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"Time Is Running Out": Doughnut Plant Is Closing Up Shop Again
By
Jen Carlson
Published Jul 22, 2020
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Jul 22, 2020
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Two months ago, Doughnut Plant reopened three of their seven locations following a shutdown in March as the pandemic hit New York City. At the time, owner Mark Isreal — who started making doughnuts on the Lower East Side in the early '90s — told Gothamist, "We also wanted to do our part in helping get New York City back again, too." Unfortunately, Isreal has now announced they are closing up shop again, but is hopeful this isn't the end.
In a letter posted on social media and Doughnut Plant's website, he wrote about the "difficult decision" to shut down again, a plan that is effective immediately and will last "through at least August, to allow us to better understand what is needed to operate in the midst of this pandemic."
Small businesses need help and more support. Restaurants have lost more revenue and jobs than any other industry. Fixed expenses have remained the same but as we all know, business is down. NYC in particular has been hit hard: people have left and people are staying home (including tourists). Doughnut Plant doesn't want to be part of the problem — landlords and property management companies are also bearing the brunt of the pandemic. By temporarily suspending operations our goal is to have a long-term solution with our property managers, not be another "number" shuttering its doors. Later this month Congress will consider their final coronavirus response bill for 2020. We know that the federal government is in the position to provide bakeries, cafes and restaurants the support necessary to help countless businesses survive. Time is running out. Your support these past months has helped, but there is more that needs to be done. Tell Congress to support your local coffee shops, cafes, bakeries, restaurants and employees. Tell Congress to pass the Blueprint for Restaurant Revival.
Learn more about the Blueprint for Revival here.
When the Doughnut Plant reopened in May, Isreal told us, "I'm trying to let go of that as things will never be the same because of the pandemic. But that's always been true of New York. It's always changing and adapting. We're in the moment, dealing with the circumstances the best we can. Times of crisis always call for new ways to keep going forward. I love New York City."
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Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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