A number of eating places defy statewide restrictions and stay open for indoor eating – CBS Pittsburgh

WASHINGTON COUNTY (KDKA) – When Governor Wolf revealed the latest round of coronavirus restrictions ordering restaurants to suspend indoor dining, Al’s Café, a restaurant in Bethel Park, never did.

It is a decision the restaurant owner is ready to defend in court, as he told KDKA.

“It’s not like we’re rebelling against anything,” said owner Rod Ambrogi. “We’re just trying to make a living. We try to give our employees the opportunity to earn a living. “

During the meal, the parking spaces in front of Al’s Café were full. The blinds are closed but the restaurant is open.

“They are here with their families, children there. There are doctors in there. There are lawyers in there. There are cops in there, ”Ambrogi said.

Ambrogi added that he had no concerns about the spread of the virus as the restaurant was open for indoor dining.

KDKA did not want to enter. But owner Rod Ambrogi told KDKA that people are socially distant and the place is being cleaned up thoroughly.

Ambrogi chose to violate current coronavirus restrictions on its employees who were struggling to care for their families. More than 40 employees have decided to continue working.

“Our people are the same as Lowe’s, Home Depot, Giant Eagle, the post office, the county, the port authority,” he said.

On Friday, David’s Diner in Springdale posted a video on their Facebook page reportedly quoting them by the Allegheny County Health Department as allowing the dine-in service. Gianna Via also said they had a visit.

Ambrogi is currently building a legal team with multiple lawyers on-site and off-state to take action against fines or forced closings at his restaurant.

“We know we have due process,” said Ambrogi. “We have constitutional rights and I believe due process will help us.”

A rally with industry, local, and state executives will be held at Al’s Café on Monday at 2:00 p.m. to discuss what happens next for restaurant owners making the tough decision to break national orders and stay open.