DARIEN, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A southwest suburb is throwing a lifeline to bars and restaurants that had to close to the public during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Darien City Council voted Monday to approve a $310,000 relief measure for local bars and restaurants. The city will refund six months worth of food and beverage taxes that restaurants and bars paid in 2019.
“This is basically giving back to them what they’ve already given to the City of Darien,” said Darien Mayor Joseph Marchese.
Zazzo's Pizza remains open for carryout and delivery orders, but the comany has taken a big hit financially since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re going to do everything in our power to stay open,” Mike Barraco, co-owner of Zazzo’s Pizza, told CBS 2.
So when Barraco heard what the City of Darien was doing to help Zazzo’s and 47 other bars and restaurants, he lost it.
“I had a tear in my eye because I couldn’t’ be more grateful,” Barraco said.
The business already recieved a loan through the Paycheck Protection Program and he told CBS 2 that the tax rebate will help them staff up as soon as the stay at home order ends.
“Definitely, we can hire back our staff help us out with inventory; anything we can with it,” he said.
But more importantly, he said, getting the tax reimbursement eliminates immediate worry.
“It’s a light at the end of the tunnel,” Barraco said.
Darien Mayor Joseph Marchese told CBS 2 it is one way suburbs can assist small businesses while they wait on their loans from the federal Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP.
“I’m sure other municipalities are interested in what we did, and I’m sure they’re looking at ways that they can assist their business community as well,” Marchese said.
As soon as the Governor's stay-at-home order is lifted and bars and restaurants will be allowed to reopen, the money will be available. Mayor Marchese said Darien will pay for the refunds by putting some road projects on hold.