COVID-19 has affected everyone in one way or another. Local businesses are taking the biggest hit due to closures and new regulations that are ever changing. The local family owned business, Cindy’s Restaurant, is one of the many small businesses that have been struggling to stay open during this time.

Cindy’s Restaurant has been an Oakdale staple for 22 years. The restaurant has been owned by Danny and Cecy Casas since 2003. Before the husband and wife team took over the restaurant, Danny’s brother owned it. Due to the closures of dine-in services, Cindy’s Restaurant had to close for seven weeks.

They were able to open up for dine in customers briefly when restrictions were lifted but – as of this week – will have to go back to the take-out and outdoor dining model.

“I don’t look at my restaurant as a source of income, this is my life,” Cecy Casas said.

The Casas family explained that their business is in jeopardy and every day they hope they can stay open due to the lack of income that the pandemic has caused for their family and their business. Beef shortages have also taken a toll on the restaurant due to the prices being too high to maintain and sell.

Supporting local business has become even more important in a time like this, the owners noted. Several business owners in the area fear that they will have to permanently close because of the significant decrease in profit. Cindy’s Restaurant will be putting a large barbeque grill outside of their restaurant to cook, in hopes of drawing in more business, and will be working to keep the take-out model operational.

“We are going to fight until the end,” said an emotional Casas. “This is all I know, I only know how to work hard. We are trying our best to survive.”

Cindy’s Restaurant is at 800 N Yosemite Ave., Oakdale and is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

To place an order, call (209) 847-7897.