“My utility bills are $2,500 to $2,700 a month plus my rent. I’m not even barely making that in a month,” said Legnani-Pellrine.
She has nine employees and says staff works together to make sure everyone has hours. She says they’re a big reason why she won’t give up. She says the community has supported the restaurants as much as they can but that financial help is needed.
“My staff is wonderful. They ve all been here 20, 25 years. All of them,” said Legnani-Pellrine. “I won t quit. I won t give up. I ll figure out a way. I have assets I ll have to get rid of.”
CT restaurant owners consider loans, house sales to keep afloat
Over 600 restaurants have closed since the pandemic began, according to the CT Restaurant Association, which says it could be thousands without more government help.
Credit: AP
Gina Legnani-Pellrine, owner of Rodd s Restaurant, holds a sign she made in protest to limiting indoor dining capacity to 50%, Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020, in Bristol, Conn. Small restaurant owners in Connecticut are taking out loans, forgoing their paychecks and charging on credit cards to remain in business as the coronavirus pandemic continues. But with winter putting an end to indoor dining and increased cases scaring off customers, some are uncertain what other financial tricks they can turn to. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)