Cesar Gutierrez has been working in the restaurant industry for eighteen years. In February, he opened the taqueria El Pastor in Eagle River. And then the pandemic hit.

Since then he’s struggled with adjusting to Covid health regulations, city closure ordinances, ensuring that his staff and customers are safe, and keeping his new business afloat. But he said he has found a lot of community support.

ATMI senior producer Daisy Carter stopped by El Pastor for a socially distanced interview with Gutierrez to talk about opening a restaurant in a pandemic. They spoke on August 19th, 2020.

Hosted by Rowan Pickard.

Music by Devin Shreckengost.

Listen:

Soundcloud

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

YouTube

Many thanks to supporters of our podcast including the Anchorage Museum, United Way of Anchorage, the Alaska Humanities Forum, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. The views expressed in this program do not necessarily represent the views of the National Endowment for the Humanities or other sponsors.

---

RESOURCES FOR YOUTH DURING QUARANTINE

From the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention!

• How to get your home ready
• What to do if you are sick
• Cleaning and disinfecting recommendations
• How to cope with stress
• Frequently Asked Questions

Other wellness resources!

• What foster kids need to know during COVID-19
• Careline: Alaska Suicide Prevention and someone to talk to line.
• Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224 or text LOVEIS to 22522
• Call 2-1-1 or Help Me Grow Alaska 1-833-464-2527 for help connecting to resources and services or for help knowing where to start

These resources provided in collaboration with the State of Alaska, Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Behavioral Health.