MUNCIE, Ind.(NewsLink) -- Though it may be a Muncie staple, Merks Family Dining has been no exception the effects of the pandemic.
"It's hard when everybody's at home and you don't have the costumers flowing through," said owner Beth Merkel.
The restaurant was struggling to pay the bills throughout March and April because, as Merkel noted, a large number of their "regulars" are elderly and/or high risk. Costumers who, before the pandemic, Merkel says visited up to "three times a day."
The family prepared for each week to be their last.The family reached out on their Facebook page and the comments, and orders, began rolling.
The restaurant also received the PPP loan in May. While the business hasn't picked back up to normal speed just yet, restaurant employee Dean Merkel noted that it's at about 60%, the staff is looking forward to being united with those costumers once again.
Beth Merkel urged Muncie residents to, "Keep coming back in knowing that (they're) doing everything they can to keep everybody safe and healthy."
