Worcester Business Journal

8 Worcester Business Journal | July 6, 2020 | wbjournal.com Survive & adapt BY RILEY GARAND Worcester Business Journal Editorial Intern T he DCU Center, the Hanover eatre, Worcester Fitness, and the Compass Tavern and nightclub in Worcester all have one commonality: adapting to difficult restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic. If there's anything businesses have learned during 2020, surviving with uncertainty would be at the top of the list. As Gov. Charlie Baker continues to announce the phased reopening of the economy shut down in March, places such as fitness centers, entertainment venues, nightclubs, and theaters continue to remain either closed, or working within restrictions, awaiting Phases ree and Four to reopen. Coming from many different backgrounds, holding different purposes, different Worcester establishments survive and adapt during unprecedented circumstances. Responding to change Sandy Dunn, general manager of the DCU Center, said the future plans of the center involve working at a smaller capacity compared to the large events it held before the pandemic. "Certain aspects of our business may make sense in Phase ree with appropriate systems in place for both our employees and our attendees," Dunn said. "It is understandable that a sold out concert in the arena for 14,000 people will be the last type of business that will open, but we also do meetings for 25+ people and everything in between." e DCU Center shied to a field hospital for coronavirus patients earlier this spring when cases of the disease became prevalent in Massachusetts. e Compass Tavern, which is a restaurant and nightclub in the Canal District, has had to completely refocus the restaurant and the product mix it sold, said Owner David Domenick. "e product mix has changed because I was basically before 80% liquor and 20% food," Domenick said. "Now because of the six-foot separation, we have to concoct better drinks that are a little more expensive, but more boutique types of drinks. We have to concentrate on the food, because food is the first phase of this type of business that we are allowed to do." Restaurants were able to do takeout during Phase One, and dine-in service was recently allowed during Phase Two. Domenick has had to adapt to the inability to open the nightclub part of his establishment due to it being restricted to opening until Phase Four. is restriction has resulted in Worcester establishments waiting weeks or even months to reopen are adapting to change through the uncertain future of coronavirus David Domenick, owner of The Compass Tavern, is relying on the restaurant aspect of his businesses as the bar side can't reopen until Phase Four. Kat Butterfield, director of operations at Worcester Fitness, has offered remote exercise programs while waiting for Phase Three. PHOTO/MATTWRIGHT PHOTO/WBJ FILE

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