As the world remains embroiled and inundated with the coronavirus, I reached out to three local restaurants to see how things have changed in Clinton. Excerpted below are some of their responses.

Nola’s Restaurant

Leah Johnson, Co-owner

Are you currently open for business? If so, are things operating differently?

We are open for takeout. Our hours are shorter; just 3pm to 8pm because we had to lay off most of our staff.

How has business been affected by the pandemic?

We are doing well, considering. Business is down about 50% and we cannot offer our entire menu for several reasons (limited staff to prepare, streamlining ordering to keep costs low).

Are you anticipating having to change anything in the coming days/weeks?

If one of the four of us who are working gets sick, we would close altogether. Other than that, we do plan to continue to remain open for takeout as long as possible. Hopefully until we can reopen normally, whenever that may be.

From your perspective, how have things around the Clinton area changed in the past few weeks?

I honestly don’t see a whole lot these days. I go to work and home. Obviously, non-essential businesses are closed. People are starting to wear masks more regularly now that is had been mandated by the governor.

The Cremeria

Maria Macrina, Owner

Are you currently open for business? If so, are things operating differently?

Yes! We are currently open. Our business has shifted slightly, in that we can only offer takeout and delivery.

How has business been affected by the pandemic?

Folks can no longer remain in the shop to enjoy their gelato or other items. Since our storefront is small, we allow one small group into the shop at a time. Many customers opt to place their orders ahead of time for curbside pickup or choose to place their orders from the sidewalk. We are very grateful for the enormous amount of community support at this time and are floored at how well customers have adapted to new practices like online ordering. We have opted to keep our slimmer winter hours for the time being, especially since we are operating with minimal staff to protect both workers and customers. While it might be true that we’re not as busy as usual, it’s safe to say that we’re lucky to be open and thankful to be a part of such a respectful and concerned community.

Are you anticipating having to change anything in the coming days/weeks?

We continue to make changes as everyone acclimates to the current situation. Hopefully, these will only be adjustments to increase safety and efficiency so that we can continue to remain open.

From your perspective, how have things around the Clinton area changed in the past few weeks?

Unfortunately, Clinton is much quieter than usual as far as the storefronts go. This seems due to the fact that most shops cannot remain open. It does seem apparent, however, that many folks in Clinton are proactively supporting the community and doing their part to keep everyone moving forward together.

Ting’s Twist on Thai

Ting Khumkwa, Owner

Are you currently open for business? If so, are things operating differently?

I am still cooking, catering, and doing takeout. I have to be careful when I take the truck out…to [observe] social distancing with patrons.

How has business been affected by the pandemic?

Hamilton college was 85% of my business during the school year. Now my business is probably close to 30% of normal. Ingredients have gone up in price, Asian supplies have [largely disappeared]. Being a food truck, my spring and summer events have been postponed or canceled.

Are you anticipating having to change anything in the coming days/weeks?

As other small businesses all over…I am just trying to hang on until this is over.

From your perspective, how have things around the Clinton area changed in the past few weeks?

Clinton is a ghost town, worse than a normal summer after the college is gone. Everywhere, foot traffic is down to barely any. With that all being said, I just want to say thank you to all the Hamilton students and faculty for the support, and please stay healthy! And hope to be here this fall! To my seniors…good luck and GO change the world!!! You will be missed!