08/31/2020
Gov. Murphy:
I am writing this letter to make you aware of my future plans to violate your executive orders. I figured that I would give you a heads up so that you can have the State Police prepared to raid my restaurant, lock my doors, issue me a summons and possibly arrest me.
The decision to fully reopen was not a decision that I took lightly. I have considered all the potential consequences of this decision. However, what it all boiled down to was this: After crunching all the numbers, every which way, I came to the determination that without revenue from indoor dining, my business is not going to make it. Take-out orders and a couple of tables on the sidewalk will not sustain my business. PERIOD.
I can no longer idly sit by and watch as the business, that I built from the ground up, slowly starve to death. I also can no longer support my family on a small fraction of what I was earning this time last year.
I’ve been in the restaurant business for a long time. It’s not an easy business to be in. I wish that being successful in this business was as simple as providing great food and service. It’s not. This business requires a never ending investment of blood, sweat and tears. It also requires good financial sense. And right now, my financial sense is telling me to close my doors forever...unless I am able to fully reopen.
I recently visited the Jersey Shore and observed restaurants and bars flagrantly violating your executive orders. Is this because local Jersey Shore officials are wisely turning a blind eye towards the businesses’ insubordination? Is it because the local officials there understand that allowing their local restaurant and bar businesses to succeed plays a crucial part in the local Jersey Shore economy?? Let’s assume that they do understand that. Then would it be fair to say that every local economy, all over NJ, is dependent on the restaurant and bar businesses to keep their respective local economies thriving? That without restaurants and bars their downtown districts would turn into ghost towns??
With all this in mind, I have decided to fully reopen my restaurant on Tuesday, September 8th; the day after Labor Day. I am encouraging all restaurant and bar owners across NJ to do the same. I will be ensuring that all of my patrons and staff will be complying with all social distancing guidelines, face mask regulations and most importantly, we will be using common sense.
Anyone that wants to come out and enjoy a great meal and/or drink inside is welcome to come on down. All those that have their reservations about eating inside at this point have the freedom to stay home if they wish. Ultimately the decision to go out or stay in will depend on the individual. It’s a new concept called personal responsibility.
The name of my restaurant is Ava’s Kitchen and Bar. We are located at 1 North 21st Street in Kenilworth. Tell the State Police I won’t put up a fight; I’ll go quietly. I understand that they’re just following orders and doing their jobs. After all, they have families to support. The same way I’m going to do what I have to do to support my family. Sorry Governor... It’s nothing personal, just business.
