Danelli's Survives The Pandemic With Oswego's 'Amazing' Support

OSWEGO, IL — As restaurants all across the state grappled with the financial difficulties associated with the coronavirus pandemic, a popular Oswego eatery was able to do well because of immense support from the community.

Danelli's Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant has been around for four decades, garnering a strong base of loyal customers. Even when indoor dining was suspended, owners John and Chris Daniels said they "actually did OK."

"We had so many loyal customers visiting weekly, as they didn't want to see us hurting. They didn't want to see us lose our business of 40 years," John said. "They supported my waitstaff, gave them extra knowing how horribly this situation has affected them. We also had the pleasure of meeting many new customers who tried us for the first time. They all continue to support us and it means everything to us. We need their continued support to make it through this."

In spite of the continued support, the pandemic has not been without its challenges, but Chris said they have "an amazing crew who all had wonderful ideas, and we all came together, and we are stronger as a group."

Many new plans had to implemented as mandates for dining out were adjusted by state. During the indoor closure, the restaurant was strictly carryout. When the indoor dining became possible again, they continued with all disposables for several reasons.

"One being less contact, as most of our portions are very large, and most people are taking home leftovers. This process has worked out perfectly, and we have had 100 percent support from our customers and staff regarding this decision," John said. "Everyone understands our decisions and it allowed for a very smooth transition to indoor dining. We have designated seats and cleaning stations available and have a really good system down."

Will County had recently seen new regulations when cases went up, and they had to suspend indoor dining completely. Chris said that if the same happened in Kendall County, he would be disappointed, but would "understand."

"I felt like they were trying to keep the community safe and the staff inside the buildings safe," he said of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's decision. "It's a hard decision and I don't envy the decision makers, but yes it was fair, because we share the air."

To facilitate social distancing, restaurants cannot open up their entire indoor dining rooms to the public and several owners are afraid of continuing to serve at limited capacity once outdoor dining needs to be suspended as winter approaches. In order to keep businesses from getting affected financially, increasing indoor dining capacity might be the move.

According to the Illinois Restaurant Association, pre-pandemic, the food service industry was the largest private sector employer in the state. Today, 55 percent of over 25,000 Illinois restaurant operators say it is unlikely their restaurant will still be in business six months from now, and 63 percent do not expect staffing to return to pre-COVID-19 levels within the next six months.

"The jobs of people who work in our state's diverse restaurant industry are at stake, and continued closures will devastate the stability of our communities," the IRA wrote in a social media post. "The hospitality industry is an economic engine for the state of Illinois. Our employees want and need a place to work."

With that in mind, the organization had sent a letter — signed by 1,500 restaurants — to Chicago Mayor Lori Lighfoot, asking her administration to allow for 50 percent indoor dining capacity at restaurants and venues. Last week, Lightfoot increased the capacity to 40 percent.

John said that if a similar letter had to be sent to local authorities, he would support it. He said as of now they have not made any special preparations for the winter, but if cases go up again, they will do "whatever we have to."

"We would continue with carryout," he said. "Carryout has kept us rolling this entire time. When we started our business 40 years ago, we started as a catering and carryout business."

Chris said they are "holding steady and grateful for our amazing community."

"It felt great to see our regulars in our dining room again. We all commented the first night we had a 'full' house that how great it sounded in here," he said. "The community has been amazing. Our family will forever be grateful for their support. With their support our staff has been able to continue to work, pay their bills and support their families. It is so difficult to see so many businesses and people hurting."

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