Local businesses relying on community support

SOUTH BEND, Ind. --- Local businesses are working through the pandemic and getting creative to continue serving their customers for as long as possible.

“I just can’t carry the burden,” Michael LaCarrubba said, Manager and Chef of L Street Kitchen.

Many small businesses rely on the support from the Michiana community to keep business going and the pandemic is hitting business hard.

“We dropped about 80% of our business,” LaCarrubba said. “So we went from $1,100 a day to $150, maybe $200 a day.”

L Street Kitchen went from a team of eight employees to just Michael, his wife and their daughter.

The family never expected the outbreak to hit like it has.

“No,” LaCarrubba said. “Matter of fact the last time somebody asked me that I said I was waiting for the other shoe to drop and then no sooner than I said that, the next day the shoe dropped.”

Even as business is slowing down, LaCarrubba said the community support has been wonderful. LaCarrubba said he views the city of South Bend as his neighborhood and his customers are much more than that.

“So these, these people are like family,” LaCarrubba said. “I don’t even think of them as guests, they’re just like distant relatives.”

That same community support is what is driving business at Macri’s Bakery.

“It’s truly been amazing to see how the community has come together to be there for one another during this time,” Macri said.

It is not just about business, but doing what they can to be there for their employees and their customers when they need them the most, according to Macri.

“If we can continue getting the customer’s and the community’s support, hopefully we can get through this and support our staff,” Macri said.

From take-and-bake options to different kits, Macri’s Bakery is offering something new and entertaining for everyone at home.

“They seem to be enjoying that which is very much appreciated,” Macri said. “I think those things are really helping us get through these difficult times.”

Both restaurants agreed that the community support is keeping the doors and open and employees working.

“Knowing that, you know, giving us the positivity that you know, we’re going to get through this and then when we do, hopefully we’ll come back stronger than ever through our community’s support,” Macri said.

L Street Kitchen is open 7 days a week from 10 a.m.-2p.m. You can stay up to date with L Street Kitchen on Facebook by clicking here.

Macri’s Bakery is open Monday-Saturday from 7 a.m.-8p.m. You can stay up to date with Macri’s Bakery on Facebook by clicking here.