Thriving Through Adversity

In these times, it’s increasingly difficult for entrepreneurs to turn a profit amidst the rising arc of prices for fuel, freight and other commodities. When a natural disaster hits, resilience and a plan are required for a business to remain afloat.

Such was the case for downtown Atlanta’s Thrive, an upscale bistro. When a tornado ravaged “the ATL” on March 14, it exacted significantly damaged the Marrietta Street restaurant. The restaurant reopened relatively quickly, but repairs to the building required scaffolding, which creating a significant impediment that led would-be patrons to believe the restaurant had closed. According to manager Orion Stavre, business had declined by approximately 50%.

Rather than accepting such huge losses until the scaffolding’s anticipated October removal, the restaurant’s management team ordered two mega-sized banners that drape over the scaffolding and assure diners the restaurant is open. They hired Formetco (Duluth, GA) to fabricate the two banners that communicate a very simple message, “We’re Open,” accompanied by photos of Thrive’s fare and stylish interior.

The print draped over the Marietta St. scaffolding measures 10 ft. x 73 ft. 6 in., and the Spring St. banner measures 10 ft. x 117 ft. 6 in. Mitch Parris, a Formetco product specialist, said the company fabricated the prints using Ultraflex’s Ultramesh Supreme media and its HP 5300 printer.