Restaurants still finding their footing after height of the pandemic
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — Restaurants across Southern New England have had quite the journey since the pandemic locked down the economy in 2020.
They have had to deal with COVID-19 restrictions, staff shortages, and inflation.
Yoleni's, a Greek restaurant located in the former Tilden-Thurber building on Westminster Street closed its doors Tuesday.
Paolino Properties' Managing Director Joe Paolino is the building's landlord.
"Yoleni's opened up in 2018. They were doing great business and then the pandemic hit and they got hurt," said Paolino.
Paolino said the pandemic, which hurt restaurants nationwide, is partly to blame.
"If people are going to stay home to work that way, then you're going to see offices vacate, people aren't going to renew their leases, people aren't going to be coming downtown," said Paolino. "They're not going to park their cars or go to a restaurant because they'll want to stay home all of the time, and that's not what this country is all about. That's not what we should be doing here in Rhode Island."
While one business closes its doors, Apsara Asian Restaurant on Public Street in Providence is reopening its indoor dining area.
Owner Kim Te said they are grateful to their supportive customers, but it was rough.
"Waiting for the right time, you know. Number one, it's hard to find workers, number two, the virus," said Te. "We have a lot of different clientele; old, young, baby, everything. We want to make sure everything is safe for everyone."
The business closed its indoor dining services because of the pandemic, so customers like Roger Durand were happy to return.
"I was one of the first people who actually came here when they were closed by COVID and I was denied access to the restaurant and I'm delighted to be back for their first day of being open for dine-in service," said Durand.
Center for Southeast Asians Executive Director Channavy Chhay also stopped by to support the business on their return to full service.
"I am so proud that they have committed themselves to providing great cuisine for our communities for many, many, more years to come and after this pandemic," said Chhay. "You see the staff is full. The place is very clean and they're ready and prepared to serve everyone here."
Paolino said as businesses continue to find their footing during this pandemic, he asks landlords to work with their tenants.