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Owner of the House of FiFi DuBois reminisces on COVID-19 lockdown, prepares for reopening

"There were a few days where it was hard to get out of bed because I was really worried that we weren’t going to make it," said owner Toni Hunter.

SAN ANGELO, Texas — For thirteen years, Toni Hunter has put everything she has into the House of Fifi Dubois, a bar and live music venue in downtown San Angelo.

"I like to see folks go out, visit all of the wonderful places in San Angelo, eat a nice dinner, and then come out for a show," Hunter said.

On an early morning in June, however, Toni received a call that Governor Abbott was shutting down bars across the Lone Star State in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19.

"We were pretty much taken by surprise, and then everything changed," she said.

The months following Governor Abbott's announcement is a time that Toni Hunter describes as the worst in her life.

"There were a few days where it was hard to get out of bed because I was really worried that we weren't going to make it. It’s been a test of character and emotions and mental health...things that I never experienced before," she said.

Finally, on Wednesday, October 7, Governor Abbott made an announcement that bars in Texas would be able to reopen on October 14 at 50% occupancy. After four long months, the hunter will welcome back the musicians that pass through the Concho Valley, and the loyal customers to who she gives all of the credit to for helping her make it through this time

"We had a lot of folks call us, keep us upright, and make sure that we didn't go anywhere, gave us a lot of emotional support. I really think that at the end of the day, the folks all came out in support of us, and they gave us the strength to be here today."

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