Anecdotal reports and local news coverage indicate that the COVID-19 precautions instituted in the state of New Jersey have had a devastating impact on small businesses. We can presume that this impact would be magnified on businesses that serve observant Jewish customers and/or are owned by observant Jews, as their regular reduced hours and customer demographics place increased constraints.

In an effort to develop a fuller picture of how the COVID-19 precautions have dramatically changed observant Jewish focused or owned businesses, The Jewish Link spoke with a sampling of business owners in Middlesex County.

Covered Girl Clothing in Highland Park provides a variety of attractive, affordable, modest clothing for women and girls. Owner Sharon Garber reported, “In-store hours have been totally eliminated [in line with the Governor’s executive orders]. Accordingly, at this point we have lost about 80% of our business revenue for the month.” Yet they have responded to the challenges of the moment: “We have used this opportunity to launch our new website, www.coveredgirlclothing.com.”

What can the community do to help? Sharon suggested, “The community can support Covered Girl Clothing by purchasing online. Our new website is open for business, and we are available via email, [email protected], or phone, 732-640-1980, to provide one-on-one consultation: size, style, color, as well as assistance with items not yet on the website. Additionally, we are providing free delivery in the Highland Park, Edison and East Brunswick area.”

Mason Resnick Photography, based in Highland Park, offers a wide range of imaging services, including family and life-cycle event photography, headshots, family portraits, real estate, product and architecture photography.

Mason noted, “Since most of my business revolves around people photography, I’m expecting a loss of at least 70% of my income until this is over. All event photography has shut down, as has my headshot and family portrait business. Most of my income right now is from creating photo books and albums for previous event-photography clients, and photo restoration work.

What can the community do to help? Mason shared, “I’m looking for people who’ve spent some of this isolation time looking at old family photos and finding pictures that are faded or damaged. I can restore those photos—that would be very helpful for keeping my business afloat.” To learn more about Mason Resnick Photography, see www.masonresnick.com.

Salit Auto Sales in Edison is a family owned and operated dealership that specializes in exceptional pre-owned, one-owner and low-mileage vehicles. Michael Kornfeld, customer service director, said, “Our sales department, which is the main source of our business, is closed as mandated by the state. We currently have zero sales income due to COVID-19. Yet Salit Auto Repair is allowed to remain open as an essential business. Repair customers have dropped off by more than 50%. Many people have canceled appointments out of fear.”

“We are taking extreme precautions, which include not allowing any customers to wait during repairs and all payment must be done over the phone. We disinfect frequently and change our gloves between cars.”

What can the community do to help? Michael remarked, “The best way for the community to help us is by patronizing our service department.”

Park Place restaurant of Highland Park is renowned for its burgers and hotdogs, subs, salads, wraps and other meat dishes. Paul Goldman, owner of Park Place, commented: “Day-to-day, in-the-restaurant business is down 40%. In addition, we’ve lost all of our school programs and business lunches—that’s 100% lost. On top of that, we’ve lost potential income, in catering jobs—kiddushes, sheva brachot, bar and bat mitzvot, birthday parties etc. One example—we had a cancellation of a major catering order for a Yachad Shabbaton at YIEB this past Shabbos. We’re now running a skeleton staff of four plus me.”

What can the community do to help? Paul suggested, “Please continue supporting local restaurants. Remember that we are a part of the local community and big supporters of local institutions. We depend on our local customers to stay viable.”

The Bridge Turkish & Mediterranean Grill is a family-owned, New York Times-recommended, kosher restaurant in Highland Park. Michael Garber, the mashgiach, reported, “The restaurant’s hours have been reduced to 12-8, and of course only take-out and delivery. All of our servers have been temporarily laid off, and the balance of the staff have had their hours significantly reduced. Additionally, we have had five events scheduled in the restaurant cancelled. The restaurant has lost 90% of its income as a direct result of the governmental necessary restrictions.”

What can the community do to help? Michael stated, “Jewish community members should patronize their local establishments. We have to rely on each other; the restaurant needs local support, and the community wants their vendors to be there when the pandemic is over.”