Glenn Falcone knows well the hardships faced by the restaurant industry since Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that eateries and bars throughout the state could only offer take-out or delivery service in response to the coronavirus.
As the owner of Gatsby’s Landing, an upscale restaurant in the Village of Roslyn that touts its “New American” cuisine, Falcone said, he like others in the business is navigating unchartered waters.
To survive, he said, he has had to change his approach.
“We are a hospitable and resilient spirited restaurant company, navigating through this crisis at hand together with our surrounding communities,” Falcone said. “Honestly, we are in survival mode and will continue to survive throughout this pandemic.”
Falcone said his restaurant will be utilizing delivery service apps like GrubHub and DoorDash to retain as much business as possible.
“Our goal is to offer our local communities takeout with curbside pickup and delivery through DoorDash and Grubhub between the hours of 4 p.m.- 8 p.m., made with love and care for our wonderful guests that we dearly miss,” he said.
Falcone said the restaurant has undergone a restructuring of budgets and daily operations to provide customers with the same customer service as they normally do.
Even with the precautions required by the coronavirus, Falcone said, operating a dining establishment is still a hospitality business.
“We have revised budgets and operations to adapt to the nature of business moving forward,” Falcone said. “We have a passion for what we do and what we provide here at Gatsby’s Landing. Our food, service, and atmosphere are a creation made from this love for the hospitality business. We make it our utmost priority to express this sentiment to all of our staff and guests.”
Falcone said it is important for the public to take time and help their respective small businesses.
“All small businesses will need the support of their surrounding communities to survive,” he said. “If you can, please order takeout from your favorite restaurants and allow us to serve and provide for you as we have in years past. A small amount of support can go a long way as we all attempt to navigate this hardship together.”
Great Neck Chamber of Commerce President Dennis Grossman said restaurants and other local businesses should practice as much frugality as possible during these difficult times.
“There will be a rebound once this all passes,” he said. “Businesses will get an abundance of cash flow when we all get the OK to go back to our usual routines. Until then, just be conscious of what cash reserves you have.”
