When restaurants in New Jersey were ordered to close their dining rooms and only offer takeout or delivery, Bryan and Michael Morin, owners of Federico’s Pizza & Restaurant in Belmar, New Jersey, went to the bank and took out a $50,000 line of credit.
“My father told us a long time ago: You’ve got to take care of your employees first, because without those employees, you don’t have a business at all,” Bryan told NJ.com. “I definitely owe them a debt – even if it means I might go into debt.”
With the line of credit, Bryan said his business will be able to pay their 20 employees for two months – something that few owners are able to do during these hard economic times.
Chelsea Phillips, a long-time employee who now manages the location, said she is grateful because a lot of her friends have similar jobs but are out of work with no income.
“They want to know why I’m so lucky to work for the greatest people.”
While the future is still uncertain – Bryan will reassess when the time comes – he’s hopeful his business will remain open not only because of the promise of busy summer months, but because once people heard what he did for his employees Federico’s received numerous orders from those wanting to help.
According to reports, during a two day period, the restaurant took in $4,000 worth of orders to be delivered to first responders. People were calling in orders and asking that they deliver food to those working on the frontlines.
The pizzeria also donated 30 pizzas to Jersey Shore Medical Center, a hospital treating many COVID-19 patients.
It’s so great to see everyone looking out for one another during these tough times.
Share this to thank Bryan for taking care of his employees and to thank the community for supporting Federico’s. We’re going to get through this.