Senator points out U.S.-aided entities

U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., last week highlighted Arkansas businesses that have benefited from the Paycheck Protection Program.

The companies he singled out included KTCS-FM in Fort Smith; Tanners Team Sports Inc. in Hot Springs; Stepping Stone School in Alma; Bordinos restaurant in Fayetteville; and SparkFit gym in Little Rock.

Each of them received federal assistance to help them weather the covid-19 public health emergency.

The program was part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a $2.2 trillion covid-19 relief package passed by Congress in March 2020.

It passed in the Senate 960, with four members absent. Boozman and U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., both backed the legislation.

Chase Gamradt, Bordinos general manager, said the program provided much-needed relief at a crucial time.

“It was immensely important. It basically was a life raft for us,” he said in an interview Friday.

The restaurant is still operating at half-capacity “just out of an abundance of safety,” he said.

It will expand as the vaccination rates rise, he said.

Demand for the available seats is already building, he added.

“We’re filling up on weekends and most weekdays,” he said. “It’s almost getting to a point where it’s starting to feel like a normal, busy restaurant again.”

Gamradt said he appreciated Boozman’s interest in the restaurant’s covid-19 journey.

“It’s always nice to get any sort of attention from elected officials,” he said. “Having them reach out and listen, it’s always a pleasant surprise.”