HAMBURG, N.Y. (WKBW) — Since Governor Andrew Cuomo closed restaurants and bars for dinning-in; going out to dinner isn't allowed in New York, right now. It's all in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus. But, the ban is putting a serious strain on eatery owners.
Hours after the governor announced the changes, dozens of Hamburg restaurant owners came together to show people they're still open.
"We know we have to be socially responsible," said Robert Free, the chairman of the board of the New York State Restaurants Association.
"We're asking our community to support us," said Jimmy Butera, the owner of Butera's, at media conference in front of the Hamburg Village Offices.
Within an hour of the governor announcing a sit-in-dining ban Monday, the owners came up with a plan, curbside pickup.
Customers call the restaurant, order, and prepay. They drive to the front of the restaurant and pop the trunk. There's no person to person interaction required.
According to Butera, customers can order beer bottles or cans, up to a six pack.
The hope is to keep business going during this health crisis.
"My number one take away here is, those employees have no way to pay their bills," added Butera.
The Hamburg Village mayor says parking in front of restaurants is just for curbside pickup.
