Amid COVID, many businesses in precarious spot as 2020 ends

This photo provided by Adam M. Rammel shows The Syndicate on Aug. 20, 2020 in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Ohio’s restrictions forced Adam Rammel to at least temporarily abandon plans for a catering and event space designed for parties and that opened last month, in time for the holidays. Rather than have the space sit unused, Rammel turned it into The Syndicate, a restaurant located next door to his 5-year-old brewpub, Brewfontaine. (Susie Jarvis/Adam M. Rammel via AP)

This photo provided by Adam M. Rammel shows the main dining room at The Syndicate on Aug. 20, 2020 in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Ohio’s restrictions forced Adam Rammel to at least temporarily abandon plans for a catering and event space designed for parties and that opened last month, in time for the holidays. Rather than have the space sit unused, Rammel turned it into The Syndicate, a restaurant located next door to his 5-year-old brewpub, Brewfontaine. (Susie Jarvis/Adam M. Rammel via AP)

This photo provided by Adam M. Rammel shows patrons enjoying a pint at The Syndicate on Aug. 20, 2020 in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Ohio’s restrictions forced Adam Rammel to at least temporarily abandon plans for a catering and event space designed for parties and that opened last month, in time for the holidays. Rather than have the space sit unused, Rammel turned it into The Syndicate, a restaurant located next door to his 5-year-old brewpub, Brewfontaine. (Susie Jarvis/Adam M. Rammel via AP)

This photo provided by Adam M. Rammel shows The Syndicate bar on Aug. 20, 2020 in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Ohio’s restrictions forced Adam Rammel to at least temporarily abandon plans for a catering and event space designed for parties and that opened last month, in time for the holidays. Rather than have the space sit unused, Rammel turned it into The Syndicate, a restaurant located next door to his 5-year-old brewpub, Brewfontaine.(Susie Jarvis/Adam M. Rammel via AP)

This photo provided by Adam M. Rammel shows the beer garden at The Syndicate on Aug. 20, 2020 in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Many restaurants, event planners and even companies like distillers and corporate gift manufacturers face weaker revenues although the holiday season is approaching. Owners contending with government restrictions or crumbling demand are trying to hold on _ some are creating new products and services or desperately searching for new customers. (Susie Jarvis/Adam M. Rammel via AP)