BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Answering phones rather than passing out menus is the new normal at restaurants up and down Hertel Avenue.
Businesses like Joey's Place are relying on takeout as their only revenue, but those loyal customers are keeping them in business.
"As many dinners as we used to do inside we’re doing the same if not more outside," Joey's Place owner Joseph Dallos said. "Last Friday we did 189 takeouts here. That was a record for our little place”.
Eating local has been the motto all around Western New York as doors look to remain open during the COVID-19 outbreak.
"It's very hard to comprehend, especially in the restaurant business," Marco's Italian Deli owner Marco Sciortino said. "You don't know what's happening day to day but to have the support of the community, that's great."
But there are those who can't afford to eat local. That's where the kindness of others has evolved, helping restaurants like Marco's to pay it forward.
"People are calling me and saying, Marc here's $100, Marc, here's $50 to feed someone that needs to be fed," Sciortino said. "I'm getting choked up telling you about it. It's amazing, it really is."
Buffalo is called the City of Good Neighbors for a reason and while restaurants adjust to a new normal, hope remains that they will get through this with help from one another because together we're "Buffalo Strong".
"I've been in business for 33 years," Sciortino said. "I've given, I've given, I've given, and it always comes back.
"They will always be here for us," Dallos said. "After this is over, they will still be here to support us and our business”.
For a full list of restaurants in WNY offering take-out or curb-side service, click here.
