„We must rethink everything, taking into account that I do not see a near future, in order to completely close this situation to which we must constantly adapt.” – interview with Pătru Constantin, the owner of Club For You from Târgu Secuiesc
Continuing our series of interviews, we asked the owners of the restaurants, pizzerias and fast food restaurants from Covasna and Târgu Secuiesc, how their business was affected by the measures taken due to the coronavirus, and how they managed to survive and exceed this period.
Would you tell us a little about the restaurant? When did you open, what kind of dishes do you have on the menu?
The place is open from July 27, 2005, this year we will be 15 years old, we are on the market with a pizzeria, a restaurant, we have home delivery, and also a cinema and a club.
How was your business affected by regulations introduced to reduce coronavirus infections? Was it hard to adapt to the new situation?
During this period, only the delivery part works. We organized ourselves when the state of emergency was established and we promoted this activity. We entered with a more aggressive promotion on social media. We extended the distribution route in the adjacent communes to Covasna, Brețcu or Dalnic. Unfortunately, I sent 8 employees in technical unemployment, and I stayed with 8 other people and we are still working.
What kind of regulations did you introduce?
All employees have masks and protective gloves, we have disinfectant, but even before the activity was closed, on March 18, we put disinfectant at the entrance to the place. We constantly disinfected the objects that both customers and staff and couriers came in contact with. We adapted on the go but very quickly. I closed the activity, I returned the goods that were no longer sold at the bar, for example. Even if we were at a loss, we would still be continuing. It is not normal to close an activity, especially if you have permanent contact with the public, in the home delivery part.
How do you see the future?
We must rethink everything, taking into account that I do not see a near future, in order to completely close this situation to which we must constantly adapt. We are waiting for the government to make a decision and allow us to open the terrace at least after 1st of June. We will probably have a party when we are allowed to. Or maybe we will organize an outdoor party, because I know, I am aware that it is a great desire of young people to participate in an event for those their age.