Coronavirus: York restaurants, businesses resort to GoFundMe, Patreon campaigns for relief
Neil Strebig{The York Daily Record's coverage of coronavirus is being provided for free to our readers. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing at ydr.com/subscribe.}
As the coronavirus outbreak continues to wreak havoc on small businesses, several local restaurants have begun seeking donations and alternative measures to help sustain themselves.
"The whole pandemic is going to change how everyone does things business-wise," said Robert Godfrey, co-owner of Handsome Cab.
The Handsome Cab has created a Patreon account for wine tastings and Sunday school classes.
Godfrey will be hosting the classes and discussing wine pairings and education. While the idea is a reactive measure due to the coronavirus crisis, he expects the team will continue implementing them once business resumes.
Several restaurants in York have launched GoFundMe pages, along with several other businesses,since the statewide shutdown began closing and restricting non-essential businesses.
"We're still pretty uncertain what costs will be covered by the government," said Jordan Pfautz, co-owner of Roost Uncommon Kitchen.
Pfautz, who also operates York City Pretzel Co., said his team launched both campaigns last week. He's hoping the initial campaign will help cover inventory and payroll costs.
The need for fundraising highlights a growing concern among business districts throughout York County and nationwide. Restaurants rely on cash flow and foot traffic for sales. GoFundMe campaigns have become a bittersweet alternative for relief.
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“Hoping this is a two-month thing and be out of this in June," Jason Wehrle said.
Wehrle is the co-owner of Belmont Bean in Spring Garden Township. The cafe opened up six months ago, and while the COVID-19 outbreak is concerning, Wehrle remains optimistic.
Belmont Bean is matching each GoFundMe campaign donation with a gift card. If you donate $100 you'll get reimbursed with a $100 gift card, he said.
Wehrle is hoping the campaign will help maintain support and a level of cash flow for the business. In addition, he's partnered with Roosevelt Tavern to help with service along with offering products for sale via O.N.E. Hospitality Group's grocery store.
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Wehrle is also donating 10 pounds of roasted coffee to WellSpan York Hospital and 5 pounds to Spring Garden Township Police Department, York Area United Fire & Rescue and the Spring GardenTownship Fire Department.
"We don't call ourselves a community center, but we are a center for the community," he said.
Other notable York businesses launching GoFundMe campaigns:
Neil Strebig is the food & drink reporter for the York Daily Record and curator for the York on the Move newsletter. He can be reached at nstrebig@ydr.com, 717-825-6582 or via Twitter @neilStrebig.
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