COLLINGSWOOD STAYS HOME

MAY, 2020

Whether it’s surviving a pandemic or running a small business, the support of family is everything. The Barone family own and operate two popular Collingswood staples. Giovanni runs Villa Barone and his wife Paula owns The Candy Jar, a few blocks down the street.

Villa Barone has been a staple in Collingswood, and in my life. Their atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and their food is incredible. Many girls’ nights in my 20s were spent chatting over a bottle of wine in Villa Barone. Years later, my husband and I announced our pregnancy here, over a big dinner with family. This location will continue to hold a special place in my heart (and belly) and I can’t wait for the Collingswood dining scene to reopen. In the meantime, be sure to support them and shop local with their take out!

What has been the most difficult part of this time for your business?: The most difficult thing would have to be the drastic reduction in our business income as well as not being able to pay our employees full time wages. We have managed to keep everyone on payroll but with drastic cuts in hours and salaries .

What is your silver lining? What is something positive that has come out of this either for your business or for your personally?: Like most restaurant owners, I work a lot of hours. It’s refreshing to spend some quality time with my family.

How is this time changing your business? Have you changed how you serve clients/customers?: Like most restaurants during this pandemic we’ve had to offer online ordering, delivery and curbside pickup. We are also offering family meal packages for those looking for a convenient and inexpensive alternative to feed the whole family.

What are you most worried about?: I’m worried that this will become “the new normal “ and I really don’t like what it looks like. I would like it to eventually go back to the old normal, everyone does.

How can the community best support you during this time?: Support your local businesses! Buy as much as you can from our community. We need all the help we can get. Government handouts only last so long.

What are you most looking forward to when the stay at home order is lifted and things reopen?: We are all looking forward to some normalcy but that will take some time. This is going to be a long and drawn out recovery.

Do you expect this time to change your business in the long run?: I’ve been in business for 25 years and have seen my share of challenging times. 9/11, 2008 financial crisis to name a couple but I’m confident we’ll get through these trying times as well.

Why is this time meaningful for you to document?: It’s meaningful to me because I have gained an appreciation for the things I have missed doing. Quality time with family. Reading a good book. Playing the drums. Gardening. Cooking at home. Just to name a few.

What do you love move about Collingswood?: I have been part of this community for years and the restaurant is my second home. I have made a lot of friends here and I really miss them coming to the restaurant. Hopefully that will change soon.