ICYMI: Huntington's Porto Fino Owner On Coronavirus Status

HUNTINGTON, NY — Restaurant owners have and continue to face challenges during the coronavirus outbreak. Eateries spent nearly three months relying only on takeout and delivery, as a New York state executive order temporarily banned sit-down service. It wasn't until June 10 that restaurants regained outdoor seating under phase two of the state's reopening plan, and June 24 that they could allow indoor dining again at half capacity.

With businesses not yet able to fire on all cylinders, many restaurateurs continue to struggle, including Dary Shooshtary, owner of Porto Fino in Huntington. When asked how things have gone since the third phase was rolled out, Shooshtary said, "personally, not good."

"Business is actually a little bit less, and the payroll is a little bit higher," he told Patch. "I'm going to be honest with you, we were doing a lot of takeout. Takeout's been slower the past couple of months. There were a lot of places in the neighborhood that were closed, and now they're open. People are going to other places, also. The takeout is sort of steady, but it's down from the last month."

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