BOSTON — For one local downtown Boston-area Italian restaurant, the landlord understands the struggle, and is cutting the rent in half for a few months.
The owner of Mast Boston told Boston 25 News his business has been struggling since the pandemic, like hundreds of other businesses. He nearly cried as he talked to us.
[ North End restaurant owner: ‘I’ll take coronavirus over losing my business’ ]
“It’s very challenging. I’m trying to stay alive,” said Marco Caputo, owner of Mast Boston restaurant on Province street, an authentic Italian restaurant in the heart of downtown Boston.
Caputo says his business used to be a garage, and he worked hard to convert it into a restaurant, doing everything from scratch.
“Everybody knew about us. People from NY knew about us. Everywhere they knew about us. COVID cut our legs,” said Caputo.
Mast Boston’s food is so authentic, Caputo says, he is Vera Pizza Napoletana verified, that’s a seal given by the Italian government.
During the summer months, Mast Boston has customers flying in from Europe to try his food.
“We surviving with tourist right now. But this year, we don’t have it. No one is flying,” said Caputo.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants like Mast Boston and hundreds of others across the Boston area are left struggling.
“Very very difficult. Downtown is a ghost town,” said Caputo.
[ Restaurants still face reopening challenges despite outdoor dining capabilities in Phase 2 ]
Rent here is approximately $30,000 dollars a month. Caputo’s landlord is also struggling, and understands the financial hardship, and is cutting the rent in half for now.
“They don’t mind if I pay a little late. I’m trying to do everything I can,” said Caputo.
He’s working with bare minimum staff, where he’s not only the chef, but also acting as a waiter.
The thought of possibly losing his business, a restaurant he put his heart and soul into, gives him anxiety.
“This is my baby. I made it, I have my investment here, letting go is tough,” said Caputo.
The 48-year-old says, despite this, he is here every day, making sure he gets the best quality food out there.
His advice to other landlords is this: Help your tenant out, if possible. We are all in this together.
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