Small enterprises across the country are facing mounting pressures due to inflation and shrinking consumer spending, and Viva Tequila, a Las Vegas-based business, is no exception. Owner Pat Dalton Amico describes the current climate as difficult, noting that while the establishment isn’t failing, it is enduring significant strain. Over the past six to seven months, revenue has declined, which Amico attributes to rising costs for goods and reduced disposable income among customers. “With prices where they are and the economy heading in this direction, people simply have fewer dollars to spend,” he explained.
The challenges extend beyond his own venue. This summer, several local businesses closed their doors due to financial strain, and 3D Retro, a collectibles shop in Chinatown, reported a visible drop in customer visits. An employee at the store noted that sales have dipped noticeably compared to the previous year.
To adapt, Amico has introduced a range of initiatives to draw in patrons, including live music on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays, line dancing on Sundays, and themed promotions such as Taco Tuesday, Whiskey Wednesday, and Tequila Thursday. These efforts aim to create a vibrant atmosphere that encourages repeat visits.
For Amico, the business is more than just a commercial venture—it’s a community pillar. “I see my staff like family,” he said. “They have kids, responsibilities, and they depend on their paychecks.” He urges residents to support neighborhood establishments, especially those not located in central tourist zones. “Let’s come together as a city and back the local spots that make our communities unique,” he added. Despite the hurdles, he remains optimistic that with collective effort, small businesses can continue to thrive in the Las Vegas Valley.
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Viva Tequila owner on running a small business amid economic uncertainty
Small businesses are grappling with economic challenges as rising costs and reduced consumer spending take their toll. n nAccording to a recent report from the , these issues are affecting small businesses nationwide. n nPat Dalton Amico, owner of , shared his experiences, saying, “With times the way they are and the economy the way it is, we ‘re not failing. We ‘re struggling. It ‘s not as easy as it was a year ago or four years ago, five years ago.” n nAmico noted that business has declined over the past six to seven months. n n”Numbers are down over the last six, seven months for us, the numbers are down,” he said. n nHe attributed this to economic pressures, stating, “Where the prices are and the economy ‘s going, food and everything else, they have less dollars to spend.” n nOther local businesses are feeling the pinch as well. n nEarlier this summer, locations due to economic pressure, and 3D Retro, a collectible store, reported a noticeable drop in foot traffic. n n”I’ve been working for two years; compared to last year, the sales are down,” said an employee of 3D Retro in Chinatown. n nAt Viva Tequila, Amico is implementing creative strategies to attract customers, including live entertainment on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays, line dancing on Sundays, and themed nights like Taco Tuesday, Whiskey Wednesday, and Tequila Thursday. n n”So for me, I look at them just like I look at my family. They have children, they have family. They have to have their paycheck,” Amico said, emphasizing the importance of supporting his employees. n nAmico urged the Las Vegas community to support local businesses, saying, “Support our local businesses that aren ‘t right there in the middle. It ‘s nice if we go, and they ‘re on all ends of town. And I ‘d ask the Las Vegas community to come out and support us all. We ‘re part of the community.” n nHe remains hopeful that with community support, small businesses like his can continue to thrive in the valley.