narrowsburg news

The Heron temporarily take-out, here-on in

By GREG TRIGGS
Posted 5/5/21

Like everyone, I’m anxious for the world to return to normalcy. I want to go to Pete’s and see the cashier’s friendly faces without a mask. I long to go to the Tusten Cup or 2 …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in
narrowsburg news

The Heron temporarily take-out, here-on in

Posted

Like everyone, I’m anxious for the world to return to normalcy. I want to go to Pete’s and see the cashier’s friendly faces without a mask. I long to go to the Tusten Cup or 2 Queens and have the thrill of sitting wherever I want to. I’m am especially ready to have a drink and a delicious meal at the Heron, 40 Main St., in Narrowsburg. It has been too long. I’ll even sit at the bar.

No matter how strong our desires, it’s helpful to remember that each business is going to leave purgatory per their own needs, priorities and opinions. For now, the Heron plans to stay take-out only. In a small town, that can lead to a few rumors. So, co-owner MarLa Puccetti was kind enough to share the bottom line.

While they’re hoping to return to outdoor and indoor in-restaurant dining as soon as possible, for now, it’s remaining take-out only.

When the pandemic first started, the Heron made the conscious decision to temporarily cease indoor operations as did many other like-minded restaurant owners in the area. They prioritized keeping the community, patrons, the staff and themselves healthy. Decisions like that come at a literal cost.

Business has suffered. Sales are down. Daily challenges demand creative problem solving. Restaurant owners who also work the front line are faced with overcoming a variety challenges every day. The goal is always to discover and implement solutions, especially when dealing with public health. 

MarLa stresses that the Heron is beyond grateful for all the patrons who have supported the business by ordering takeout really wanting a seat at one of the tables to enjoy a night out. Right now, their biggest challenges are seating capacity and staffing.

Making hard decisions is inevitable when you own a restaurant. No matter when the Heron returns to full operations, it will be with their staff and customers front of mind. Once restaurants are prepared to reopen at total capacity, it will be their ongoing struggle to make up what has been lost. There are no silver linings in this particular cloud. 

MarLa mentions staffing challenges as well. “If you are motivated, a detail-orientated team player, if you are ambitious and passionate about food and drink, please consider a job in hospitality.” Speaking for the entire hospitality industry she adds, “We all need you!”

Uncertainty can breed rumors and there are several out there. For the record, the Heron is here to stay. There are no plans to move elsewhere. They love their restaurant and have invested everything into it. With the purchase of the Village Pub, they’re invested in Narrowsburg well. There are no plans to move the Heron to that location. Nor as the rumor mill has suggested are MarLa and Paul moving to Albany, Costa Rica or the south of France. They’d miss Main Street too much.

So, until seating restrictions are completely lifted and the new staff is in place, it looks like take-out and delayed gratification are the plan. For now, I will have to social distance from my favorite table and chicken liver pate. Hopefully, we will all be together soon.

the heron, narrowsburg, news, take out,

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here