Community rallies to help Fayetteville restaurant
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FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Crystal Poulos can barely get through the story without crying.
Over the course of two days, an ABC11 story about the problems plaguing her family's restaurant has been shared more than 2,000 times on Facebook.
It's because of that she says everyone at Pizza Palace will receive their next paycheck.
"It's been amazing," Poulos said about the recent surge in business.
On Tuesday, Poulos and other employees shared how some state construction work had either blocked or discouraged customers from pulling into the Hope Mills Road restaurant.
Over the past month, the turnout had been so poor that Poulos was barely able to make payroll for the week, opting to forego paychecks for owners and managers.
After their story aired, Poulos said the business was packed with supporters for the Fayetteville staple, a restaurant that's been around nearly 33 years. The next day, Poulos said they nearly ran out of food.
Katherine Lewis ate lunch at the Pizza Palace on Thursday, and said her family returned after seeing the Poulos' plight.
"I was talking about the news and my son said there's Pizza Palace," Lewis said, describing their trip along Hope Mills Road earlier in the day. "I said that's the place that was on the news. We were glad (to support)."
Tammy Brown, an assistant manager who's also been waiting tables at Pizza Palace for 22 years teared up looking at the restaurant.
"It's been non-stop," she said.
"Tammy was gonna have to do something with her mortgage (if business didn't pick up)," said Crystal Poulos. "I said now don't do it, God's got it all under control."
"We're compassionate and caring," said Lewis, describing the Fayetteville community. "So many businesses can't go on and this road work is a hassle, but they've got to have jobs, too."
Thomas Poulos, Crystal's father-in-law who opened the restaurant three decades ago, came from the back of the kitchen to the front door, pleased that the story had reached the community even though he was hesitant to talk earlier in the week. "
"Thank you," he mouthed, motioning goodbye and blowing a simple kiss in the air.
