Cocca’s Pizza Owner: Still Serving it Hot

Steve Cocca, owner of Cocca’s Pizza with locations in Boardman, Canfield, Cortland, Girard, Liberty, New Middletown, Poland, Mineral Ridge and Salem, is coming back strong. To learn more about Cocca’s Pizza, check out its website.

What are some ways the COVID-19 outbreak has affected your organization, and how is it rebounding?

The biggest impact that we have experienced has been in regards to our staffing. With unemployment being at its high, it has really affected our number of employees. As a family owned and operated business, we take this seriously. We hosted an Employee Appreciation Day in May, with proceeds benefiting our committed staff. The community generously supported this effort, which resulted in record-breaking sales at our nine locations.

Another way COVID-19 has affected us is with the new guidelines. We have had to be nimble and make sure we are very cognizant of the rules that are changing every day. Ensuring that our customers and our staff are safe is of top priority.

What’s been the reaction from customers so far?

I see trust! When customers enter our buildings, they know we have done our part in sanitizing every hour. We are also taking temperatures for every employee as they start their shift, and following all health department and governing rules for COVID-19. Our customers are happy to be able to dine-in and order carry-out food. And most importantly, I see appreciation. We have worked hard to offer curbside pick-up and no-contact delivery among all of our carry-out and dine-in options, and appreciate the community’s strong support!

What impact has the outbreak had on you personally?

As a business owner, it’s been a roller coaster. The uncertainties of how business was going to go was very scary. We have seen some government relief which helps tremendously. However, still today, we still feel like we’re on shaky ground.

What advice are you sharing with the people you love?

Be cautious, follow the government’s rules and be safe.