WAHIAWA, Hawaii -- The slumping economy combined with the deployment of 3,500 Schofield Barracks soldiers left some Wahiawa businesses concerned.

On Friday night, a ceremony recognized those soldiers deploying to the war zone, and area businesses, already facing hard times, prepared to weather what lies ahead.

It was nearly a full house at Cafe Olive in Wahiawa Friday night.

The Italian-influenced restaurant said it relies heavily on regulars and neighboring Schofield soldiers for business.

But with thousands of soldiers headed overseas and a troubled economy, the café said it is bracing for a slump in sales.

It's kind of bad timing because of the economic situation. We get a little bit of a double whammy (with) people leaving, and it's already a little slow. It could be tough," Café Olive manager Darren Linck said.

Through the tough times, Linck said he has to juggle running a restaurant efficiently and effectively.

"We are staffing a little less. It's not as necessary to have -- like tonight, we have three people on. Three months ago we would usually have four people," Linck said.

The staff said it hopes loyal customers continue to fill the restaurant during long deployments.

"They do make a big chunk of our customer base. We also have a lot of locals that eat here, so that's what really keeps us going," staff member Hillary Hamilton said. "Even with the bad economy, people still need to enjoy a good meal."

"I need a break too, so we come out as often as we can," Café Olive customer Paige Pfuetze said.

While families enjoyed a night out, across town, a ceremony honored the soldiers.

They are part of the 25th Infantry Division deploying and are considered by many to be the financial lifeline of Wahiawa.

"The soldiers usually come in around lunchtime, and the line is out the door. (It's) great for business, of course," Maui Mike's Fire Roasted Chicken employee Lyle Whitwood said.

As the soldiers leave, a portion of Maui Mike's profits go with them.

"We don't know what's going to happen when the deployment happens," Whitwood said. "We are just hoping for the best."

This time of the year is normally a slow season for restaurants, and some restaurant owners said business usually picks up during the holidays.