Against Hate and Hardship: How Asian American Small Businesses and Restaurants Have Survived the COVID-19 Pandemic

Kai Noah Serrano Eusebio, Political Science, Class of 2021

Internship Office: Office of Assemblymember Alex Lee

Asian American small businesses have had to face both Anti-Asian hate/xenophobia as well as bear the dramatic slowdown in business within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, due to the high turnover rate that restaurants already face, as well as bans on inside dining, Asian American small business restaurants have seen drastic decreases in business they receive and struggle to survive as a result. Through interviews and research on Asian American small business restaurants and their communities, this vlog highlights the particular barriers these businesses attempt to overcome with the help of community organizations and non-profits.