Love is in the air on the Central Coast and local businesses say they are feeling the community love and support, after finding ways to continue to serve customers throughout the pandemic and on this Valentine's Day.
Mama Ganache Artisan Chocolates store owner, Ben Taylor, says the week leading up to Valentine's Day was a busy one for his store.
"We are definitely feeling the holiday rush and love. Even though today hasn't been crazy, [it still has been] consistently busy. This week in general has been very busy for us," Taylor said.
Taylor says his store saw an unexpected digital rise this year during the pandemic, with website sales up about three hundred percent.
"The good thing about our product is we can ship anywhere. We are shipping all the way to the East Coast, the Mid West - anywhere. So we have done really well with that," said Taylor.
Some community members say they were looking to support local businesses this Valentine's Day.
"I figured if I am going to do chocolate, I might as well do something more local - so why not support Mama Ganache right here," said San Luis Obispo resident, Josh Gorospe.
With the stay at home order lifted, some local restaurants are also adapting to serve customers this Valentine's Day.
Taking online reservations in advance for the day of love, Novo Restaurant owner Robin Covey says they booked up quickly this year for their outdoor patio.
"We have had the online reservations open, but we have limited them a little bit because we don't have as many tables available [due to social] distancing," Covey said.
Business owners say they are thankful for the community support.
"San Luis Obispo is really good at supporting our local businesses, I am feeling the love for sure," said Taylor.
