CURWENSVILLE – Trying to run a business during the COVID-19 crisis is difficult enough, but it was made harder earlier this week for a local sub shop when people who refused to wear masks caused problems.
Rachel Dixon of South Side Subs in Curwensville found herself back peddling the opening of the front of her store just 48 hours later in order to protect her employees.
“Eighty percent to 90 percent of people already had a mask on or had one in the hand” when they came into the store, she said in an interview on Thursday.
A “handful” of people caused trouble because they refused to wear a mask arguing that it wasn’t the law and they couldn’t make them wear one.
Dixon said she was just trying to follow all the guidelines she has been given.
She even spoke with a representative of the Pennsylvania Department of Health who said the requirement is the same as a business’ no shirt or shoes policies.
A sign posted in their window clearly states “No Shirt. No Shoes. No Mask. No Service,” she said.
After customers were politely asked to get a mask, they instead argued with her employees.
On Wednesday she posted this on their Facebook page:
“In the 48 hours that we attempted at having our doors open while enforcing customers to wear masks inside, we (and most of our employees 18 or younger) have experienced confrontations and threats that we couldn’t have imagined.
“We are choosing to eliminate as much of this as possible from this point further. We will not stand to have our employees verbally harassed (repeatedly) in their place of work.”
Keeping her employees safe is a priority for her.
“There are 10 different families they go home to,” she said Thursday. “People don’t know if they have an elderly grandfather” or other vulnerable people at home that they could in turn be infecting.
Many of her employees are high school or college students.
“I hope that if my children were working somewhere else that their employers would look out for them too.”
Her decision to return to a pick-up window only service was applauded by many who saw the Facebook post and added comments of support, condemning the behavior of her difficult customers.
This support then translated into increased business.
“We have had so much support today (Thursday). We are beyond blessed,” she said.
These patrons included people who had never been to the business but saw the Facebook post and called in to order. “We are overwhelmed from the positive support.”
South Side Subs & Grocery features a variety of subs, wraps and salads in addition to Hershey’s Ice Cream, candy and other grocery items.
Dixon said she has been able to stay open since the shutdown began with limited hours and curbside service.
“The way we have to do things is harder than before. We are learning new things every day.”
Changes continue to come up due to new guidelines as the status of the county changes.
Tuesday was the first day they had opened the store to the public.
Until further notice, the shop will stay with its curbside options and have installed a new pick-up window.
Phone orders are encouraged, but you can also place an order at the door.
Doing business in this way has been working for them for a few months now.
“We have gotten compliments from our customers on how they have been treated. I am really proud of my employees,” Dixon said.
“We have a wonderful group of people here, and phenomenal kids.”
