Coronavirus restrictions have forced some Philly restaurants to give up on takeout

After a few days of challenging service and growing health fears, some restaurants and merchants have decided to give up on offering takeout and delivery and have chosen to join the ranks of temporary shutdowns.

Dining rooms and bars were shuttered this week as officials sought to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

For some, including John’s Roast Pork in South Philadelphia, the slow sales were not worth it. Owner John Bucci, who pulled the plug Friday, said he barely cracked $1,000 in receipts, a fraction of a typical day. Philadelphia News

For others, including OCF Coffeehouses, it was a matter of safety, as staff decided that serving takeout wasn’t worth the health risk, said owner Ori Feibush, who agreed to provide a lump-sum payment and benefits to his 50-plus employees.

Restaurant and small business were closed

Restaurateurs are also trying to get clarity on the tenets of business-interruption insurance. If the government mandates a shutdown, can a claim be filed? Also, if there is further government action, such as a bailout or federal loan forgiveness, will it matter if the Philadelphia business was partly open

Reading Terminal Market, as an essential business, remains open and is providing delivery from most merchants. Several vendors, including the owners of 4 Seasons Juice Bar, Tea Leaf, Fox & Son, Loco Luchos Latino Kitchen, and Olympia Gyro decided to close in the last few days.

DiNic’s, a popular sandwich destination at the terminal, announced its closing Sunday, ahead of the shutdown order. “Based on what we knew and had learned from multiple other countries, closing seemed like the prudent thing to do,” said owner Joe Nicolosi, who has a wife and four small children, including a newborn, at home. Philadephia Political News

Starr Restaurants started the week with delivery from 13 restaurants. By Friday afternoon, the list had dwindled to three: Fette Sau, Pizzeria Stella, and El Vez.

Cookie Till, the James Beard Award semifinalist, closed her Jersey Shore locations, Steve & Cookie’s in Margate and No. 7311 in Ventnor, after briefly giving it a go. In a note on social media, she said: “Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our employees and guests. Philadelphia Distribution News