A plant-based Ethiopian restaurant in Crown Heights managed to stay afloat despite opening its doors right at the start of coronavirus pandemic. 

Owner Romeo Regalli says Ras Plant Based on Franklin Avenue opened just a week before eateries were forced to shut down due to COVID-19 concerns.

He says the restaurant was hoping to be approved for a Paycheck Protection Program loan to rehire staff and cover expenses, but it didn't qualify.

"They wanted 2019 documentation, which we didn't have because we opened in 2020," Regalli says.

Even though Regalli and his wife were the only ones working at the shop for a month, he says they still managed to create a solid customer base. Outdoor dining also gave the business a major boost.

"We make sure that everyone has to wear a mask," says Regalli. "We sanitize not only at morning and night, but throughout the day. We make sure we're sanitized…there's hand sanitizer everywhere."

He says the Ethiopian cuisine served at the restaurant is based off his family's home cooking.

He adds that his restaurant has an advantage because its menu caters to vegetarians, vegans and those looking to change their diet to be more plant-based.