First responders offered free meals at Arnold Palmer airport amid coronavirus precautions
Some businesses and organizations have shut down or curtailed operations as part of Pennsylvania’s coronavirus precautions, but that’s not the case for police, paramedics and firefighters.
So, the Westmoreland County Airport Authority joined forces with DeNunzio’s Italian Chophouse to help on-duty first responders get access to meals during the suspension of dine-in options.
Beginning Wednesday, while funds last, working first responders are able to order and pick up a free meal from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the DeNunzio’s location at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Unity.
“We depend on them a lot,” said authority Executive Director Gabe Monzo. “This is something we can do to show that we appreciate what they do.”
“Our first responders take care of us all year long,” said Amy Templeton, general manager of DeNunzio’s Italian Restaurants. “With everything they do for us, we’d like to pay them back.”
Monzo said the authority contributed $2,500 to help underwrite the meals, which are to be offered to first responders at a reduced rate once funds are depleted. He said the authority will accept donations to support the program.
“We’ll keep it going as long as we can,” he said.
Program participants should identify themselves as first responders when calling 724-539-3980 to place an order and present an identifying badge when picking up a meal.
Curbside pickup for other patrons ordering by phone and paying with a credit card began Tuesday at DeNunzio’s restaurants in Unity, Jeannette and Monroeville, according to Templeton. The service begins at 11 a.m. daily.
Prepared foods, including wedding soup, spaghetti sauce and meatballs, remain available for purchase.
Because of dine-in restrictions, she said, “We have several events booked at all three of our locations that are on hold. The safety and health of the customers and our staff is our number one priority.”
During the curtailed operations, Templeton said, the restaurant is running with a reduced kitchen staff and two other employees “in the front of the house.“
“We are doing our best to keep jobs available during this time. A lot of our staff are taking turns so each of them can get a shift.”
Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.
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