Restaurant owners often say the first year in business is the hardest to get through, but the owners of Bella Italia Ristorante said they would beg to differ—at least in their experience.
Just as Bella Italia celebrated its one-year anniversary, restaurants were forced to close due to the coronavirus pandemic. Husband-wife duo Ari Isufaj and Blinera Shurreci worried that despite a successful first year, their restaurant would not survive the pandemic. Loyal customers put their fears to rest.
“If it wasn’t for our customers supporting us like they did in the beginning, ... we wouldn’t be here,” Isufaj said.
Acts of kindness, such as positive reviews or financial contributions made via donations, gift-card purchases and tips, helped the restaurant and its employees stay afloat, Isufaj said.
