TUCSON, Ariz. -- Arizona dine-out week has become take-out week, given the extended precautions due to COVID-19.
The owners of Villa Peru Restaurant say the economic hit to their business nearly took them off the market.
However, they say the community’s support has kept them in business.
Frida Hunt is a co-owner of Villa Peru.
She says she couldn't be more thankful for the overwhelming support.
“It just surprised me so much of how the community has responded,” she told KGUN9.
Hunt and her family are the proud owners of Villa Peru.
She says her parents, along with her brother and her sister run the place daily.
“We work very hard for Villa Peru. You know mom and dad are the Chef. I’m in front of house. My husband is behind doing all the finances My sister and brother are also here,” she added.
They immigrated from Peru to pursue their version of the American dream: being entrepreneurs.
And even though they are finding themselves in financial hardships, she says they will remain positive and work through this.
“It has hit us hard. We’ve lost between 40 to $50,000. I did thought of the fact that maybe we should shut down and be done,” Hunt told KGUN9.
Though despite the financial hardships they are now facing, Frida says their employees understand having to be temporarily laid off and the community is doing their part to keep them in business.
“We actually are doing take-out and we’re actually doing delivery,” she said with excitement.
She says this service has been very helpful, and it is certainly something the Tucson community is taking advantage of.
“Our whole family is very very thankful. You know the little things you have ordered from us it means a lot,” she said.
Maggy Salazar, a co-owner of Villa Peru says Tucsonans are supporting them because they have formed a connection with the community.
Hunt adds that their food will take you on a unique journey to where they are from.
“When you take out Peruvian food you’re going to feel the love and you’re going to go home and feel like you’re in Peru,” she said.
If you want to support local business it is as easy as calling in and taking out a curb-side pick-up.
You can also see if they deliver, or get a gift card to redeem at a later date.
If you would like to visit Villa Peru Restaurant, you will find their address below:
1745 E River Rd #165, Tucson, AZ 85718
For a full list of local businesses that are open, click here.
