Restaurants struggle to stay afloat during coronavirus crisis

Restaurants all over the tri-state have had to close down and lay off their staff, or make major changes to their business models to stay open.

News 12 Staff

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Mar 23, 2020, 4:21 AM

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Updated 1,587 days ago

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On Monday, March 16, the governors of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut announced the closure of all restaurants and bars, except for takeout and delivery orders. This was an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Since then, restaurants all over the tri-state have had to close down and lay off their staff, or make major changes to their business models to stay open.

Michael Ayoub, owner of Fornino in Brooklyn, decided to keep a skeleton staff on board, and enhance delivery and takeout services. He still had to lay off several staff members.

"To have to lay off people that have been so loyal to the brand for many years, it’s heartbreaking," Ayoub said. "I’ve been in the restaurant business for 43 years, and nothing could prepare me for this."

While the safety of Fornino’s food has always been a top priority, they’re taking even more measures now.

Everyone on staff is wearing gloves, pizza boxes are sealed with a sticker to show they haven’t been tampered with, and pick-up and delivery are both contact-less.

Ayoub said, "We're just trying to keep our heads above water; it’s that simple."

As a restaurant owner himself, he realizes why so many restaurants have had to close down already, and worries more will have to do so soon.

"Between the high rents, high payroll, taxes and everything else, insurances," Ayoub said. "I fear of what it's going to do to the restaurant industry. This has put so many people's livelihoods out of work."

He's remaining hopeful, and wants people to know that ordering takeout, delivery, or purchasing gift cards for future use from their local restaurants are all things that can make a big difference right now.

"We’re begging you please, please take care of your local restaurants," Ayoub said.

Here is a list of several restaurants that are open for takeout and delivery in the tri-state area:

Note: Each day, things are changing, and more restaurants may choose to close their doors or alter their delivery & takeout options. You can check with your local restaurants directly, if you want to be sure.

Bronx

Bronx Beer Hall - Craft beer, Arthur Avenue
Open Tuesday through Sunday for pickup.

iNINE Bistro - American, Mott Haven
Open 7 days a week for pickup and delivery for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Beatstro - Puerto Rican, Mott Haven
Open 7 days a week for delivery and pickup for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Wicked Wolf - Irish Pub, Throgs Neck
Open 7 days a week for pickup and delivery for lunch and dinner.

HK Kitchen & Draft House - Pub, Throgs Neck
Open 7 days a week for pickup and delivery for lunch and dinner.

Manhattan

Fish Cheeks - Thai, NoHo
Open 7 days a week for delivery and pickup from 12pm to 8:30pm.

San Matteo Cucina - Italian, Upper East Side
Open 7 days a week for delivery and pickup from 12pm to 11pm.

Balade - Lebanese, East Village
Open 7 days a week for delivery and pickup from 11:30am to 12am.

Atoboy - Korean, NoMad
Open Monday through Saturday for delivery and pickup via Caviar from 5pm to 9pm.

Lil Frankie's - Italian, Lower East Side
Open 7 days a week for delivery and pickup from 11am to 12am.

Brooklyn

12 Chairs - Israeli, Williamsburg
Open 7 days a week for delivery and pickup from 8am to 10:45pm.

Antica Pesa - Italian, Williamsburg
Open Tuesday through Sunday for delivery and pickup from 4pm to 10pm.

Speedy Romeo - Pizza, Clinton Hill
Open 7 days a week for delivery and pickup via Caviar for lunch and dinner.

Ugly Baby - Thai, Carroll Gardens
Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday for delivery and pickup 5pm to 10:30pm, and Saturday & Sunday from 12:00pm to 3:00pm and from 5:00pm to 10:30pm.

Fornino - Pizza, Greenpoint
Open 7 days a week for delivery and pickup from 12pm to 9pm.

Long Island

Mo'nelisa - Pizza, Point Lookout
Open 7 days a week for delivery and pickup 11:30am to 9:00pm.

B Greek Kitchen - Greek, Lynbrook
Open 7 days a week for delivery and pickup, Monday through Friday 11:00am to 8:00pm, Saturday & Sunday 4:00pm to 8:00pm.

La Nonna Bella - Italian, Garden City
Open for delivery and pickup, Tuesday through Friday from 12:00pm to 10:00pm, Saturday 2:00pm to 10:00pm, and Sunday 2:00pm to 9:00pm.

Punta Cana Dominican Grill - Dominican, Westbury, Rockville Centre, and Huntington
Open for delivery and pickup 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.

The Brixton - Pub, Babylon
Open 7 days a week for delivery and pickup, with varying hours by day.

Sweet Mama's - Northport, Stony Brook
Open 7 days a week for delivery and pickup for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Westchester/Hudson Valley

L'Inizio - Italian, Ardsley
Open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday for pickup and delivery.

Meritage - American, Scarsdale
Open for dinner 7 days a week for pickup and delivery.

Goosefeather - Chinese, Tarrytown
Open 7 days a week for pickup from 3pm to 9pm, and delivery from 3pm to 8pm.

1915 Wine Cellar - Wine Bar, Poughkeepsie
Open Tuesday through Saturday for pickup, 4pm to 8pm.

Quickway Diner - American, Bloomingburg
Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

New Jersey

Tony Boloney's - Pizza & subs, Hoboken, Atlantic City
Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week for pickup and delivery.

Brownstone Pancake Factory - Breakfast & comfort food, Edgewater
Open 7 days a week for pickup and delivery 10am to 8pm.

Kimchi Smoke - BBQ, Westwood
Open for pickup and delivery with varying hours by day.

Brother Bruno - Pizza, deli & dessert, Wayne
Open 7 days a week for pickup and delivery (also nationwide delivery).

Connecticut

Match - American, Norwalk
Open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday for delivery and pickup.

T's Wine Bar & Pizza - Italian, Stamford
Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner delivery and pickup.

Foundry Kitchen and Tavern - American, Sandy Hook
Open 7 days a week from 4pm to 8pm for pickup.

Bedford Hall - American, Stamford
Open 7 days a week for pickup and delivery from 12pm to 8pm.

Acuario - Peruvian, Stamford
Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner pickup and delivery.