COVER STORY
Coast River Business Journal
“My biggest concern is ‘How long is this going
to last?’ I’m thinking it’s going to last a year before
people start to come back out. They won’t come
back out until there’s a vaccine. It’s going to affect
everyone for a very long time,” Casey said.
Whenever the quarantine is eventually lifted
there’s concern the impacts will still be lingering.
“There’s going to be a lot of people that still
don’t want to go out,” Casey said.
“I don’t think I’m going to lose The Chowder
Stop, but I know it’s going to be a long winter once
this summer passes. It’s going to be hard to get a
loan, on top of a loan, on top of a loan. We opened
both businesses and had a great year last year. But
2020 has been hell.”
April 2020 • 9
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The Cove Restaurant
The Cove Restaurant has introduced a
lower-cost community menu and streamlined
a contactless delivery and pickup system in the
midst of the coronavirus outbreak and social
distancing measures.
The restaurant, which typically averaged about
70 orders daily prior to the outbreak, has since
slowed to 30, with a vast majority being takeout,
according to owner Doug Brown.
About half of the staff took a voluntary leave as
a result of the anticipated downturn, many to assist
at-risk family members.
“We’re running on a skeleton crew,” said server
Kari Knutzen, adding she was thankful to have the
income during uncertain times.
“People are tipping well.”
Knutzen praised the proactive and community-
minded measures taken by the owners, including
introducing a new ‘cost conscious’ community
menu that involves donating a 10% portion of
each sale to local food banks.
“(Owners) Doug and Angie have been leaders,”
Knutzen said.
Dozens of orders were placed in the first four
days from the new menu.
“We’re trying to take care of our community,”
Knutzen said.
2240 Commercial Street • Astoria, Oregon
503.325.6362 • www.WalterENelson.com
Monday-Friday 8 am to 5 pm
PORT OF ILWACO
Full Service Marina
Self-Service Boatyard
Waterfront Walkway
Casey Barella, owner of The Chowder Stop, closed his business the day the Gov. Jay Inslee issued
the stay at home order. Relying on takeout or delivery, as many restaurants are attempting, wasn’t
an option. “The takeout thing can only go so far. It would cost me more to stay open,” he said.
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360-642-3143
COMMERCIAL
ADJUSTMENT
C O M PA N Y
“When Time is Money...and you have
collection problems, we can help!”
Kurt Birdeno
Collection Specialist
20+ Years experience
Medical • Commercial • NSF
Checks • Wholesale • Retail
Outstanding rental obligations
Recovering large or small assets
The Cove Restaurant took proactive and community-minded measures
to protect against the spread of the COVID-19 virus, including social
distancing changes and introducing a new ‘cost conscious’ community
menu that involves donating a 10% portion of each sale to local food banks.
Casey and Gail Barella both opened their businesses in 2019 only a few
months apart, first Gail in March with the barbershop and then Casey
in October with the restaurant. The couple are optimistic that their
businesses can survive until customers can return.
901 Marine Drive • PO Box 57, Astoria, OR
www.commercialadjustment.com
Email: kurt@commercialadjustment.com
Ph: 503-325-0511 • Fax: 503-325-9501