A restaurant owner in Crown Heights says they are feeling fortunate in spite of how the coronavirus pandemic impacted their business. 

Chef Michael Gordon specializes in Ital food at his restaurant Ital Kitchen in Brooklyn. 

"From the word vital without the v and it's a Rastafarian term for being natural. so everything we do here is from the natural perspective,” said Gordon. 

He has owned Ital Kitchen in Crown Heights since 2001--serving vegan dishes made of all organic ingredients. 

 Like many small businesses, he was also hit hard by the pandemic. 

 

"I was having a beautiful year. The wintertime slows down a little bit for me, and I was having an excellent winter. March comes along and the beginning of March was kind of good. And then here comes the pandemic,” said Gordon. 

Gordon reopened again in May for takeout. As soon as outdoor dining was allowed, he says he could immediately open up. 

"With the coronavirus where everyone has to be outdoors, it just works perfectly for that. It's always been here and it's always been like my little church where we have our little gathering,” said Gordon. 

He says he is grateful for the customers who have been quick to show their support.