Small businesses struggling with laying off staff as financial future seems uncertain

NEEDHAM, Mass. — Chef Mike’s restaurant in Needham is open for take-out and delivery, but owner Mike Fucci said they’re struggling to survive. Like many other small businesses, they’re feeling the pain now more than ever.

“It’s tough, it’s hard, it breaks my heart,” said Fucci.

Chef Mike Fucci tells Boston 25 he planned on applying for a small business loan this week. Now, the Small Business Association emergency loan program is tapped out, leaving so many no choice but to lay off staff.

“Everyone’s got children, they all got families and I’ve done everything I can to keep them employed,” said Fucci.

Fucci said it’s been heartbreaking to make the tough decision to lay off all his employees, but he’s left with no other option. Fucci said business is down by nearly 90 percent.

“We were doing $3,000 or $4,000 [in sales] a day, now we’re down to $400 a day. It’s not feasible for a business to stay like this.” Said Fucci.

From this point forward, Chef Mike and his wife will assume all responsibilities. That means cooking, answering phones, preparing orders and working the counters. Fucci made the difficult decision on Thursday to cut 4 employees, but with every intent to bring them back once this is all said and done.

“It’s the only way to do it right now, I have to do what I have to do and it’s heartbreaking and it’s really tough,” said Fucci.

Although he will be running the place with just his wife, Fucci still plans on helping out the community. They will be bringing 200 meals to Boston Police sub-stations next week.

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