BALTIMORE, Md. — Delivery business, take out and curbside have become customary at Amicci’s of Little Italy where Owner Scott Panian has become resilient to rescue his restaurant from the pandemic.
“I’m going to take whatever’s dealt with me. 49 weeks ago, the restrictions started. I pivoted to carryout. I built that up. Then, they let me open up 25 percent. I’m going to be positive and do what they say.”
What they say now is that halfway through the month of February, new COVID cases and the positivity rate are both down nearly 50 percent allowing for some slight modifications in the restrictions starting at 6am on Monday.
“Food service establishments, bars and breweries. The one-hour max time limit is removed,” announced Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott. “Restaurants must continue to maintain a sign-in, sign-out sheet for patrons and staff. As a reminder, indoor dining is still allowed at 25 percent and outdoor is still allowed at 50 percent maximum occupancy.”
Panian says that will allow him to reopen his bar, which could help boost his bottom line.
“I’m not keeping the bottom line working,” said Panian. “I’m losing money. I’m obviously losing money, but I’m just trying to tell myself that I’m going to pivot when the spring comes and I’m going to take up. So, I’m obviously losing money. I’m losing borrowed money, but that’s going to come back. It’s still a money losing operation, but that’s going to change.”
