Small Businesses Adjust, Hold On Tight In 2020: Patch Weekender

SALEM, MA — Happy warm, and somewhat sunny Sunday on the North Shore.

Here are a few Patch stories you may have missed amid all the holiday season hustle and bustle of a busy, busy news week.

This year has been rough on almost everybody — but perhaps no businesses have felt the harsh effects of the coronavirus health crisis as much as small businesses in the food, entertainment and hospitality industries.

This week, Patch had a chance to talk with Andy King of A&J King Artisan Bakers of Salem and Colleen Boland of Fresh Food Catering of Danvers about the pressures of 2020, and how they have kept fighting to keep their loyal customers happy and coming back.

Salem Bakery Owner Not Sugarcoating 2020 Struggles

The challenges Andy and Jackie King faced at A&J King Artisan Bakers of Salem in 2020 started well before the onset of the coronavirus health crisis, and promise to continue well after the calendar turns to 2021.

The couple preserved through a redesign of their Central Street retail location in January, a burst pipe that flooded that space two days after the redesign was finished, then an insurance battle to cover costs of the extensive damage.

And that was before they also closed their Boston Street location for seven weeks at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Danvers Catering Company Owner Creates Connection Amid Chaos

Colleen Boland achieved what she said was a "lifelong dream" in February when she took over Fresh Food Catering of Danvers after three years working for the company.

Over the next 10 months, the Beverly resident and Endicott College graduate turned what could have been a nightmare as a new small business owner amid the coronavirus health crisis into a continually evolving mission to stay connected to her customers and provide them with the food that makes them smile, while keeping her own new company viable in a drastically different landscape than she could have ever imagined.

'Huge Sigh Of Relief' For Marblehead Fitness Studio Owner

When Tread Tabata, MHD owner Kelly Lorenz thinks of the members of her Marblehead fitness studio she says she feels like she is thinking of members of her own family.

Lorenz said she breathed "a huge sigh of relief" Tuesday afternoon that she'll still be able to see members of her Tread Tabata family in person after new coronavirus restrictions Gov. Charlie Baker announced fell short of shutting down gyms and fitness studios.

Peabody Case Of Porch Pirating Gone Very Poorly

Porch pirates can be a bit brazen as they lurk in neighborhoods looking to swipe holiday packages this time of year.

Erin Mitchell learned recently that they can be both brazen and not too bright.

Pete Frates Bill In Honor Of Late ALS Victim Passes Congress

On the one-year anniversary of his death following a courageous, seven-year battle against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, a federal bill in honor of North Shore native Pete Frates was headed to the White House where it is expected to be signed into law.

MA Coronavirus Restrictions, Masks May Be Here 6 to 9 More Months

While the first coronavirus vaccines could be arriving in the state within a week, the need to wear a face mask is not going away anytime soon.

It could be six to nine months before enough residents are vaccinated to where it is safe to significantly relax coronavirus-related restrictions, ease up on social distancing guidelines and ditch those face masks.

No Salem High School Winter Sports Until 2021

Just four days before what was to be the first day of winter season sports practice at Salem High, the district decided to "temporarily" postpone the start of the season until at least January.

The district said it will provide student-athletes updated plans for tryouts, practices and potential games prior to Jan. 4.

Peabody Girl Scouts Get Creative With 2020 Cookie Sales

The box of Girls Scout Cookies, and the cheery scouts selling them, are seemingly omnipresent at stores and strip mall lots throughout Peabody each year.

Only this year, amid the coronavirus health crisis, the call of Thin Mints, Shortbreads and Peanut Butter Patties has gone silent.