As Point Pleasant Beach Businesses Shut, A 'Breath Of Fresh Air'

POINT PLEASANT BEACH – There was just 8 minutes to go before New Jersey's shutdown of restaurants and bars, and Point Pleasant Beach's business community was already feeling the pinch.

They were looking at takeout services only, and a number of servers, bartenders and staff going without work for who knows how long as the state deals with the coronavirus outbreak.

That's when at least one waitress, Morgan Taylor, got the "most amazing breath of fresh air."

Taylor, a waitress at The Ark Pub and Eatery, got a $100 tip just as she was ready to close out.

"My last table just closed out for who knows how long, and they did one of the most generous acts I have ever seen," Taylor wrote on Facebook. "To these generous, kind strangers, THANK YOU! I am so grateful for you!"

It was especially uplifting to Taylor's Ark and other businesses in Point Pleasant Beach, which depend greatly on their restaurant business during the summer season – and already work to stay on solid footing during the off-season.

Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

"It is definitely going to be difficult, as our kitchen staff, servers and bartenders rely on us as their main source of income," Taylor said.

Jenkinson's has closed for the rest of March, and restaurants such as The Shrimp Box are offering discounts on takeouts to keep business going, and workers employed.

"We will be offering 20 percent off on take away orders and we are more than happy to run food out to your car," The Shrimp Box wrote on Facebook.

Taylor, who was speaking for everyone in her industry as the local restaurants begin to deal with the crisis, said they're all "trying to navigate this difficult time one day at a time."

Any glimmer of hope, however, helps keep them going.

"We truly do have THE BEST customers," The Ark wrote on Facebook after learning about Taylor's surprise. "Please be safe everyone!! We’ll see you soon."