APPLETON (WGBA) -- Mary's Family Restaurant has been around for over 60 years. It is so popular Reggie Rexhepi knew he had to take advantage of the opportunity to buy it three months ago.
"It is such an icon," Rexhepi said. "It is a well known successful business.”
However, the COVID-19 spread caused Rexhepi to restrict to only take out, which left him a tough choice - close of layoff employees.
"It was tough," Rexhepi said. "I had to lay off 80% of my staff. That's around 50 people."
He did just to keep the doors open. His intentions are once the virus threat passes, he can bring everyone back to work.
"I've already been speaking to my former employees," he said. "I plan to bring everyone back, but I am not sure when that will be."
In the meantime his staff are working hard giving food to people who order take out - which Rexhepi said has been a good amount.
"I am surprised by the amount of people buying food," he said. "Our customers come in and check on us."
He and many others need the support of the community right now. If they don't get it, then he fears more employees will lose their job.
"If the community doesn't come buy, more employees will lose their jobs," Rexhepi said.
