Doylestown Businesses Reeling Amid Coronavirus Closures

DOYLESTOWN, PA — Gyms, restaurants, coffee shops, and other retailers in Doylestown have shut their doors as state officials have announced strict actions to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. Pennsylvania has a total of 76 coronavirus cases as of Monday at noon.

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf on Sunday ordered all restaurants and bars in Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties to close their dine-in facilities as of Monday.

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Additionally, all non-essential retail businesses in Bucks County have been told to close. This includes gyms, theaters, malls, salons, entertainment venues, and community centers. State liquor stores will close for two weeks starting Tuesday.

Essential retail, like pharmacies, grocery stores, gas stations, and healthcare facilities, can remain open.

The impacts have been swift and vast in Doylestown. Everything from the County Theater to the Mercer Museum, popular restaurants, and small borough shops have been closed.

The County Theater said the closure will last a minimum of two weeks, and all scheduled programming is canceled. "We hope to reschedule as many events as possible and will share details as soon as they are available," the theater said in an announcement.

The Cornerstone Club has closed through March 30 and will be offering a two-week billing credit to customers.

"Because we value your wellbeing, it’s our sincere desire to relieve any anxiety, uncertainty or financial stress that may be experienced by anyone in our Cornerstone community during this time," the business said.

All Cornerstone employees will be paid during the two-week shutdown, the company said.

The Hattery Stove & Still on W. State Street said it is closing fully on Monday for a deep clean and sanitation. "We anticipate reopening on Tuesday for curb side pick up," an announcement said.

Borough Bagels Cafe has closed for two weeks, owner Angela Marano said. Marano said she is concerned for the future of the business. A few days ago, Borough Bagels began offering curb side pickup days ago, "but there wasn’t much business curb side," she said.

Ultimately Marano and her sister, who purchased the business Dec. 20, decided to close. "The financial impact on our employees and business sales will be a serious challenge but we believe health is paramount and we would rather be part of the solution," she said.

Other local restaurants are offering curb-side pickup and delivery.

Bagel Barrel said it will be open for curbside pickup and local delivery. Ooka said the dining room is closed, but is offering takeout from noon to 8:30 p.m.

86 West said starting Tuesday it will offer take out and online orders Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. A full sushi and regular menu will be available, plus they'll be selling carryout beer and wines by the bottle.

The Zen Den will be open for pickup starting Tuesday.

Many restaurants have expanded their delivery options; The Pineville Tavern has closed its dining areas and is offering free delivery within 10 miles.

McCaffrey's, which as a grocer can remain open, said it is monitoring the developments closely.
The self-serve salad and hot bars have closed, and employees are completing additional sanitizing of high-touch areas, including carts, baskets, checkouts, self-service food stations, cashier conveyor belts, and credit card keypads.

"Since various, high-demand products are in short supply, we’ve placed purchase limits on items. We’re working with our vendors to keep these items on the shelf for all of our customers. Thanks for everyone’s cooperation in purchasing just what you need," owner Jim McCaffrey said in a letter to customers.

The closures extended beyond restaurants, theaters, and clubs. Banks are adjusting their operations and spas, hair salons have closed, and retail shops were forced to close their doors.

Monkey's Uncle on E. State Street said it will close until further notice, and is offering free shipping on all website orders.

Penn Community Bank announced it has limited service to drive-thru only in many locations. The Doylestown location, for now, is still offering full service.

Are you a business owner impacted by coronavirus? Contact Kara.Seymour@Patch.com