The state changed their locks, but that didn’t stop a New Jersey diner from inviting patrons to eat inside, despite coronavirus restrictions.
Lakeside Diner owners Debbie and Brian Brindisi received a call from their alarm company at 4:30 a.m. Friday to notify them that all of the doors had been broken into at Lakeside Diner in Forked River, NJ.com reported.
“We came down here,” Debbie said. “The [Ocean County] sheriff’s department was here. A locksmith was here. Lacey Township police were here. They were changing the locks.”
But Brian managed to get inside and refused to leave — then welcomed the breakfast crowd for indoor service, according to the outlet.
Despite having outdoor seating, the greasy spoon has allowed customers to chow down inside since June in defiance of the statewide ban — racking up numerous citations in the process, the report said.
The Brindisi’s have argued it’s their right and claim they need the indoor business to stay afloat.
“As well as a need financially to pay our bills here, pay our bills at home, pay our employees, it’s also a constitutional right,” Debbie said.
Gov. Phil Murphy said Friday the lock change was meant to send a message to the Brindisi’s — and other business owners who flout rules to prevent the spread of the virus.
“It’s irresponsible, selfish behavior,” Murphy told reporters.
Lakeside Diner couldn’t be immediately reached.
