COLUMBIA'S BLACK OLIVE IS AMONG THE RESTAURANTS HURTING FROM THE SHUTDOWN

"We don't want to lose our business license. Plus, we're a new business here," said Michael Sivri, one of the owners of Black Olive Family Diner in Columbia, who just helped reopen Ephrata's Cloister Restaurant in November.

Sivri said he considered the possibly of staying open and was encouraged to do so by some customers. But he ultimately decided to close, lay off his roughly 40 employees, and maintain some kind of presence by offering takeout even though it barely makes any money

He says he just hopes the lockdown really does end Jan. 4.

"Three weeks is not going to hurt us, but I hope he's not going to expand it," he said.

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