Restaurant Owner Inspired to make COVID-19 SUCKS! T-shirts
ROCHESTER, NY: Howard Nielsen, owner of Sticky Lips BBQ Juke Joint in Henrietta, wasn’t just frustrated by the circumstances of running a business during the national pandemic, he was inspired to create.
New York State had just shut down all dine-in restaurants due to COVID-19, but were allowing delivery and take-out service. Says Nielsen, “As a restaurant owner, I was very grateful for that opportunity. Unfortunately, we were operating at just 30% of our regular business and were waiting for our dining room to re-open under NYS Phase 3.”
To make things even worse, Nielsen and with two business partners had just opened up a second restaurant, Sticky Soul and BBQ at 625 Culver Road, on February 20, 2020 — just three weeks prior to the Covid shut down. Nielsen recalls, “I began to worry about the finances and future of my business. My staff and I depend on the business’ survival to pay bills and take care of our families. So I started thinking outside of the box! What is my plan-B if the restaurants shut down for good?”
Then inspiration hit. “In my frustration, I blurted out, ‘This COVID-19 SUCKS!‘ It was at that moment I thought, maybe I am on to something. And probably not the only one feeling this way.”
Nielsen encourages the public to keep a positive attitude. “By purchasing the COVID-19 SUCKS T-shirt, you can show the world how you really feel. Make a statement! This shirt will surely start interesting conversations. Stay safe, we will make it through this!”
Those interested in purchasing shirts for $19.95 plus S&H can find them for sale at https://covid-19-sucks.com . Shirts are available in mens and womens sizes.