Berkeley Mayor: Please Support Local Eateries Amid Coronavirus

BERKELEY, NJ — The novel coronavirus has made life difficult for many, including local restaurants. As those businesses are forced to make adjustments, Berkeley Mayor Carmen Amato encouraged people to support local eateries if they can.

"These restaurants and food establishments are locally owned," Amato said. "They employ our family, friends and neighbors. And they so generously donate to our local youth, sports and civic organizations."

Several federal and state bills have been proposed to assist small businesses and their employees. But they could use your help in the interim, Amato says.

Businesses across the Berkeley area have braced for impact. Many restaurants adjusted business models and added takeout or delivery options. Read more: Berkeley Businesses Brace For Impact As Coronavirus Hits NJ

"Not hungry?" Amato said. "Did you just stock up the pantry and fridge? No worries!How about purchasing a gift card or gift certificate now that you can use later!"

Read Amato's full statement below from his Facebook page:

"As you all are aware, due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) concern local restaurants and food establishments in New Jersey can only provide food by delivery or pick up.

This is creating a financial hardship for them. The Federal and State Governments are pushing legislation on how to help these small businesses.

As we all know, unfortunately, no matter how quickly they move to get the legislation approved and signed into law, it will more than likely take several weeks or months to get them the help they need NOW.

In the interim, I'm asking all of our residents, if you can financially, to please consider ordering take out or delivery from our local restaurants and food establishments.
These restaurants and food establishments are locally owned. They employ our family, friends and neighbors. And they so generously donate to our local youth, sports and civic organizations.

As long time business owners Bob Popovics Alexsis Popovics said:

"There are many great locally owned restaurants and stores, operated by hardworking people who need our support at this time."

I could not have said it better.

Please help them during this time by ordering delivery or takeout!

Not hungry? Did you just stock up the pantry and fridge? No worries!
How about purchasing a gift card or gift certificate now that you can use later!

Our area has the best breakfast, lunch & dinner places in New Jersey!

Please consider helping them in their time of need.

Thank you!!"

Officials have confirmed two cases of the coronavirus in Berkeley as of Thursday morning. Governor Phil Murphy reported 162 new cases Wednesday, raising the total to 427 in New Jersey, including five deaths. Read more: NJ Coronavirus: Cases Soar By 162, Death Toll Rises To 5

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