Penn business owner bracing for 40% drop in sales
Across from Realmuto Alta Pasticceria Italiana in Penn Station, a warning flashes on a screen: “Possible LIRR Strike.” Credit: Newsday/Matthew Chayes
A red warning triangle surrounding an exclamation point is flashing on a screen just opposite Realmuto Alta Pasticceria Italiana in Penn Station: “Possible LIRR Strike.”
That possibility worries manager Edgar Barrientos, standing among gelato, tiramisu, cannoli and other Italian desserts.
When NJ Transit workers went on strike last year, business went down “a lot,” roughly 20% to 30%, he said, and given the store’s even closer proximity to the LIRR, he’s worried it’ll be even worse if there’s an LIRR strike. Maybe a 40% decrease.
“It’ll be a big impact. That’s what we run on — Long Island Rail Road, everyone that commutes here, everyone that comes here,” said Barrientos, 25.
Matthew Chayes, a Newsday reporter since 2007, covers New York City.
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