Analyzing the post-pandemic condition of “carinderias” in Intramuros / Sophia Marie T. Baars

ABSTRACT:
Businesses play a vital role in the economy regardless of its size and status in the industry. Small restaurant owners are classified as part of small enterprises, in which resources, funding, and number of employees are limited. With the recent COVID-19 pandemic that has affected countless lives, businesses, and livelihood, small restaurant owners are one of those under the food sector that are heavily affected by these crises. This research presents theoretical frameworks that the researchers have utilized to assess and understand the post-pandemic condition of small restaurant owners in Intramuros. The researchers have collected data from primary sources, in which personal interview was conducted with ten small restaurant owners whose businesses are operating inside Intramuros. Qualitative research approach that focuses on phenomenological design was applied in this study, while thematic analysis was used for data analysis in determining the overall post-pandemic condition of the participants. Findings revealed that small restaurant owners in Intramuros were greatly affected by the recent Covid-19 pandemic in terms of profit, strategies, and benefits. The pandemic brought fears and problems; dealing with financial capability, producing incompetent strategies and profit loss. The study recommended small restaurant owners to be prepared with inevitable situation that might happen in the future. This is to ensure the capability of the business regardless of the situation. The government officials, to be able to produce an effective communication and assistance system that would cater the needs of small business owners in any unexpected circumstances. Lastly, to future researchers, to maximize research limitations to produce a well-grounded paper.