The Ruggles for the Porch Project - A Porch Portrait

Jen (49), Aidan (18), Aaron (49). Kent, Ohio.

Jen and Aaron own local restaurant, Bistro on Main. It truly is a family business. Jen is the Manager, Aaron is the Chef, and Aidan is a food runner.

Aidan was born in the aftermath of 9/11 and is a senior at Theodore Roosevelt High School. He’s sure to miss graduation and prom. When Aidan was born, Jen and Aaron lived above the restaurant. Aidan grew up there. Though they live apart from the restaurant now, it is still very much their first home.

While they've stayed open for carry-out only, and have implemented every precaution to remove points of contact. Still, they have lost 85% of their business. Despite the loss in business, they’re finding that they’re putting even more work in now. It is their “new normal.” Jen wakes up, checks her email, follows up with employees and how they’re managing unemployment, distancing, and the emotional toil. Chef Aaron and the rest of the staff have had to adapt quickly to carry out only - Bistro on Main is a sit down restaurant.

Like many people in the restaurant industry, the Ruggles' family are hospitable by nature. Now, by no fault of their own, they've been forced to surrender their hospitable nature. Aaron mentioned that he's noticed body language changing - people are walking with hunched shoulders. He would notice details like these; he uses that same keen awareness in the kitchen.

Any scent of a restaurant closure or the possibility of losing a job, a chef will grab his or her chef's knife and bolt for the door. Aaron - and other chefs in town - have left their chef's knives in the kitchen. A symbol that the doors will reopen, and there are better days to come.