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Authentic Italian restaurant in Oak Creek focusing on family during coronavirus pandemic

Posted at 9:43 AM, Mar 30, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-30 10:43:58-04

We're Open: TMJ4 News is dedicated to telling stories about how local businesses are reacting to these difficult times. For a full list of restaurants, cafes, and more that are still open - click here.

Trattoria di Carlo has been open in Oak Creek for 18 years. The restaurant features authentic Italian cuisine. Owner Carlo Pedone says to him, every customer that walks through the door feels like family.

Carlo checks in with his own family daily. Some of them live in Italy, and he worries about their safety and health because of the coronavirus pandemic.

"We do keep in touch on a daily basis. It's made us closer," said Carlo.

Italy has been one of the hardest-hit countries, but Carlo says his family is taking all the necessary steps to stay safe.

"What they are going through is unbelievable, my heart breaks for Italy," said Carlo.

In the states, Carlo’s main focus is making sure his business will survive. Since the pandemic hit, they have lost two thirds of their revenue.

"It has an unbelievable impact, but you know, you have to be versatile," said Carlo.

Now the business focuses on to-go orders, deliveries or curbside on request. To help make sure customers picking up the order are staying safe and maintain social distancing, Carlo has set up a system where customers walk in one door, proceed past the bar, then out through another door.

"It helps maintain that social distancing that's required," said Carlo.

Carlo said the community members in Oak Creek have always been kind and good to him over the years. He hopes residents continue to support local during this financially trying time.

"This is a community. We are all in this together. The whole United States. The State of Wisconsin and we are going to come out of this strong if not stronger," said Carlo.

If you would like to support the restaurant and order TOGO their number is (414) 768-0001.To find out more about Trattoria di Carlo click here.

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