DENVER — The winner of Denver's mayoral run-off will be tasked with ensuring our small businesses are given the opportunity to succeed.
While unemployment is at historic lows, small businesses continue to struggle with rising labor costs, burdensome city regulations and the continued boom of straight-to-consumer e-commerce like Amazon.
One of those businesses is Pizzability in Cherry Creek North.
"I think the location is great," said owner Tiffany Fixter. "We have a lot of foot traffic."
Pizzability's uniqueness is in its name.
"Everybody on my staff has an intellectual or developmental disability," said Fixter, a former special education teacher. "We have people that are blind and deaf. They have autism, downs syndrome, cerebral palsy."
Despite the impact Pizzability is having on the community, Fixter says sales are struggling.
"People think we're really successful and that's great," Fixter said. "But, I don't know if we're going to make it."
In an era of Amazon, Uber Eats and Door Dash, Fixter is asking pizza lovers - and all consumers, to remember the mom and pop shop down the street.
"I think it's not just me, it's all small businesses," Fixter said. "You have to get there. You have to support (them)."