The social media posts left in the wake of COVID-19 are gut-wrenching.

It was the best of times for many of these businesses leading up to the pandemic. To say it was the worst of times since is an understatement.

Lifelong dreams of building up a business, the American dream, literally vanished in a matter of weeks. Some of these establishments were more established than others. They’ve all now established themselves on a list that keeps growing as the hours, days, and weeks drag on.

Planet Hair

According to its website, Planet Hair was locally owned by husband and wife, Roy and Marlena Silva. Their salon was centered in the Shops at River Park on the corner between Macy’s and Edwards Cinema. But, after 15 years of taking care of others, the pandemic shut the salon down.

The owners made the closure permanent in a Friday Facebook post.

Mary Molina responded, “So so very sorry this is happening ☹️ My son just loved working there. We’re pretty sad for y’all ☹️ God bless!!”

SPYN Cycle Studio

Open less than a year at the corner of First Street and Herndon Avenue, SPYN Cycle Studio closed its doors for good in early May.

The business billed itself as “Fresno’s only premier indoor cycle studio. Certified Instructors, the most advanced bikes, a modern environment. Are you ready to SPYN it?”

A post on the SPYN Cycle website leaves no doubt as to what happened: “As a new business, any disruption in normal day to day operations can be a great loss, however the incredible circumstances of the last couple months have been catastrophic to SPYN.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_80RB_gLxZ/

Sweet Tomatoes

“To our valued guests,” is being written by many business owners during the pandemic.

It’s now at the top of the Sweet Tomatoes (Fresno North) Instagram page.

The post begins with a simple, “We will miss you.”

On Facebook, customer Jandi Procko responded, “So sad … We have been enjoying your goodness for over 20 years … One of my dad’s favorites when he was still here … And my Kids grew up loving your food choices … It still is their absolute favorite place… We have many memories here and will miss you! Best of luck to you and your wonderful staff … Always hopeful for a comeback
Love
Your loyal customers!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_8QoDbJNBR/

Full Circle Olympic — Tower District

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce that effective May 1, 2020 Full Circle has decided to permanently close our Full Circle Olympic location in the Tower District. Like many small businesses, we have struggled with a significant loss of revenue during this unprecedented time,” the business writes on Facebook.

Full Circle says it will consolidate resources to the downtown Fresno brewery. All affected employees will be retained at the downtown location.

Tower District Starbucks

According to KSEE/KGPE, the Starbucks in Fresno’s Tower District is closed permanently.

Starbucks, in a statement to the station, says it determined that it was best to shut the store. The employees were transferred to nearby locations.

Starbucks says it has no plans to close other local stores.