ATLANTA — An Atlanta icon is at risk of becoming a COVID-19 pandemic statistic. For more than 60 years, Manuel’s Tavern has been popular spot in the neighborhood. But with a significant drop in business, its survival is at stake.
Channel 2′s Wendy Corona learned how the community is stepping up with an effort to save it. So far, more than $120,000 has been raised on a GoFundMe to support Manuel’s Tavern. The number keeps growing.
“The sense of relief that we actually, we’re gonna make it, it was overwhelming,” said owner Brian Maloof, whose father Manuel Maloof opened the tavern in 1956.
In mid-November, Maloof said he saw the end nearing for the Atlanta institution. Even though to-go orders more than doubled in the pandemic, sales slumped about 62%. The holidays are its bread and butter, but that’s not on the menu for anyone during the pandemic.
“I know a lot of places have been suffering. I didn’t realize it was so bad here,” said customer Marlowe Hill, who comes into town every week for his favorite items at Manuel’s.
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Susan Percy considers it a second home.
“My daughter’s rehearsal dinner was here. My husband was a writer and he had book signings here,” she said.
To hear the pandemic could push the owners to close down for good, that pushed those who love Manuel’s into action.
“I think most people had the same reaction like no, no, no. this is not a place that we can lose,” Percy said. “My grandchildren can’t grow up without being able to come to Manuel’s.”
The GoFundMe originally had a goal of $75,000, but the amount of money raised quickly passed that. Maloof said the money will go toward paying the restaurant’s liquor license and half of its insurance for 2021.
“I know this place has meant a lot to a lot of people, this just really let me know how much it truly means,” he said.
“It is a place where people meet and I think that spirit of community is going to carry this through,” Hill said.
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