CLEARFIELD CO, Pa (WJAC) — Despite their county moving to the green stage in 6 days, two restaurants in Clearfield County said they couldn't wait any longer to reopen their restaurants.
Owners of both Spanky’s Café and Billy’s Burgerland say they needed to reopen to save their businesses, and that choice was not an easy one.
"We’re not trying to be defiant, we are just trying to survive."
That's what most small businesses owners still in yellow or red phase counties are saying about reopening their doors, but Rob Inguagiato, of Spanky's Cafe, believes it was the only choice for his employees.
"We were four weeks in, hadn’t received our loan, and I figured the only way we were going to be able to pay our employees was to reopen, get them here, and get them busy."
Right up the road, the owners of Billy’s Burgerland also decided to resume dine-in service on Saturday.
"This past Tuesday, I called every business in town that does not have a liquor license and let them know my plans to open up. As you know one of them did also agree to open. She was very pleased when I called and told her our plan, and she said she'd be glad to do the same thing. We can't survive much longer if we don't do something."
With the support of many local officials in Clearfield, both restaurants saw a flow of customers coming in and out all day.
"Everyone today that I talked to has had nothing but positive comments. Whether they were hungry or just came in for a cup of coffee, they wanted to let me know they're here and they're 100% behind us."
Back at Spanky's, employees are required to wear a mask, but, Inguagiato says he would not force his customers to wear one while they eat.
“The takeout continues to come in and out, deliveries going in and out as well. It seems like everyone is doing a little bit of each and it’s allowing us not to be overcrowded and maintain our social distancing."
Inguagiato says even though it was just announced that Clearfield County will move to the green phase next week, he plans to stay open regardless.
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