to over a 60% increase in the probability of death, people lose their jobs, become vulnerable to health issues and without shelter and services. More than ever, the loss of employment can lead to a higher risk of these factors. We need to be focused on the big picture and work together to do what we can to get through this crisis.” said Vince Griffith, owner RLC First, LLC.
The business closures came as a surprise to many downtown establishments causing an immediate ripple effect in the community. Both landlords and tenants are deciding on budgetary priorities to avoid further loss.
“Our three main costs in order or priority are Labor cost, cost of goods, and rent. Our landlords waiving that burden will significantly provide us a sigh of relief. Great landlords are your partners in business, and RLC First is the best partners to have,” said, Batuhan Zadeh, owner of Hookava Bar & Lounge
RLC, First LLC. is a Domestic Limited-Liability Company in the State of Nevada that started in 2012. The company is the Owner of 100 N. Arlington Towers, commercial first and second floors. They have been the home to Tenants such as Reno Collective, Outsiders Studio, Laxalt and McIver, Reno Coffee Co. and more. Currently the building, located in downtown Reno, has tenants suffering, including mandated closes like Arlington Saloon & Hookava. Dress for Success, Northern Nevada and Reno Hive, Co-working space and a salon space currently vacant.
“We have a city filled with uncertainty right now, and changes are occurring rapidly with little or no information as to how long they will last. I am proud to be working on the front lines, doing what we can do immediately to ease the sudden, abrasive and long-lasting damage to our local businesses. As a family, we will continue to work with local business owners to see what can be done to get us all through this uncertain and difficult time. We are working to reduce as much as possible within our purview, the risk of permanent closures and loss of jobs.” said Britton Griffith, founding board member of the Downtown Reno Partnership, Past President of the Riverwalk District and StartUp community advocate of the year.
