How Local Businesses Made It Through Coronavirus: 2020 In Review

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Ten months ago, there was no light at the end of the tunnel.

In mid-March, business owners across Massachusetts were preparing to shut down as a novel coronavirus began spreading across the state. No one knew how long it would last, and no one knew what the coming months would bring.

Local businesses were left to figure out how to stay afloat through the crisis. Many didn't make it, but others adapted, finding new ways to reach customers or strategies to ride out the situation. Some businesses even opened during one of the worst economic disasters in decades.

As we look back on 2020 — and look forward to an end to the pandemic with vaccines coming in 2021 — here are a few stories from local businesses about adaptation, survival and hope.

6 Months Into Pandemic, A Local Brewer Adapts To Constant Changes

How one Marlborough business has adapted — many times — to shifts in rules and customer desires during coronavirus.

Opening Tiki Bar During A Pandemic, Worcester Restaurateur Upbeat

David Thacker has spent the last year planning to open his dream bar. Then came coronavirus.

'Bring Me Customers': Needham Tailor Prefers Work Over Donations

Needham locals showed up in force to support Maria Mavrogiannis' tailor shop, but the business owner said she wants to work for her money

Framingham Eatery Treats Coronavirus Workers To Lunch

The workers at the coronavirus testing site in Framingham were surprised Friday afternoon by a local pizza restaurant.

Food Trucks And PTOs Team Up To Push Through Pandemic

The Neighborhood StrEATS food truck program in Watertown and Belmont is helping raise money for local PTOs.

Party Engines Idle: A Milford Limo Company Rides Out Coronavirus

There's not much use for limousines during a pandemic. But one Milford limo company is finding ways to survive.

Worcester Bookstore Sees Advantage Over Amazon Amid Coronavirus

How local booksellers like Annie's Book Stop in Worcester are trying to compete during the coronavirus shutdown.

Natick Artist Opens 'Dream' Store — With Pandemic Strategy

Eujin Kim Neilan has long dreamed of opening a store combined with a studio. She's not letting the pandemic stop her.

For Local Restaurateur, Pandemic Won't Stop Sudbury Expansion

Chef Chandra Gouldrup began 2020 with a plan to open a new Sudbury restaurant. Here's why she's forging ahead.

Natick Brewer Fundraises For ALS Amid Coronavirus Downturn

Kells Beer Company founder Thomas Wilber planned a big fundraiser for ALS this spring. Another disease interfered with those plans.

Local Restaurateurs To Open New Spot At Framingham Development

The Buckley Kitchen is the newest restaurant from the owners of eateries in Hopkinton and Ashland.

Bagel Table Stores In Wayland, Natick To Open Before Year's End

The local bagel chain is pushing ahead with a MetroWest expansion, even as many restaurants have closed during the pandemic.