In an effort to bolster small businesses amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Worcester City Council has established April 27 as “Take Out Day.”

The measure passed unanimously last week as councilors Sean Rose of District 1, Matthew Wally of District 5, and councilors-at-large Khrystian King, Gary Rosen and Kathleen Toomey sponsored the motion.

Originally the motion called for the city to celebrate “Take Out Day” on April 17, but Mayor Joseph Petty suggested April 27. Health officials in Worcester expect the city to experience a surge in coronavirus cases around April 19.

In anticipation of the surge, restaurants in Worcester have announced temporary closures. BirchTree Bread Company announced it will reopen on April 29. George’s Coney Island and Niche Hospitality Group are closed indefinitely in anticipation of a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Small businesses in Worcester remain open for takeout and delivery, but the pandemic has had a crippling effect on them. Greater Good Imperial Brewing Company expects a 65% drop in April’s revenue amid the pandemic. The Hangover Pub has seen business decrease by 80%.

“These are the times you as a brewery or coffee shop, a local place really rely on that buy local mentality. It’s not just a fashionable statement,” Greater Good’s founder Paul Wengender said. “The reality is that’s a profitable statement for all of us and keeps us humming along.”

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