The ongoing government shutdown is taking a toll on local businesses in the Rocket City, particularly those located near Redstone Arsenal, where many federal employees and contractors work.

“It’s definitely been tough, you know, and we’re just trying to stay positive,” said Matthew Crane, director of operations at Rocket City Tavern, a popular restaurant near the base.

Crane said the shutdown has caused a noticeable drop in customers dining in. With many government employees furloughed, fewer people are commuting to Redstone Arsenal, and that’s meant fewer customers stopping in for lunch.

“With so many furloughed workers, traffic is way down on the Arsenal, so we have less people in proximity to our restaurant and less people coming in for lunch,” Crane explained.

The slowdown has forc

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