Local restaurants all over the world have been suffering due to the coronavirus. While some larger businesses have been lucky enough to pay their employees during the extremely difficult economic times, many smaller ones have had to face a tough decision.
After restaurants were ordered to only offer takeout or delivery, Stuffed Grass-fed Burgers in New Jersey was worried about paying their employees. Owner, Dan Campeas said his business is down 70 percent.
He has since set up a GoFundMe to raise funds for his employees, and while he’s raising funds online, his community also stepped up and lent a hand.
“I just sent a note around everybody and said, ‘Hey, I’m gonna buy some food, if you want some here’s how to do it. And [Grand] said, ‘I’m in, but let’s donate the food to Toni’s,” Kathleen Carroll told NJ.com.
Carroll, who lives in the same New Jersey town as Stuffed, asked her neighbors if they wanted to purchase food from the restaurant. What happened next wasn’t so surprising to the community, but perhaps for those outside looking in.
Emily Grand, a neighbor, suggested that all the food they purchased from Stuffed be donated to a local soup kitchen. The community chose to donate to Toni’s Kitchen, a soup kitchen in Montclair that has been providing food for thousands of children and seniors during the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s like the best of both worlds,” Campeas said. “I mean, I think the nicest thing that I’ve seen especially in Montclair is just the amount of attention to small businesses people are showing, and I just think, I think it’s awesome.”
Let’s continue to show support to each other and small businesses during this tough time. Remember, everyone is going through a difficult time and we need to lift each other up and best as we can.
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