Amanda Hendee and her husband own the Country Station in Broussard.
She said when they heard about businesses having to close because of the COVID-19 pandemic, she did not know what that would mean for her little store.
"I didn't know if we were going to have to shut down or what essential businesses were going to be," Hendee said. "We have the gas station side, but with the fishing side we weren't sure if that was something that was going to be able to continue. We didn't know if we were going to have to layoff employees and if the business was going to slowdown."
It did not slowdown.
Hendee said it was the opposite.
Business picked up in a big way.
"We have had a lot of people who have been looking for something to do," Hendee said. "This is relatively easy and inexpensive to do. We've had lots of families for the first time and old customers that haven't been shopping with us for while. They now have the time to come in and the time to fish. That has been great as well."
That also applies to Hendee and her family. They have also stopped to enjoy the little things in life.
"What is the best part about fishing?"
"Reeling in the fish and going to tell my mom how many times I caught a fish and she didn't catch one at all," Rhett Hendee said. "I think it's nice bonding time."
This bonding time is something that Hendee is thankful to have with her family.
"Everyone was scared in the beginning," Hendee started. "We are a little bit scared, but we are fortunate to be here and spending time with our families. This is quality time that we may not have had before this."
As employees continue to stock shelves and check out customers, Hendee said she will be forever grateful for the community support during these trying times.
