‘Skating on thin ice’: Lincoln small business struggles to keep up with rising prices, less customers

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — For 16 years, Smoking Gun Jerky has been a staple in east Lincoln.

However, they are now struggling to keep the lights on.

“We’re not closing the doors, but we’re skating on thin ice when it comes to which bills to pay this week and which bills to pay next week,” said owner Rian Hall.

The store is located just off North 48th and R Street.

Rising costs for ingredients and day-to-day expenses, combined with a smaller amount of foot traffic is squeezing the business from every direction.

It’s forcing Hall to make some tough decisions.

“Meat has doubled in price since COVID, talking about beef, which is what we do,” he said. “That really hurts us. Packaging has gone up quite a bit. Insurance costs have increased, as have rent costs. My employees, I need to give them more money to keep them, but at the same time, where’s the money coming from?”

Instead of giving up, Hall posted to social media and opened up about the struggles he’s facing.

That honesty sparked an outpouring of support.

“I’ve had a gentleman come in and spend $100 just because he wanted to help us,” Hall said. “Online orders are coming through. Lincoln always really steps up to the plate to support small businesses when they know they need the support.”

Hall said every sale, like, comment and share goes further than some realize.

And while the future is uncertain, he’s hopeful the recent support will help carry the store through this difficult time.

“They just all need to know that we’re struggling, and it’s not just us,” he said. “It’s not just the small business or restaurants. It’s everybody. So if you want to keep the small businesses alive in Lincoln, you have to support them. And not just this week.”