VoWW Interview #19 - Suggy Chrai
Overview
"Voices of West Windsor" is a joint project between the Historical Society and SR Mosaic to fill in the gaps in our records of our town's history. We interview contemporary inhabitants of groups not typically found in our archives so that future residents can get a perspective decades later - much like how our perspectives of old West Windsor were obtained through interviews of longtime residents in the past.
For the past year, COVID-19 has been a defining feature of our nation's reality. Its effects are also felt at the local level, particularly by West Windsor's small businesses. In this week's installment of Voices of West Windsor, Suggy Chrai, owner of two local restaurants/banquet halls (Crown of India in West Windsor and Plainsboro), provides his perspectives on the struggles and hopes of West Windsor's small businesses during this unique crisis.
Please note: the opinions/perspectives expressed in this interview are unscripted and do not necessarily represent those of VoWW - only those of the interviewee.
"Voices of West Windsor" is a joint project between the Historical Society and SR Mosaic to fill in the gaps in our records of our town's history. We interview contemporary inhabitants of groups not typically found in our archives so that future residents can get a perspective decades later - much like how our perspectives of old West Windsor were obtained through interviews of longtime residents in the past.
For the past year, COVID-19 has been a defining feature of our nation's reality. Its effects are also felt at the local level, particularly by West Windsor's small businesses. In this week's installment of Voices of West Windsor, Suggy Chrai, owner of two local restaurants/banquet halls (Crown of India in West Windsor and Plainsboro), provides his perspectives on the struggles and hopes of West Windsor's small businesses during this unique crisis.
Please note: the opinions/perspectives expressed in this interview are unscripted and do not necessarily represent those of VoWW - only those of the interviewee.
Talking Points:
(On his struggles he, and other business owners, have faced during the COVID epidemic)
"During COVID, the West Windsor community has been trying to help one another. However, due to the restrictions there is not much they can do. (Small business owners) are struggling to survive because of limited access. Most restaurants in West Windsor are not designed to be fast food establishments. During COVID, the fast food chains have done (relatively well) because they are easier for people to go and pick up food quickly. Although we do offer takeout the (psychological association with quick, distanced service) is not there for us, as a fine dining restaurant/banquet hall."
(On the specifics of community support)
"There are people who have tried to dine out to help us, including some council members. So there is some help. However, in terms of the government itself the help has not been there. The mayors of both Plainsboro and West Windsor have been trying to drum up interest for us by encouraging people to come. And there have been grants from the county and state. But they are not enough. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) only lasted for 10 weeks, which clearly hasn't been close to the time the pandemic has lasted, and most was only meant to be used for the payroll. But where the real struggle has been is with rent.... and that means spending money out of your pocket month after month. Therefore, every penny helps."
(On his struggles he, and other business owners, have faced during the COVID epidemic)
"During COVID, the West Windsor community has been trying to help one another. However, due to the restrictions there is not much they can do. (Small business owners) are struggling to survive because of limited access. Most restaurants in West Windsor are not designed to be fast food establishments. During COVID, the fast food chains have done (relatively well) because they are easier for people to go and pick up food quickly. Although we do offer takeout the (psychological association with quick, distanced service) is not there for us, as a fine dining restaurant/banquet hall."
(On the specifics of community support)
"There are people who have tried to dine out to help us, including some council members. So there is some help. However, in terms of the government itself the help has not been there. The mayors of both Plainsboro and West Windsor have been trying to drum up interest for us by encouraging people to come. And there have been grants from the county and state. But they are not enough. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) only lasted for 10 weeks, which clearly hasn't been close to the time the pandemic has lasted, and most was only meant to be used for the payroll. But where the real struggle has been is with rent.... and that means spending money out of your pocket month after month. Therefore, every penny helps."
