Green Parrot Fighting Eviction As Coronavirus Cripples Business
NEWTOWN, PA — Last week, business owner Bob Lutz received word from his attorney that his landlord is seeking a judgment in court regarding tens of thousands of dollars in late rent payments.
For Lutz, owner of the Green Parrot Restaurant on Sycamore Street, the notice is just one more obstacle brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has crippled his business for the past nine and a half months.
While he was able to benefit from the Payroll Protection Program, a forgivable loan to help small businesses keep their workers on payroll during the pandemic, it hasn't been enough to make up for steep losses in revenue since mid-March.
Despite attempts to make partial payment arrangements, the landlord is seeking a judgment in court, Lutz said.
"There’s a major situation with our landlord that needs to be done to be able to do business long term," Lutz told Patch. "I hope we get there. I don’t know if we’ll get there, but we’re gonna do our damndest."
Lutz' attorney is arguing that the statewide shutdown has severely impacted his client's ability to maintain proper finances, according to court documents.
The property is owned by Sycamore Street LLC. Gaetano Barone, managing member for the company, also owns other commercial properties bounded by Durham Road, Sycamore Street, Silo Drive and Ice Cream Alley, according to court filings.
His attorney, Dana Plon, said the tenant has been behind on payments since before the pandemic began.
"This tenant was in default well before the pandemic," Plon told Patch. "At this point he still owes money for the pre-pandemic period. He has made absolutely no partial payments."
Running On Empty
When Gov. Tom Wolf enacted a ban on indoor dining in mid-December, it may have been the final death blow for the restaurant, and while hundreds of establishments openly defied the governor's orders, Lutz did not open for indoor dining during the mandated shutdown period.
Related: Bucks County Restaurants, Gyms Defying COVID-19 Restrictions
There is currently a state and federal moratorium on evictions during the pandemic, but the measure doesn't apply to commercial businesses. Facing potential bankruptcy, Lutz has sought help from his loyal patrons and community members. He recently organized a fundraiser for his employees that have children, raising more than $3,000 in cash and gift cards, including a $2,150 donation from the nurses at St. Mary's Medical Center.
Lutz is also seeking help from The Barstool Fund, a lifeline for small businesses launched by Barstool Sports Founder Dave Portnoy. The effort has funded dozens of struggling enterprises nationwide, including several in the greater Philadelphia area, where Barstool Sports is headquartered.
"I think if we can get any type of funds to survive, we owe it to our staff to stay in the game," Lutz said. "I promised them I would do everything I can to be able to have them work to provide for their families."
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This article originally appeared on the Newtown Patch
