NASHVILLE, Tenn (WTVF) — As 2020 wraps up, it's hard to see the small businesses that won't come back next year because of the pandemic. COVID-19 has been tough on all of us but it's been especially hard on the restaurant industry.
More than a decade ago, Curtis Kubly took over as the owner of Sub Depot, but he'll tell you the shop has been around for almost 25 years.
"It’s always been a nice place where people can go and have a sandwich, we're in a business complex around here," said Kubly.
It's a place where the regulars like Marvin Grimes keep coming back. Grimes says but the best treat you can buy here is friendship.
"The people, the relationships that I developed over the years."
But like a lot of small businesses, Kubly has faced hardships. Nearly two years ago, he noticed school buses taking over his parking lot and when he went to look for a new location, he learned his lease wouldn't be renewed.
And then came 2020.
"And to make things even more difficult that’s when the pandemic started," said Kubly, "Our doors were closed for about a month in a half. I had to layoff my employees then I decided to try and come back.
Kubly says he tried bouncing back in May, but with no permanent location and the loss of revenue, it was too big of a challenge.
"Today’s our last day, I can’t find a place to go, we're going to have an online auction next week so the name is going to be gone; my employees are going to be gone and I’m going to be gone."
Kubly says Nashville's stay-at-home orders just hit the sandwich shop too hard. He says not enough relief help went to small businesses.
"I'm in a business complex, when so many people are working from home that was my bread and butter."
Customers and staff are now sad to see things go. Fighting back tears, it's clear to Kubly, this place will be missed.
Kubly says the strip area will be transformed into hotels and condos.
