THUNDER BAY — The co-owner of a Thunder Bay restaurant is counting on her loyal customer base to see the business through the duration of the COVID-19 emergency.
As required by the Ontario government shutdown of restaurants and bars, Erinn DeLorenzi's Sweet North Bakery on Court Street South can only provide takeout service until at least March 31.
DeLorenzi said she and her husband Kris had to make the "heartbreaking" decision to lay off staff.
"We laid off the majority. We hope and pray they come back when we reopen," DeLorenzi said.
She's not sure what lies ahead for the business, but hopes the community appreciates the need to support local entrepreneurs in a difficult time.
"Thunder Bay has always been supportive of local business. Knowing the city, it's probably going to increase. Local businesses need our community right now," DeLorenzi said.
She noted Sweet North Bakery normally employs 18 people, who all spend their money in the city and support other businesses.
DeLorenzi said the first day operating only as a takeout food place saw a decent amount of traffic.
The restaurant is making every item on its menu available for carryout.
"We are adaptable. We are fighters. We are not afraid," DeLorenzi said, but added "We are not delusional. We can see what's happening here."
She's waiting to learn more details about promised government programs to help entrepreneurs
"We have a small cushion. I assume the government does too. We need it now, because if small business dies, we are in big trouble," she said.
A few blocks away, on St. Paul Street, Rooster's Bistro owner Jim Comuzzi called the mandatory shutdowns bad for the downtown area, but also "a necessary evil."
Comuzzi has closed his restaurant until the end of the month.
"We've gotta stop this thing. We've all got to work together to do our part" to prevent the spread of the virus, he said.
Asked how long he believes restaurant operators can take the financial hit, he said it's going to be different for everybody, but he expects most will be able to hold on.
Comuzzi sympathizes with laid-off employees, however, describing the impact on them as "devastating."
Like other business owners, he said he's looking for more information about the government's plans to help operators and their staff.
The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce has set up a web page with helpful links for its members to cope with the impact of COVID-19.
President Charla Robinson calls the mandatory closure of restaurants and bars "very concerning" for many local entrepreneurs.
"These are unprecedented times. There's always the chance that some can't weather the storm," Robinson said.
She's asking city residents to consider ways to support hometown operators when making purchasing decisions.
"Can you buy a gift certificate to use later? Can you use the takeout or delivery options at a restaurant, or buy from a corner store? Every dollar will help them stay in business," Robinson said.
She also pointed out that many Thunder Bay companies offer online shopping options.
That's no benefit for Comuzzi's restaurant, but he has at least managed to find one bright side in an otherwise very unfortunate situation.
"The next two weeks should be interesting. I haven't had two weeks off in the last 18 years," he said.
