Norma’s Red Rooster says goodbye to La Pine community
Another restaurant closes due to the impacts of COVID-19
LA PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- You won't be able to see the bright red rooster that stands outside of Norma's Red Rooster in La Pine, because like many other small businesses, it couldn't survive business closures amid this pandemic.
Owner Norma McAllister said Wednesday that once the pandemic hit, it was one thing after another, and the uncertainty caused her to close her doors.
The restaurant off Ashton Eaton Boulevard has been serving customers for over 11 years and is well-known in the La Pine community.
Norma's Red Rooster closed on March 23. She attempted to get by with to-go orders and curbside pickup, but it didn't work.
McAllister laid off her employees, who she said are making more money on unemployment than they were working for the restaurant. She told NewsChannel 21 that some days, the restaurant only made $75, so after much contemplation, she decided to move on.
"Everybody is family, and that is the big thing I am going to miss," McAllister said. "If someone passes, we all cry together."
Her husband, Darrell, passed away last November. Together, they ran the Red Rooster, as he worked alongside Norma managing.
McAllister said 2019 and 2020 have been difficult for her.
Despite closing her doors, she said she'll be "a permanent fixture" in the La Pine community. McAllister said her next chapter in life may include a part-time job, but she plans to stay in the area and visit family down south in Alabama.
She's currently selling items from her restaurant and cleaning out what's left of the Red Rooster, but she has one lasting message to those who supported her all these years.
"To the community, I thank you very much for supporting Darrell and I," McAllister said. "I'm going to miss everybody."
