How Norristown Area Businesses Are Handling Coronavirus Closures

NORRISTOWN, PA — The coronavirus-related closures have led to a drastic change in daily life for many residents and businesses in the Lansdale area.

Gov. Wolf on Sunday ordered all restaurants and bars in Montgomery, Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, and Delaware counties to close their dine-in facilities as of Monday. That order was expanded Monday to include the entire state.

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Additionally, all non-essential retail businesses in Montgomery County have been ordered to close. This includes gyms, theaters, malls, salons, entertainment venues, and community centers. That means places like King of Prussia Mall and Montgomery Mall, which defied the initial recommendation and remained open briefly, now have no choice.

Essential retail, like pharmacies, grocery stores, gas stations, and healthcare facilities, will remain open.

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One way residents can support local businesses and help defray the cost of an extended closure is by buying gift cards online. This gives businesses which are often operating at the margins immediate cash. When the establishment reopens, you can use the gift card.

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Yet even with such community support, there is concern the closures could put some businesses over the edge.

Small business owners are eligible for loans to help protect them during the crisis. The Small Business Administration is disbursing coronavirus-specific disaster relief for qualifying establishments (business owners can learn more here).

Here's a look at how local government, businesses, and organizations are responding, and who is open and closed.

A disaster declaration was issued in Norristown on Monday, as the county's total number of cases reached 30 as of Tuesday morning. None of the cases originated in Norristown, but the proactive step will allow the municipality to obtain additional support and equipment. “The declaration makes it easier to get more resources and tools and opens the door to state and federal disaster relief, should it become available,” Norristown Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator Tom O’Donnell said.

Norristown municipality has also suspended all street cleaning, and all parking enforcement will be scaled back.

All community programs through the police and fire departments have been canceled until further notice.

The Norristown Recreation Center is closed, with all activities suspended until further notice. The building is undergoing a deep clean.

Rental inspections, property transfer inspections, non-emergency housing complaints, and other related nonessential activities have been canceled for at least 30 days.

Zoning and grant program business that must be conducted in person will be handled through the Planning Department window at Municipal Hall.

As for businesses, Elmwood Park Zoo set an example last week by shutting down at Gov. Wolf's recommendation, before it became an order. They asked for the public's support in a challenging time: "To our yearly members: We are extremely grateful for your ongoing support. Because of you, Elmwood Park Zoo continues to grow and expand. To show our appreciation for your patience during our closure, all current memberships will be extended by one month. We look forward to seeing your smiling faces upon our reopening." They'll also be broadcasting "Zoo School Live" beginning Tuesday, March 17, with the zoo's education team presenting a lesson and animal interactions. See more from the zoo here.

Conshohocken Italian Bakery is open for pickup. They're also offering a delivery service for seniors or "at-risk" individuals during the coronavirus crisis. If you fall into that category, call 610-825-9334 and the bakery will make arrangements to get you bread.

Alfredo's Restaurant will be closed March 17 through March 20. They'll reopen March 21 and March 22 for carry out and delivery services. Future hours will be posted online.

West Norriton Diner is open for take-out on GrubHub, DoorDash, and UberEats. "Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and we hope to have our doors open as soon as we can once again," they wrote.

Amedeo's Too is open for takeout and delivery for the next two weeks. "We are taking every precaution to ensure the safety of our customers and our employees. We look forward to serving you our usual specials and menu during this difficult time. Stay safe and we look forward to seeing you soon."

Gangster Vegan Organics is giving out 250 bags of groceries to families in need. "Lets be selfless in a time of need. I know its hard, but some aren’t as privileged," owner Vincent DePaul said. To donate to this cause, see here.

Duke's BBQ is offering curbside pickup. Call ahead with your order to 484-679-1410.

Capone's Restaurant is offering takeout, and the beer store remains open. In addition, curbside pickup is available from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. by calling (610) 279-4748. They have growlers of all draft beers available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The restaurant is also offering milk, OJ, hoagies, sandwich rolls, and water.

Lou's Steak Shop is closed. Five Saints Distillery announced on Thursday, March 12 they would close, but their spirits are available for purchase and delivery online through the state stores.

The Norristown Chamber of Commerce's March Mixer on March 26 has been canceled.

The Christ Church United Church of Christ's Hope Community Ball has been rescheduled to May 18.

The Montgomery County SAAC is looking for volunteers for their Meals on Wheels program, which serves hundreds of seniors in the greater Norristown area. To learn how to volunteer, see here.

Valley Forge National Historical Park's park center has been closed, but trails and parking areas remain open. Access to restrooms is limited.

All Norristown Farm Park and historic sites events have been canceled or postponed for March and April.

Note: this is an incomplete list and will be updated as more details are gathered.

Are you a business owner impacted by coronavirus? Contact justin.heinze@patch.com