Liberatore's Powers Through Blackout, Serves Customers by Candlelight

When a severe storm struck Perry Hall Tuesday evening, along Honeygo Boulevard, at least one restaurant refused to close up for the night. Instead, patrons were served the old-fashioned way—by candlelight.

Approximately 70 people were seated at when the lights suddenly went out around 8:30 p.m. And while the bartenders called the night “crazy,” owner Cosimo Savino said they “just kept on going, and tried not to make it a big deal.”

“Fortunately, the lights flickered back on for a few minutes, which gave us enough time to print out (order) tickets, and that kept us on track,” said Savino. 

Employees worked without lights and air conditioning. The kitchen was able to continue preparing food because gas service was uninterrupted.

Extra candles were lit at each table so diners could see their food. All of the restaurant's doors were opened for ventilation and customers were treated to a round of drinks for their inconvenience.

“Most people were happy and seemed to enjoy it, probably because it was different and we didn’t have to close,” said Savino.

While several other businesses in Honeygo Village Center closed up early, pushed through until Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. workers

Power was by about 10 p.m.