Newtown Businesses Reeling Amid Coronavirus Closures

NEWTOWN, PA — Gyms, restaurants, coffee shops, and other retailers in Newtown have shut their doors as state officials have implemented strict actions to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19.

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

The impacts have been swift and vast in Newtown.

A restaurant that had just opened last week in the Village at Newtown has shut their doors. Solstice announced the temporary closure before the governor's order.

The restaurant, which had opened March 9, shut after dinner service on Sunday.

“The health and safety of our staff and community have been, and will always be, our first priority,” restaurant partner Rick Darby said. “We believe actions speak louder than words and are doing everything that we can as a small business to support our staff during this uncertain time.”

Solstice is offering two-weeks paid leave for all staff. All remaining food will be cooked, boxed and shared with staff to bring home to their families.

“COVID-19’s impact is an evolving situation with many unknowns, but one thing we are sure of, is that supporting our staff and community can only make us stronger in the end,” said Darby.

The Green Parrot, which this time of year would usually be packed with residents congregating for the annual St. Patrick's Day festival, has closed.

Harvest's Newtown location will be operating exclusively for take out and delivery.

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.

Store owners are also asking residents to purchase just what they need to avoid items not being available for all.

"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 Coffee Room on State Street is offering only to-go beverages. "Additionally, we have hand sanitizer available on the counter and individual servings of cream for your coffee," the business announced.

Other restaurants have expanded their delivery options.

The Pineville Tavern has closed its dining areas and is offering free delivery within 10 miles.

It's not just restaurants that have been impacted.

The Newtown Athletic Club, which has not closed in 42 years, has shut its doors as of Sunday.

"We’ll miss you over the next two weeks, but, we’ll be back. And, as a community - stronger than ever," the business said in a Facebook post, depicting the image of the last member to leave the facility before the two-week closure.

The closures extended beyond restaurants and clubs. Banks are adjusting their operations and spas and hair salons have closed, including David J. Witchell.

Penn Community Bank, which has a branch on Sycamore Street, has limited service to drive-thru only in many locations. The Newtown location, for now, is still offering full service.

Are you a business owner impacted by coronavirus who wants to share your story? Contact Kara.Seymour@Patch.com

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