Ever since the outbreak hit, and more people have been staying home, I’ve been endlessly concerned about the success of local eateries. Restaurants are considered essential. However, many people are choosing to eat a home these days and limit their public outings as much as possible, which is completely understandable.
But it doesn’t erase the fact that many restaurants around the world are suffering from a 50-plus percent cut in sales. Serving fewer customers, they’re throwing away more food, having difficulties paying rent and other expenses to keep their business running, and even struggling to pay their employees, let alone, offering them enough hours. Many restaurants have had no choice but to temporarily or permanently let their staff go.
Belmar, New Jersey pizzeria owners, Bryan and Michael Morin, like most restaurants, had to temporarily let some of their staff go with the decline of business occurring during this time. Of course, it was a decision neither of them wanted to make. So, Bryan decided the best course of action would be to take a $50,000 line of credit, so all 20 of Federico’s employees could still receive a paycheck no matter what.
Bryan was more than happy to take any risks that were involved in this decision.
“My father told us a long time ago: You’ve got to take care of your employees first, because without those employees, you don’t have a business at all,” Morin said. “I definitely owe them a debt — even if it means I might go into debt.”
Although the financial situation of the business owners has already been suffering, the idea of their employees’ financial situations also declining wasn’t something that they would ever be okay with. With many restaurant workers and other employees losing their jobs and having no other source of income, Morin knew he was making the best decision to continue to pay their hard-working staff members.
The employees are so thankful to have such amazing and supportive owners.
“I have a lot of friends who work as bartenders and waiters, and they have no idea what they’re going to do with themselves,” said Manager Chelsea Phillips, who 12 years ago began working as a “phone girl” at the pizza establishment. “When I tell them [what Morin did], they want to know why I’m so lucky to work for the greatest people.”
With the future of many locally-owned restaurants uncertain at this time, one thing is for sure: Bryan is an incredible owner and boss. I hope his business with thrive once the threat of the virus comes to a decline. His selflessness proves that he’s in business for all the right reasons.
Below is a picture of the kind pizzeria owner.
Please share his story on social media to encourage Belmar and other nearby residents to order take-out at Bryan and Michael’s eatery!
