Businesses begging for help after President Trump stalls COVID-19 relief aid until after election

BOSTON — The first round of stimulus payments included help for small businesses, as well as direct payments to families. Many are facing unemployment, but now that money is gone, and more help is needed.

Boston 25 News Reporter Malini Basu spoke with the owner of Mast Boston, a restaurant in Boston, who says after this news, he is on the brink of shutting down. This story resembles the story for hundreds across the city.

“This coronavirus is not just killing us, not just the people infected, even us,” said Marco Caputo, owner of Mast Boston.

>>MORE: Some Boston-area landlords helping small businesses by cutting the rent in half

Caputo’s restaurant is on Province Street in downtown Boston. He needs all the financial help he can get, even after his landlord slashed his rent in half to $15,000 a month.

“The stimulus check would give me more time that I would survive. Now, I’m standing between shutting down and trying to survive,” says Caputo.

Now, Caputo says, he is on the brink of shutting down after hearing about President Trump’s decision to halt talks about COVID-19 relief aid until the after the election.

“I don’t know what to do anymore. It’s tough. Make this empty space into a restaurant. Working with the bare hands,” said Caputo.

The 48-year-old says he built this space from the ground up.

“I cut tile, put them on the wall, blood all the place, sweat,” said Caputo.

Despite his food being so authentic, his restaurant is Vera Pizza Nnapoletana verified, a seal given by the Italian government. Nothing is helping his struggling restaurant.

During the summer months, Mast Boston has customers flying in from Europe to try his food, but not this year.

“Downtown is dying. We need help,” said Caputo.

Caputo says he and fellow business owners are feeling emotionally drained, doing everything in their power to keep standing.

“It’s like a stab in the heart. We try, I’m still standing,” said Caputo.

Mast Boston is Caputo’s American dream, a dream that is about to be shattered. He left his family behind in Italy so he can achieve his dreams. He is asking the mayor and the governor to please do something to help these struggling businesses.

Caputo says he never fired any employees. His employees left on their own after they say unemployment is giving them more money.

Caputo is hoping there is some sort of relief on the way.

>>MORE: Experts react to President Trump’s decision to call off talks for new stimulus package

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