Fairfield Restaurant Owner Talks Coronavirus: 'We're Nervous'

FAIRFIELD, CT — Three months. That’s how long Ryan Gillespie said he could sustain his restaurant if it were to continue serving only takeout.

Takeout is all any eateries are offering, after Gov. Ned Lamont a week ago ordered restaurants and bars across the state to close their dining rooms in an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

“It’s definitely impacted us tremendously,” said Gillespie, who owns Tequila Revolucion in Fairfield. “These are all days that you can’t get back.”

Tequila Revolucion relies on a full dining room during the weekends, Gillespie said, with takeout typically consisting of a mere 5 to 10 percent of the business. Even with regulars ordering two or three times per week since the dining room closed, sales are down 50 percent.

Gillespie, a Norwalk resident, opened Tequila Revolucion in December 2017. The traditional Mexican eatery is known for its margaritas.

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Since the announcement that restaurants can no longer allow patrons to dine in, Tequila Revolucion, located at 1851 Post Road, has changed its hours, opening earlier, at 4:30 p.m., and continuing to offer takeout until 8:30 or 9 p.m.

“We’re here. We’re doing everything we can,” Gillespie said.

As of Sunday, there were 327 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in Connecticut, eight of which were fatal and more than 200 of which were in Fairfield County, according to data provided by the state.

Restaurants aren’t the only businesses facing major challenges due to the virus. On Friday, Lamont ordered all businesses not considered essential to close by Monday evening and to stay shut down until April 22.

Gillespie hasn’t had to lay off any of his employees yet. The coronavirus hit before Tequila Revolucion opened its patio for the summer, which means the restaurant still has its slightly smaller winter staff.

“We’re not bleeding at the gills yet, but we’re nervous,” he said.

For a full list of Fairfield restaurants that offer takeout, delivery and curbside pickup, visit bit.ly/2WI10hr.