Image via Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee () InstagramGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company opened with the mission of providing each customer that walked through its doors with the epitome of the New York bagel experienceGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Many would say that the minds behind Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee have been successful at doing just that, opening 5 bustling locations throughout the cityGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

However, like many other businesses during the pandemic, Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee is feeling the effects of the virusGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Profits are down significantly, and its owners are doing everything in their power to keep employees off of unemploymentGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Currently Brooklyn Bagels & Coffee requires all staff and entering customers to wear face coverings, in addition to allowing no more than 5 customers in at a time, something owner Panos Voyiatzis sees continuing long-term until a vaccine or treatment prevailsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

“This was one of the most difficult decisions we’ve made; it feels so cold and anti-customer serviceGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. It’s the complete opposite of our deeply ingrained customer service codeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. But the safety of our customers and staff must come firstGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. All of these health and safety protocols, coupled with positive leadership, have helped our staff maintain good moraleGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Most of our customers are understanding and appreciative, which also significantly helps to boost morale, and we are so thankful for thatGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. This is an extremely challenging period, but we will get through it”, said VoyiatzisGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

The silver lining through this crisis? The overwhelming support each location has received both in-person and online from its customersGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Specifically, customers’ regard of the stringent health protocols Voyiatzis and management have put in place has been appreciatedGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Additionally, Brooklyn Bagels & Coffee are providing a 10% discount on every order placed through its website and its personalized app, which can be made available to customers’ phones by texting BKBAGEL to 33733Give_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

What else can our community do to help one another during this uncertain time? Voyiatzis recommends adhering to healthy practices, such as wearing a mask and gloves when venturing outside, followed by sanitizing and discarding any packaging from outdoors to minimize the risk of potentially contracting and spreading the virusGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. And, to of course, support all local businesses; as choosing to remain open comes at a tremendous cost to business owners, and acts as a way to provide a sense of normalcy to both its staff and its communityGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Said Voyiatzis: “First and foremost, we must remember all who have been lostGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. We pray for them, and all who have been affected by this pandemicGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. I am deeply connected to Astoria and have been part of this community for over 40 yearsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. I know it sounds cliché to say we’re a strong neighborhood, but that’s exactly what we areGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Our diversity, our dedication to family and our commitment to community has woven Astoria into an unbreakable webGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. I will always feel this wayGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. I see our strength every day, in all of usGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. And I have no doubt that we will all be back, stronger than everGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.”

Give Me Astoria would like to thank the team behind Brooklyn Bagels & Coffee for their generous donation of fresh bagels to our heroes at the 114th PrecinctGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

If you would like to learn more about Brooklyn Bagels & Coffee Company, you may visit its official website and InstagramGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Additionally, if you would like to learn more about Give Me Astoria’s efforts to support local restaurants and feed healthcare and essential workers, you may visit our official GoFundMe pageGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.