Open for Business: Coronavirus pandemic takes toll on Milford restaurant

MILFORD, Del. – As the coronavirus continues to spread all across the country small businesses like this Italian restaurant in Milford are struggling to stay alive.

So, getting support from the community is increasingly vital for their survival.

“We’ve been very lucky and the community is really supported us and I strongly recommend everybody to support small business,” said Franco La Ragione, owner of Mama Maria.

“Right now, it is a tough time,” said La Ragione.

Mama Maria has been serving up Italian food at both their Milford and Dewey Beach locations for more than 20 years now, but with the pandemic, business is taking a huge hit.

“The beach store is really suffering right now, but other than that the Milford store is pretty much keeping up, staying above water,” said La Ragione.

“I want to keep my employees employed,” said La Ragione.

As these spaces get more and more empty workers here say they are depending on their delivery and pick up for this business to keep going and we are told so far there is a huge need for more fresh bread.

“We’re doing a lot of bread,” said La Ragione, “People calling in for a dozen rolls or a whole baguette.”

The team is also taking on major changes that will help keep this business alive while helping to maintain public safety.

“So, we implemented this plexiglass here in front of the counter and we also have marks on the floor for the six-foot distance,” said La Ragione.

And despite these new changes customers at the Italian restaurant Mama Maria tell us they are just glad that their doors are still open so that they can continue to show their support.

La Ragione says the restaurant will also be giving away free food to ten families every single day sometime this upcoming week.