Printer Friendly Version - Branford's Pasta Cosi Starts Online Fundraiser for Furloughed Staff

Many in the family of Pasta Cosi employees are shown here, gathered for the restaurant’s holiday party in January 2020, with Managing Partner Nick Greene (standing at back, second from left) and owner Billy DiLegge (seated at table, front). The holiday party was held at another local eatery, Rosso Vino.Photo Courtesy Nick Greene

Nick Greene, managing partner of Branford restaurant Pasta Cosi, is getting creative to get support to his workforce, after about 80 percent of his staff had to be furloughed due to COVID-19 restaurant restrictions. This morning, Greene set up a "Pasti Cosi Staff Support" GoFundMe page with a goal of raising at least $3,000 to divide equally among more than 20 laid-off employees.

"I'm just trying doing everything we can," said Greene, speaking to Zip06/The Sound minutes after he posted news of the fundraiser on Pasta Cosi's social media. "We have a lot of great, loyal employees that have been here for years. In this business, to have staff that has been here for years is very unusual."

The legendary Italian restaurant founded by owner Billy DiLegge 27 years ago is one of the cornerstone restaurants anchoring Branford's town green and is located at 1018 Main St. When Gov. Ned Lamont ordered restaurant dining rooms closed as of March 16, Greene had to cut his front-of-house and kitchen staff from 27 down to about four employees to man Pasta Cosi's take-out and curbside meal offerings. The restaurant's adjusted schedule is offering take-away meals seven days a week, noon – 8 p.m. Greene said the business has been bringing in specials, trying different products and passing on any discounts received to create customer offerings that are "...more conducive to the take-out side of business."

"We're fighting and scratching," said Greene. "Our plan is to be here as long as possible. We've had a community in Branford for 27 years that's really supported us. Right now, we want to try to give back as much as we can as well. Just staying open, and consistently open so people know we're here, is important."

Greene said he planned to let all of his staff know about the GoFundMe page effort today. Those who wish to make a donation can click here or go to www.gofund.me.com and search "Pasta Cosi Staff Support." Greene said he set the $3,000 goal in an effort to get the ball rolling.

"However long I'm running this [fundraiser], when I get to certain point, I'm just going to chop it up among the people who aren't here, and just give them something. I know everyone could use it right now," said Greene.