(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A south suburban deli was the backdrop Monday as a member of Congress talked about the American Rescue Plan.
“I don’t think we’d be here today if it wasn’t for the help we got,” Alice Davis, co-owner of Bergstein’s New York Deli, said.
The Chicago Heights restaurant received more than $97,000 from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.
Bergstein’s also received $154,000 in Paycheck Protection Program loans from the federal government, according to co-owner Bill Davis, Alice Davis’ son.
“The fact that one of our most cherished restaurants in the south suburbs survived the worst of the pandemic is a testament to the success of the American Rescue Plan,” Congresswoman Robin Kelly said.
She said more than 4,500 Illinois restaurants, bars and other food service establishments have received $1.4 billion in funding through the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.
Chicago Heights Mayor and former restaurant owner David Gonzalez said restaurants have been hit hardest during the economic recovery.
“A small business such as Bergstein’s Deli represents over 50% of the revenue that our towns receive, whether it’s through Cook County or whether it’s through the state of Illinois. So, we’re all connected here. So, when they struggle, we struggle.”
Alice Davis said her restaurant was able to continue paying its 15 or so employees throughout the pandemic.
“They never missed a paycheck. We were able to retain. We didn’t have to lay anybody off.”
Davis and her chef-daughter, Rachel, said the catering portion of their business was the hardest hit.
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