JAMESTOWN — Survival for small businesses in New York State’s COVID-19 climate has not been easy and not all small businesses made it.
With that in mind, Jason Skinner wants to give back to the community that has supported Skinner’s Kitchen and Convenience Store.
While there are several plans to support the community, Skinner will start by giving to the children of Jamestown this Halloween.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, parents can bring their children to Skinner’s Kitchen, 104 W. Second St. for free Halloween treats.
Joining in on the treat giving will be Democratic County Executive candidate Rich Morrisroe, LaRumba Restaurant, Los Contrincantes Car Club and Chautauqua Removal.
But any other interested business is more than welcome Skinner said.
“We want to give to our community. We want to provide for our community, we support our community,” Skinner said. “If any other downtown businesses in Jamestown would like to jump on board and come on down and hand out candy, come on out.”
If parents are nervous about their costumed children leaving the family car to get the candy, no worries, Skinner said.
“They can come to any one of the people who are out here. If parents do not feel safe with their children exiting the vehicle, we will bring the candy to the vehicle,” he said.
Skinner stressed his business wants to give back because he knows what it is to struggle.
“I will tell you during this COVID shutdown we faced many, many challenges,” he said. “Me and my wife started this restaurant with our life savings,” he said. “We didn’t apply for a grant, we didn’t receive any money. We struggled through it and new we’re at a time we feel we need to give back.”
Government estimates are that as much as 40 percent of all small businesses that closed during the pandemic will never reopen. Skinner said he understands that.
“We’ve been close to the percentage,” Skinner said. “I refuse to give up. I keep doing something different.”
Children are encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing.
Skinner’s Kitchen is open 10 a.m. to 7p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and will soon be open Sundays and Mondays too now that they offera convenience store, Skinner said.
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