Business at Bob Baudo’s Old Town Spaghetti Store has gone from steady to a steady decline in one week’s time according to owner Bob Baudo.
The reason for the decline is obvious – COVID-19 – but for Baudo, it’s business as usual, with a few changes.
“We allow customers to dine inside the restaurant,” Baudo said, “Capacity is 240 customers, but with social distancing, capacity is about 100.”
Baudo said every other booth or table in the restaurant at 550 Carriage House Drive is empty.
“Our walk-in traffic is down 60- to 70 percent,” Baudo said, “But our curbside business is doing well and it’s up.”
Business hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The restaurant opens at 11 a.m., Saturdays and Sundays, but closes at 8 p.m.
“This will be the first lockdown weekend, but if this doesn’t work out for us, we’ll strictly go with to go orders,” Baudo said, “I’ve never seen anything like this … the hysteria is just crazy.”
Marketing skills may come into play for Baudo, who opened the restaurant in 1982.
“This is day-to-day,” Baudo said, “We might start delivery, but for now, we’re trying to make enough money to pay the help.
“We have 67 employees and everybody is still working – full-time and part-time. Some are students in college who are on Spring Break, but they’re not really relying on us like those who are full-time.”
(PHOTO: Bob Baudo’s Old Town Spaghetti Store)
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