Celebrating Millbury Small Businesses: Five Years Since the Pandemic

Reflecting on Resilience: Five Years of Change

The small town of Millbury, Massachusetts, is preparing to mark a significant milestone on March 11: five years since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. In that time, local businesses have experienced unprecedented challenges and alterations to their operations, especially for those who opened their doors in March 2020. Among them is Timothy Jay Sweets, a bakery that opened just days before the state-wide shutdown.

Timothy Benoit, the owner and cake decorator, recalls the chaotic days surrounding the bakery's opening, just four days before Massachusetts implemented strict restrictions, essentially upending life as everyone knew it. With orders prohibiting gatherings and closing schools, Benoit was forced to pivot drastically as a small business. "It's just crazy to think that’s how we started," Benoit reflects. The bakery never formally held its grand opening, instead beginning operations under the shadow of social distancing measures and shortages of essentials like toilet paper. To adapt, Benoit even produced cupcakes decorated with toilet paper rolls, creatively turning a scarcity into symbolic confectionery.

Miller's Spirits: Creativity in Crisis

Nearby, entrepreneur Barry Bacon saw an opportunity amid the pandemic’s challenges. He had previously envisioned opening a distillery and began his journey as the pandemic unfolded. Inspired by the deserted storefronts in downtown Millbury and a desire for financial independence, he launched Spicy Water Distillery in early 2021. Bacon’s venture highlights a transforming local economy, where innovation and resilience reign in the face of adversity. “The pandemic changed my outlook,” he said. “I wanted to do something that I could have ownership of.” His distillery now boasts a range of spirits that pay homage to local history while embodying modern tastes, showcasing how small business owners can adapt and thrive.

Lessons Learnt: Community Strength in Adversity

The narrative of Millbury’s businesses serves not only as a testimony of their resilience but also reflects a broader trend across America. Depending on the sector, many retailers have struggled with severe operational impacts due to COVID-19, often culminating in closures. However, Benoit and Bacon's stories demonstrate that while some businesses faltered, others rose to the occasion, pivoting their business models while becoming a source of joy for their communities.

Massachusetts, like many states, faced a substantial shift in business operations during the pandemic, with several major retailers scaling back dramatically or closing altogether. This context gives greater significance to the continued operations of local businesses in Millbury. Their ability to adapt offers valuable insights into community dynamics and local economies during turbulent times.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Millbury Businesses

As Millbury celebrates the resilience of its small businesses, it also looks ahead to a future that continues to evolve. Both Benoit and Bacon have ambitions for expansion and community engagement, hoping to host more events and grow their local presence. The experience of the past five years reiterates the importance of community support and adaptability in business.

Millbury's small business resilience and creative approaches may serve as an inspiration to many communities grappling with post-pandemic challenges.