Empellon, a high-end Mexican restaurant in New York, has decided to close three of its three locations due to the Coronavirus. The restaurant will keep open just the location in a hotel. Here is the text of an email Chef Alex Stupak sent out on Saturday:
A Message From Alex Stupak
To our Friends and Supporters,
In response to the escalating issues around the COVID-19 pandemic, we have made the most difficult decision in Empellón's nearly ten year history: to temporarily close the doors to our Midtown (510 Madison Ave.), East Village (132 St. Marks Pl.), and West Village (230 West 4th St.) locations here in New York City.
As of now we will remain open at Empellón Al Pastor at Pod 39 in Murray Hill (145 East 39th St.), operating with limited hours and doing so as an amenity to the hotel guests who continue to stay there at this time.
Responding to concerns internally and externally, we've chosen to protect our team and our guests. To us, that is all that matters
That said, we find it incredibly frustrating that city, state, and federal government have not taken the lead in addressing the urgent health concerns affecting the service industries. Regrettably, they have instead put it squarely on our shoulders to make these choices, something we will continue to see more of, until decisive action is taken.
The sooner we pause, assess, and reflect, the sooner we can reset. Please be safe and know there will be hot tacos and strong margaritas waiting for you on the other side of this.
Sincerely,
Chef Alex Stupak