Customers of Biskoti reached out to Tommy the owner to express their hopes that the location would remain open for business during this trying timeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. While he of course is doing everything he can not to disappoint them, it has not been easyGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Sometimes when the weather is nice, there is better morale, people are out, and things pick up a littleGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Most of the time however, there just simply is no businessGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Nonetheless, Biskoti is doing their best to keep their doors open while also trying to give back and support their local communityGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. They are providing tons of promotions during this time including buy two pastries get one free, a free muffin with your coffee, and more! Nothing goes to waste, and Biskoti has donated deliveries to the local hospitals and other small businesses who have remained openGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. “They are also working hard and struggling to stay afloatGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Why would I throw anything away, when it can go to people who need it” says TommyGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

This does not go unnoticed, and there is definitely a sense of community, and gratuityGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. People are so appreciative of just getting something a little extraGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

All businesses take a hit, but it is especially difficult when your business is such a baby, Biskoti only opening less than a year agoGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Rent, electric, insurance, permits, payroll, amongst other things that business owners need to worry about, seem hopeless when there is no major income to build profits and pay back all the expenses and start up costsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

To help support employees, they can come in to work whenever they like and can have free coffee and pastriesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. However, it is near impossible to afford help, and many of his employees are now on unemploymentGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. To stay afloat, Tommy has to do everything himself, from buying supplies to making deliveriesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. While he remains hopeful of receiving financial aid, applications have gone unanswered and the long term affects of COVID could leave Biskoti out of businessGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Where do we go from here? It is hard to give advice to others when you don’t know what to do yourselfGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Be safe, Be strong, Be HEALTHYGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. That’s the main thing he says, and from there hopefully we can rebuildGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. One final note: Biskoti would like to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all the special moms out thereGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.