SAN DIEGO — More and more businesses are getting the green light from the county to reopen - like gyms last week, but members of the 24 Hour Fitness in La Jolla discovered the doors to their club remain closed.
The company made the tough decision to shut down the La Jolla location and three others in the county for good.
They're not alone.
Just a few blocks away, Whisknladle has also shut its doors for the last time. For more than 12 years, it was one the county's most well respected farm-to-table restaurants.
The sign on the front door says it all: "After much deliberation about how to reopen and survive in the COVID era, we have concluded there is simply no real viable path forward for Whisknladle."
At Troy’s Family Restaurant in Clairemont, owner Mary Likomitros tried to survive through the pandemic.
“We thought we saw a light at the end of the tunnel, but it turned out that was a train,” she said.
The restaurant had been open for 46 years. Making the decision even tougher, several employees worked there for decades, but Mary said they could no longer make ends meet.
“As every month goes by, the bills didn't stop. Rent didn't stop. The insurance on the restaurant didn't stop. It all just keeps piling on," said Mary.
Souplantion has also said it will not re-open, along with Mother's Saloon in Ocean Beach, which had 22 employees.
“OB, thank you,” said Colin Wickersheim. “Amazing time. Me and my wife and the staff - we love you guys. Thank you."
It's not just restaurants and bars. Boomers permanently shut down two of its locations in San Diego County - one in Kearny Mesa and the other in El Cajon.
The pandemic also wiped out Detour Salon and its 22 year history.
Pier One is closing all 541 of its stores, including seven in San Diego County. Victoria's Secret just announced it's closing about 250 stores, but hasn't said yet which ones.
Unfortunately, financial analysts fear this is just the beginning, especially if there's a second wave of outbreaks later this year.
Their message - if you like a business, support it sooner rather than later to help ensure it survives.