Page 30 - The Valley Table - November/December 2020

NICK CETERA
“Cosimo’s & Hudson Taco
We were forced to realign our model for operating in a new COVID world. Now, it’s half of a dining room and the patio, but we really do a lot of takeout. The biggest downfall will be at Christmas because our restaurants do a lot of holiday parties. How will these holiday parties be handled? Obviously, there’s not going to be as many. If it’s at 50 percent occupancy, it’s going to be very difficult.
I do believe that we will continue to do a large amount of takeout. We’re doing a refresh to one of our restaurants, and we’re designing a takeout room. Our staff will be taking orders, they’ll be brought [to the takeout room], and, from there, it goes to a person’s car or to delivery. I think [most] restaurants will be doing more takeout in the future. Obviously, that’s going to level off a bit when COVID goes away, but I think many people are used to picking up the food and bringing it home, and there’s a comfort level associated with that.”
“Liberty Street Bistro & Newburgh Flour Shop | Newburgh
The effects of this pandemic on our businesses have been unparalleled. As most small business owners can relate, being down 25 percent or more of previous years’ revenue, while simultaneously trying to maintain standards and quality, is next to impossible. Combine that with federal
aid policies that are half-baked at best, and you have a workforce mired in confusion that is working for less money and, often, for more hours. If I had to put one word on it, “discouraged” would be the one.
Help us by being part of the solution, not the problem. Wear your mask where you are supposed to, wash your hands, speak up so our staff can hear you. Our staff is doing their part to clean and sanitize on a consistent schedule, wear their masks, socially distance as much as possible.
If you are a member of the public that feels entitled to waltz into our dining room or cafe with no mask, invading personal spaces, then do not come here. The privilege to be able to go out and be social is a two-way street.”
MICHAEL KELLY
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28 THE VALLEY TABLE
NOV – DEC 2020
PHOTOS COURTESY OF COSIMO'S (TOP), BY MARY KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY (BOTTOM)