Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic hit Pottstown, it has been hard for many businesses to survive. With new rules and regulations coming out every day to close indoor spaces, many Pottstown restaurants have faced trying circumstances.  Among them is High Street’s Little Italys. A pizzeria that has been around for almost fifty years, Little Italy’s is owned by Rocky Citrino. He tells us how he and his staff dealt with the heat of the pandemic. 

When the pandemic first started, Citrino was forced to close dine-in options for Little Italy’s and adjust to regulations. 

“Not only did we have to adjust to state and local regulations, we also had to find out what things were safe. We met customers outside or started to use Doordash, whatever was convenient for the customers,” said Citrino. 

Though many small businesses closed due to the financial strain that the pandemic caused, Little Italy’s was able to stay positive and maintain revenue. 

“We are maintaining business, it’s not better or worse just different. There are so many things you need to do to make sure everyone is safe and make customers happy,” said Citrino when asked about the difference between post and pre-COVID. 

Citrino also was impacted by the lack of social interaction in the restaurant. 

“It’s strange not having people at the bar and not socializing with your customer base. I’m used to interacting with my customers and seeing our regulars; it’s hard not seeing them everyday.” Luckily, a big part of Citrino’s customer base consists of The Hill School community. “Hill has been a huge part of our business for years now. Without them we wouldn’t be where we are today” said Citrino.

As regulations begin to change around the nation, Pottstown is yet to receive specific details. 

“Everything is pretty much up in the air. Rules and regulations change every single day and you have to go with whatever is allowed.” For now, new regulations include capping capacity at the bar. Supply chain strains are also hitting Little Italys. “Something that is tough is supply change disruptions. You always want to make the customer happy, but sometimes we can’t. It’s hard telling a customer, ‘I’m sorry that item isn’t available right now.’ because you always want to make the customer happy.”

2021 will be the restaurant’s 50th anniversary. With the pandemic continuing to spread through the country, the state of Pennsylvania and the borough of Pottstown, Citrino and Little Italy look forward to opening back up and providing food service, as well as a place to relax, socialize and connect, to the local community