Bensalem Businesses Reel Amid Coronavirus Closings

BENSALEM, PA — The tables at Parx Casino were uncharacteristically quiet Monday morning, as one of Pennsylvania's busiest casinos joined other Bensalem businesses shutting their doors to combat the spread of the new coronavirus.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf on Sunday ordered all restaurants and bars in Bucks and four other counties to close their dine-in facilities as of Monday.

The cards stopped flying and slot machines quit spinning at Parx at 6 a.m. Monday.

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"We are taking this action as responsible business leaders within the Bensalem community and as one of the largest employers in Bucks County," Parx said in a social media post, saying current plans are to re-open on March 29.

All non-essential retail businesses in Bucks County have been told to close. This includes gyms, theaters, malls, salons, entertainment venues, and community centers. Essential retail, like pharmacies, grocery stores, gas stations, and healthcare facilities, will remain open.

At Neshaminy Mall, things were quiet Monday, with the ownership group saying it expects "all non-essential retail tenants of Neshaminy Mall to comply with Governor Wolf's recommendation."

On its website, the AMC Neshaminy 24 movie theater the company announced that it has "temporarily closed this theatre in accordance with the directive from local authorities."

Bensalem's most popular eateries weren't exempt from the order to quite dining room service. La Cena, the Italian restaurant on Galloway Road, announced it will be providing takeout and delivery only until March 31.

"Fortunately none of our staff or loved ones have gotten sick and we will continue to keep a safe and sanitary workplace until we are able to return again," owners said on Facebook. "We here at La Cena hope that everyone stays safe and happy."

In an online video, Mike Lock, co-owner of Broken Goblet Brewery on State Road, said Sunday the tap room will be shut down for two weeks, if not longer. He encouraged patrons in the mean time to buy gift cards and use an online link to order beer for pickup.

He said the coming days will be "a really trying time" for breweries, bars and restaurants.

"We're praying it's only going to be for two weeks, but it could be longer," Lock said. "So, support methods like this are really important. If you have the time and are intersted in doing it, we'd ask you to do it with us or do it with whoever your favorite spot is, to try to keep us all afloat so when we get through this — and we will get through this because we're stronger than this stupid virus — we will have businesses to open."

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