TOLEDO, Ohio —
During the pandemic, many local businesses in our community are struggling financially. But, one local business is making the best of this situation.
Rick's City Diner had to close its doors, just like many others, due to the pandemic. But because of the hard work from his associate restaurant owner Rick was motivated to stay strong. Amy Szabo, the general manager, at Rick's City Diner, came into work every single day...for free!
"Because of the reaction of Amy Szabo, her face lit up when we opened, it made me want to work around the clock. When we closed, she had broken down into tears and then she worked here every single day for 10 weeks for nothing, helping me clean," said Rick.
Amy spent most of her time during quarantine cleaning and preparing for when they could open their doors back up again.
"I want to be there for Rick. Rick was, I mean, I knew he needed someone to be there for him and I wanted to be there. I love this place, if you ask anyone that I know they know that. I love this place and this is my home, it's my home, it's my safe space so I had to come in. What was I supposed to do, sit at home all day?" said Amy.
During the pandemic, Rick and Amy thought of creative ways to keep their customers entertained all while practicing social distancing. If you happen to drive by Rick's City Diner you might see some mannequins sitting at the tables. This idea is Amy's, to remind people to social distance.
"We decided to use dummies and mannequins and stuffed animals and dolls and decorate the restaurant and it's been a hit. People are stopping in there, taking pictures and coming in to see them,” added Rick.
“We wanted to do something fun. We wanted to be separated from everyone else and be different from anybody else because we've always been different from everyone else," said Amy.
Other than working hard sanitizing the restaurant, the duo came up with new menu items to try out as well.
"Lobster Benedict. We have a Shrimp Benedict. We have a Seafood Omelette. We have a bunch of different things that has been added to the menu," added Amy.
Rick’s City Diner is located at 5333 Monroe St. and is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays.