By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – The ongoing Coronavirus pandemic continues to hurt various businesses, including the restaurant industry. However, one local restaurant owner says the Coronavirus pandemic is hurting more than business.

Epiphany Farms founder Ken Myszka, who also founded Anju Above, Bakery and Pickle and Harmony Grill, said while some of his employees unforgivably tested positive for COVID-19, the restaurant industry as a whole is hurting.

“We’re a roller coaster. I think all the industries are really feeling it. But, it’s just kind of difficult being in the restaurant industry and caring for the people that are coming into our restaurant and trying to not be a source for it—but also trying to stay in business and keep everyone’s spirits up, which is what is so important to us. It’s like the energy, the feel, and the happiness of our staff. It’s been derailing a lot of our systems (and) a lot of positive attitudes around us. It’s been really hard to keep them up and keep them motivated. It’s difficult for anyone, but it’s difficult for the restaurant industry that’s for sure.”

In August, Epiphany Farms had too temporarily close due to a positive COVID-19.

“We got our entire staff tested. But there was also a lot of like cultural fall out as well. We had several people automatically resign. We had a lot of people that drag their feet and say, ‘you know what I don’t want to get tested, I’d rather quarantine myself.” Myszka told WJBC’s, Scott Miller.

Myszka added that the restaurant has been deep cleaned, along with employee temperature testing and other safety protocols.

“To save the restaurant industry, and to save the food culture in our area, we need to not jump to conclusions and think that it is just the restaurants that are spreading this and it is being spread among the population a lot of different ways.”

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].