Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts in Southwick had lines spilling into the parking lot March 15, 2020 as customers waited patiently for their fix of the famous local donuts before the shop closes for two weeks during attempts to slow the coronavirus spread. (HOPE E. TREMBLAY/THE WESTFIELD NEWS)
SOUTHWICK – Sunday morning was busier than usual at Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts as word spread that the shop would close for two weeks beginning March 16 to help slow the Covid-19 outbreak.
The shop closing came just a few hours before Gov. Charlie Baker ordered Massachusetts restaurants closed other than for take-out, through April 7.
On a typical Sunday, the line often spills out onto the front porch, and on March 15, customers waited patiently in lines that often spread out into the parking lot.
Debbie and Jim Yesu enjoyed their breakfast sandwiches at a table in the corner, which they said is their weekly Sunday morning routine. This week, however, they also purchased a dozen donuts to go.
“I thought about getting two dozen,” said Jim Yesu.
Not wanting to be a donut hoarder, Yesu settled on just one and left more for the other customers who steadily came in throughout the day.
Yesu said he was bummed about the temporary closing, but he gets it.
“It’s understandable, but regrettable,” said Yesu.
The Yesus agreed people should take precautions and busy local hot spots like Mrs. Murphy’s are a gathering place, which are exactly the kind of establishments people are encouraged to avoid until the rapid spread of coronavirus slows down.
Among those waiting in line Sunday morning was a Connecticut firefighter who declined to give his name but said he was not surprised Mrs. Murphy’s was following the lead of schools and other businesses.
“It’s inevitable,” he said of more businesses closing. “It’s going to be everywhere.”
Mrs. Murphy’s staff kept up with the demand Sunday morning, making more donuts throughout the day and refilling donut trays numerous times.
