Not because he has to, but because he can. A Penticton restaurant owner has taken it upon himself to support those suffering amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Don Gigliotti, owner of Corleone’s Pizzeria on Main Street, has been offering free pizza to individuals affected by layoffs in the food industry.
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Since then, not only has his offer been well-received, but other members of the community have also come out of the woodwork to offer their support.
Some have called for free pizza, some of called just to voice their support, and others have offered to drop off materials so Gigliotti can continue making free pizzas.
“Some people have even offered to donate products to me to make the pizzas; it’s been good,” he said. “Some of that stuff I never thought was going to happen.”
He said his decision to offer free pizza was two-fold; to help those who have lost their jobs, and also keep his workers employed.
“I’ve got a couple employees that are going to be on the unemployment line if I shut her down, so I want to keep them employed and try to help out some of the restaurant guys that got laid off,” said Gigliotti.
“(They) might be competitors, but it doesn’t really matter.”
The restaurant owner is offering free pizza to the unemployed until April 4. If he ends up giving away more than he anticipated, Gigliotti says he’s not too concerned.
He stressed that he’s trying to keep his offer reserved for those in the food industry, and added that when people call to place orders, he asks a few questions about where they worked.
“We’re all in the same game in the restaurant business, and it’s tough to begin with,” said Gigliotti.
He said the food service industry in Penticton can be difficult, especially with many pizza joints, before adding that the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t helping.
Around town, businesses are closing due to the pandemic.
“I know a couple of the take-out businesses, they’re just not going to fight it,” he said. “The way they look at it, it’s cheaper just to close down and don’t pay the wages. But you still have to pay the rent; my landlord isn’t coming to me with free rent.”
Staying positive, Gigliotti says, is key.
“You’ve got to be a positive person, number one,” he said. “That’s what I’m looking at. I’m a positive person and I can do this right now. I don’t know how long, but I can do it. And I will do it.”
Located at 625 Main Street, Corleone’s Pizzaeria is open Tuesday to Sunday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and until 9 p.m. Saturday.
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