Wayne Bistro Gets Hated On Over Vaccine Policy, But Support Wins

WAYNE, PA — Wayne restaurateurs Nick and Christine Kondar said they aim to keep customers, workers and the community safe with their vaccine requirement, which caused controversy when announced this week.

The Cornerstone Bistro announced in a Tweet that starting Aug. 4, it will implement new requirements. "All guests dining indoors will be required to show vaccine cards."

The response the couple received to that choice has been mixed, even though unvaccinated diners continue to be invited for outdoor service. The owners reported receiving hateful reviews and emails they described as "violent, violent." But the Cornerstone Bistro and Artisanal Market has also received a continuous stream of support since the story became more widely publicized.

The couple appeared on multiple broadcast media outlets Monday, amid a recent increase in COVID-19 cases across the state.

Christine Kondra on Monday told the media the decision was preventative, aimed at staying open. "It's been extremely disturbing, to say the least," 6ABC reported Kondra said. "The last thing we want to do is see what happened a year ago; we can't go back into closing down again."

The Cornerstone Bistro reported receiving negative reviews on Yelp and messages saying people would celebrate when the restaurant closes down, Kondra told 6ABC. Kondra also told Fox29 Philly that some of the comments were also antisemitic.

Cornerstone Bistro has taken action on the side of caution throughout the pandemic. In September 2020, the restaurant announced it would offer only outdoor dining.

It is one of a growing list of restaurants in the Philadelphia area requiring vaccination to dine inside, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

The reaction to the vaccine requirement hasn't all been negative. "There are amazing people calling from across the country buying gift certificates. We've sold thousands of dollars in gift certificates," said Christine Kondra.

The Kondras say there is no chance they will change their minds despite the negative backlash. The vaccination policy goes into effect at the Cornerstone Bistro on Aug. 4, 6ABC reported.

Typical of supportive remarks was, "Thank you for making such a difficult decision to help move us past this pandemic. Dining with you later this month!" Also on one of the Bistro's social media pages was this: "Love what you've decided Nick and Christine, a difficult decision made with care and concern for your fellow man. I congratulate and admire you both."

Make sure you know what's happening in your town. Sign up to get Patch emails and don't miss any local news: https://patch.com/subscribe.