Local restaurant owners take action as they struggle to stay open

As the pandemic continues to impact businesses here in our valley, local restaurant owners are taking action as they struggle to  keep their doors open.

“It’s been very difficult being a family business," said David Gomez, manager at La Bonita's Mexican restaurant. "We got three to four families that depend on everything right here” 

La Bonita’s manager, David Gomez has been hard at work since the coronavirus shutdown as he had to wear multiple hats to help keep the business a float.

“I would work daytime by myself someone would worked daytime at night by themselves and thats answering phones, cooking, serving," said Gomez. "Luckily we got everybody able to come back a little bit but they are taking it away again.” 

After Governor Newsom mandated indoor businesses to close again, La Bonita’s restaurant has had to reduced to six tables outside.

“We can not pay all bills with six tables," said Moussa Raei, father of the owner of La Bonita's restaurant. "We are getting to that point everybody's up to here..that tells me we have a failing government that can not act on the situation.” 

At Bongo Johnny’s, owner Robb Writ said he’s had to find alternatives in  keeping his doors open.

“There was the PPP loan and the EIDOL loan, the disaster relief loan, the Great Plates program that helps seniors," said Writ. "All those programs together kept Bongo Johnny’s open.” 

Writ said if he does have to shutdown once again, he has a plan.

“You just have to roll with the punches, I mean honestly, its all you can do," said Writ. "So if we do have to close completely or just open for take out delivery only that with the Great Plates program will sustain us.” 

Workshop Kitchen & Bar posted online asking for support and asking for Congress to pass the Restaurant's Act, which is a $120 billion relief bill. Click Here.

“Anything that’s going to help the restaurant industry is beneficial to help us more than just the short term but the duration," said Writ.

We reached out to Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz about his thoughts and he told News Channel 3 he voted on the CARES Act that provided aid for small businesses and will continue to fight for relief.

More on the Restaurants Act. Click Here.