Restaurant Gets New Life, Opens During COVID-19

Though many small businesses have gone under in the midst of COVID-19 one local restaurant just opened its doors.

At 9 -- in a time when most business owners -- are wondering if keeping the doors open is worth it -- one tri-state family is taking a leap of faith.

Yes-- opening a restaurant is always a risky proposition-- and right now it's a big risk-- but as 44 news reporter valerie lyons shows us-- it's now or never for that princeton family -- though many small businesses have gone under in the midst of covid-19 -- one local restaurant just opened its doors.

El cerrito mexican grill in princeton -- opened friday-- and despite pandemic concerns -- business was better than expected.

"the last business was really slow so we did think about it, but luckily everything has been turning out great so far."

It's a small business in a small town -- so regulars under the restaurant's previous owner -- have been making their way out to show their support.

And one princeton resident says it's important now more than ever to support local businesses so that's why she's been out 3 times since it opened friday.

"they have kind of remodeled the place and i think this looks great and they have great service and we know some of them personally."

She says the pandemic has been hard on many businesses she knows -- but she's glad this one was given new life.

"i'm glad to be able to support local businesses and i think if they don't give them a chance to stay open, well that's pretty bad."

And while the pandemic continues to affect the way business is run -- the new owners are looking up -- excited for the second chance.

"for now, there's a lot of people that don't want to go out because of the pandemic, there's people that get a lot of to-go orders, but i think right now we're doing pretty good."

In princeton - vl 44news though many small businesses have gone under in the midst of covid-19 -- one local restaurant just opened its doors.

El cerrito mexican grill in princeton -- opened friday-- and despite pandemic concerns -- business was better than expected.

"the last business was really slow so we did think about it, but luckily everything has been