CLEVELAND, Ohio — As many businesses shut their doors because of the coronavirus pandemic, business owners are now having to find new ways to stay open.,
When server Abby Searles started working for Tommy’s Restaurant, she didn’t know she’d have to do cart food from the kitchen to the patio across the street.
“Oh gosh. Across today? I’ve probably taken about maybe 30 of these boxes probably,” said Searles.
The boxes contain the food that owner Chef Tommy Fello spends his time in the kitchen cooking-—all while trying to keep his namesake restaurant which he opened in 1972—to keep from closing in the face of COVID-19.
“We had to shut down for two months. We shut down March 16 to May 4,” said Fello.
Well-known for impressive vegetarian creations, as well as top-notch burgers, fries, and and shakes, Tommy’s is a cherished spot in the coventry neighborhood of Cleveland Heights.
“The menu’s based on—they’re named after the people that ate it first,” said Fello.
When the restaurant across the street from Tommy’s went out of business, he jumped on the opportunity to rent out their patio so he could accommodate his customers who could no longer sit inside.
While it’s a little more work, Searles is a good sport about it and she says it’s just like getting exercise.
“I’m sweating profusely,” said Searles.
While Tommy continues to fill his customers orders, he is left wondering what will happen next. If someone buys the patio across the street, he will be out of that space.
And as the weather begins to change, he’s left wondering how long customers will be okay with sitting outside.
For now as the warm weather continues customers are happily enjoying the patio.
