(WSIL) -- The COVID-19 pandemic is taking its toll on businesses with some being closed for nearly two months. Now two popular local restaurants are getting back to work, offering curbside service.
Mary Lou's co-owner Marilynn Martin says the coronavirus created multiple obstacles for her restaurant to operate, including her staff.
"When they announced that our employees could get on unemployment immediately, it was just too scary to even think about reopening. And we do have a few employees that are in the critical age," said Martin.
She says the extra 30-day shutdown has given the business no choice but to reopen.
"We have to do something. We have to try to get some income coming in to keep our business here. I mean, we've been here since 1962," said Martin.
She's looking forward to doing curbside on Friday.
"And really big news is that we are going to take credit cards. I was waiting for the right company and there will be a small fee on the person using the card," said Martin.
Her other business, Crazy Joe's Fish House, will also be ready for pickup.
"Instead of coming in the front door, the front patio area there where the menu's at and ordering at the window, we're actually going to have you come in the back door," said co-owner Bob Martin.
Both owners say they're anxious about the reopenings.
"Sure, I'm nervous, because I want to get my employees back to work and I want them to stay at work. We don't want to have to reopen and then have to close down," he said.
But they're ready to serve the customers they miss so much.
"The Ma and Pop places are the backbone of our country and we need to keep us going," she said.
Click and for curbside information.
