Plaza Fiesta Business Owners Struggle as Immigration Fears and Tariffs Hit Atlanta Community Hard
Plaza Fiesta, located on Buford Highway in Atlanta’s Brookhaven area, has been a hub for local businesses and community events for over a decade. However, recent events have left shop owners like Jose Olague and Frank Chavez facing economic uncertainty and a significant decline in sales.
According to Olague, who has operated a sportswear store at Plaza Fiesta for many years, sales have dropped by 40% to 60% compared to the previous year. This steep decline in business can be attributed to the ongoing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests in the area, which have sparked fear and hesitance among local residents.
Chavez, the owner of another store at Plaza Fiesta, has also reported a decrease in sales and is now making adjustments to his operations to cope with the economic strain. The potential impact of tariffs on businesses like Plaza Fiesta, which rely heavily on imported goods, has only added to the uncertainty for these shop owners.
These events have not only affected the business owners, but also the larger immigrant community in the area. The fear and anxiety caused by the ICE arrests have made residents less likely to engage in community activities, directly impacting businesses like Plaza Fiesta.
While Plaza Fiesta has always been a vibrant and bustling shopping center, recent events have taken a toll on the once-thriving community. Olague’s staggering drop in sales reflects the struggles faced by many immigrant families and local entrepreneurs in the area.
However, despite these challenges, the community at Plaza Fiesta remains resilient and determined to overcome these adversities. It is a testament to the strength and determination of the people who call Plaza Fiesta their home, and the support and solidarity shown by the larger Atlanta community is a source of hope for better days ahead.
Source: ATL Newsroom