Rep. Sherrill Praises Caldwell, Verona Businesses' COVID Changes

CALDWELL, NJ — A diner, a coffeeshop, a gelati eatery and a taco restaurant have all found ways to adapt amid the coronavirus crisis. But “more needs to be done” to get them the financial aid they need to keep their heads above water, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill says.

On Tuesday, Sherrill posted a social media message that she had a “great night” visiting four small businesses in the Caldwells and Verona with her children: Blue Hippo Coffee, the Verona Diner, Gelati By Mike Guerriero, and Fat Fish Taco.

“Getting takeout and outdoor dining is a great way to support our local restaurants and small businesses,” Sherrill said.

“More needs to be done,” she added.

Sherrill had kind words for each of the businesses she visited:

• Blue Hippo Coffee Co. – “We spoke to owner Monica Cleary. She’s taken her garden in the back and turned it into outdoor seating (and a butterfly garden) and is adding a locally-sourced marketplace in her store to help other businesses in the community.”
• Verona Diner – “Really impressed to see how they’ve repurposed their parking lot in the back for outdoor, socially distant seating.”
• Gelati By Mike Guerriero – “I was blown away with how they’ve stepped up to support the community during COVID. They have donated more than 60,000 bags of groceries to local food banks, and their work inspired others to join their efforts.”
• Fat Fish Taco – “We ended the night at Fat Fish Taco in Caldwell to pick up dinner for the family … Taco Tuesdays.”

The congresswoman said that federal legislation such as the Restaurants Act is needed to help local businesses throughout the nation to cover their costs. And time is running out to make it happen, she’s previously said.

In July, Sherrill released results from a survey her office took in the 11th District. More than 350 businesses in the district participated, including respondents from a "wide range of sectors" such as auto body repair shops, florists and dental offices.

Local business owners' complaints gravitated around a common theme – plummeting revenue and ongoing expenses. Only one in 10 small businesses in the district is currently turning a profit.

"The results are a sobering reminder that many small businesses continue to face a difficult road ahead," Sherrill said.

• See related article: Small Businesses In NJ 11th District Face Hard Future, Study Says

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