As restaurants across the state are changing their operations to only takeout and delivery meals, one restaurant in Cambria County is vowing to keep its servers on staff.
Nyko's on Scalp Avenue in Johnstown has decided to make a few changes to get through this tough time. This comes after Gov. Tom Wolf announced the closure of all sit-down restaurants because of COVID-19 concerns.
“We always offer takeout. I think the hardest part is the fact that our employees who depend on us for our income is the servers. The servers depend of the gratuity. We also added delivery service so they could gain additional income from this service during this crisis,” said Nyko’s restaurant owner David Horten.
Servers who are used to delivering food to tables will now be delivering
food to customers' homes. Instead of tips from tables, servers will receive the 15% delivery charge. These changes have employees counting their blessings.
“Coming in Monday, we were in absolute panic. We do have a boss who is willing to see and hear all of us. The changes were made as quickly as we could and still keep us around,” said Nyko’s restaurant sushi chef Elizabeth Gardjulis.
Horten says he isn't so worried about the business itself but more about his staff.
“I’m really more worried about how our staff is going to make it through this, but I want people to understand we will take some hit on this, but we will make it. We are fortunate enough that we can make it,” said Horten.
Takeout at Nyko's restaurant will run as normal. A delivery fee of 15% is applied to the order and will go directly to servers.
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