It’s a tough time to run a restaurant. The spread of COVID-19 has forced many Hamden businesses to operate differently, including some of the most popular restaurants.
Although one of the busiest spots in Hamden, Eli’s On Whitney, is still offering delivery and take-out services, it has seen its business suffer.
Paul Mendillo, a host at Eli’s On Whitney, says that the restaurant isn’t even bringing a quarter of what it was in normal times.
Sergio’s Pizza is also dealing with the ramifications of the spread of Coronavirus, but it hasn’t hurt business as much as it expected. Co-owner Rena Pascual says that although dine-in is no longer available, delivery and take-out services have the phone lines busy.
“We’re getting a tremendous amount of support,” Pascual said. “For now, we’re getting people who probably wouldn’t have come because there are less options available right now. We’re trying to accommodate as many people as we can.”
Pascual said that Sergio’s has taken all of the proper regulations and precautions to avoid the spread of Coronavirus.
“Our delivery workers are wearing gloves and staying six feet apart,” Pascual said. “We’re allowing only one person in the restaurant at a time for take-out.”
It’s not only open restaurants that are impacted by this pandemic, it’s new and upcoming ones as well. Funcles Cafe is the establishment replacing B&D Deli on Whitney Ave. in Hamden. The cafe was originally scheduled to open this April, but Funcles co-owner Don Jablon expects the grand opening to be postponed.
“These are definitely tough times,” Jablon said. “Restaurants are closing indefinitely and tons of people are getting laid off. Nobody knows the outcome of this and how serious it will get. I’m just keeping my fingers crossed and praying I can afford the bills until we open.”
Jablon added that the health department already cancelled the pre-opening inspection that was scheduled for last Friday, and he hasn’t heard back from the town about permits.
“Right now we’re facing a wall,” Jablon said. “It’s sad.”