Open for Business: Local restaurant impacted by coronavirus pandemic

OCEAN CITY, Md. – Local restaurants like Nori Sushi Bar & Grill in Ocean City are being impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

The family-owned business says they depend on tourists to help stay afloat and now that visitors aren’t coming into the resort town because of the pandemic they’re depending more and more on their local customers.

“They have been integral in keeping our business going,” said Basil Christian, co-owner at Nori Sushi Bar & Grill.

“If we didn’t have them around here, then we wouldn’t have any business,” said Basil.

“We depend on the tourist to come in, but we do have a large following of local customers and we love our customers,” said Sophia Christian, co-owner at Nori Sushi Bar & Grill.

The family says they’re also depending on carryout, delivery and curbside pickup to keep this business going as well as discounts they usually only offer during the off-season.

“It brings customers in and normally we do discounts in the off-season and we don’t do them in the summertime because we have a huge summertime here in Ocean City, Maryland,” said Sophia.

They’re also finding creative ways to let people know that they’re still open, which means things like online engagement with customers is important now more than ever.

“Our mom, she Facebooks every single day, and she makes sure that all the information is out there and it gets to as many people as possible,” said Basil.

But despite these challenges this team says they’re just grateful that they’re still open ready to serve their community during this difficult time.

We’re told Nori Sushi Bar & Grill is also collecting canned goods to help people in need.

If you’re interested in learning more about Nori Sushi Bar & Grill, click here.