This browser does not support the Video element.
Austinites show up in support for ‘Way South Philly Deli’ owner
Owner William Pearce said he hasn’t been this busy since January. The night before Pearce posted a video on the restaurant’s Facebook, in tears after watching the Vice Presidential debate.
AUSTIN, Texas - The line of customers for Way South Philly Deli stretched out the door Thursday.
Owner William Pearce said he hasn’t been this busy since January. The night before Pearce posted a video on the restaurant’s Facebook, in tears after watching the Vice Presidential debate.
“One of the candidates was saying, oh the economy is bouncing back, we are on the right track and that’s where I just lost it. That is why I made a video,“ said Pearce. “I know plenty of small business owners that are struggling.”
SIGN UP FOR FOX 7 AUSTIN EMAIL ALERTS
This browser does not support the Video element.
Abbott says bars can reopen October 14 if county judges opt in
Abbott said he will allow bars to reopen at 50 percent occupancy in counties where COVID-19 hospitalizations make up less than 15 percent of hospital capacity. However, he won’t make the call on where to open bars himself.
DOWNLOAD THE FOX 7 AUSTIN NEWS APP
The video motivates dozens of Austinites to show up in support the next day.
“I was just crunching numbers over the past couple of weeks and just saw that dead-end coming,” Pearce said. “This is unbelievable what’s going on right now.“
President Trump tweeted earlier in the week he would halt stimulus talks until after he wins and then hours later instructed Congress to pass coronavirus relief.
RELATED: Bars in Texas will be allowed to open at 50% capacity after Oct 14
This browser does not support the Video element.
Austin businesses get creative to mitigate impact of COVID-19
While the pandemic continues, business owners are getting creative on how to not feel the impacts of COVID completely.
“It’s hard to imagine that is where we are getting most of our information,” said Emily Williams Knight, President & CEO of Texas Restaurant Association. “We have got to have relief or you will see thousands of restaurants continue to close.“
Knight’s team is on the ground in D.C working with politicians and lobbyists to advocate for small business owners.
RELATED: Hiring slows for 3rd month; US unemployment rate falls to 7.9%
“It’s very clear that the restaurant industry that feeds America is in desperate need of relief,” said Knight. “As winter closes in and patio dining and outdoor dining become more obsolete. We have to have relief.”