Pete Pontius is optimistic these days. He’s in charge of loss prevention for Bloomington-based B&B Amusement of Illinois, which provides video gaming terminals to about 45 truck stops.

COVID-19 shut down most of the revenue, but now, with vaccines being administered, “we’re almost out of the tunnel.”

While the pandemic has caused damage in virtually all corners of the economy, it is especially pronounced in the hospitality and food and drink sectors, which were hit with a double whammy of revenue declines.

First, a stay-at-home order cut off customers. That also meant video gaming — which has become a key money generator for the businesses — went dark.

B&B quickly felt the impact. Employees were furloughed in the spring and before Thanksgiving.

“We have no revenue without the games,” Pontius said.