LANCASTER, N.Y. (WKBW) — Chrusciki Bakery has been a staple in Western New York for more than 30 years, and the COVID-19 pandemic is uncharted territory.
"It's definitely unsettling, but we're staying positive that this will be over before we know it," Ania Duchon, Owner/President of Chrusciki Bakery said.
The bakery has had to beef up their social distancing by only allowing a certain number of people inside the store, while also increasing their curbside pickup and delivery. Despite all of that, the phones are still ringing on a consistent basis.
"The community has been absolutely fantastic to keep us in business," Duchon said.
The bakery has even expanded their lines of breads and pierogi to make sure they can feed more than just a sweet tooth.
"We are getting creative with the things we have here," Duchon said.
While the business is still seeing customers, the COVID-19 outbreak isn't happening without issue for Chrusciki.
The bakery planned to open a brand new bakery/restaurant in the Eastern Hills Mall. This one could service the northtowns a little easier.
That store was just days away from opening and now, has been put on hold. All of the employees that were set to open the new space had to be let go before starting an official shift.
"We had to lay off close to twenty people."
It's a difficulty that many restaurants are facing. For now, it's unknown when the new space will open but Duchon is thankful the community is still buying their food.
She knows that without the support, these next few months would be impossible.
"(The community) is ensuring they keep us in business to make sure we're here so we all can get through this."
