Va.’s governor surprises struggling business owners with checks

It had been described as a sit-down with Virginia’s governor, to discuss their struggles since the pandemic began. But when it was over, some small-business owners in Alexandria were holding checks with recovery money.

From left: Maria and George Christou, owners of RTs Restaurant; Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam; and Small Cakes owner Breana Perez on Tuesday. (WTOP/Kristi King)

It had been described as a sit-down with Virginia’s governor to discuss their struggles since the pandemic began. But when it was over, some small-business owners in Alexandria were holding checks with recovery money.

The gathering occurred Tuesday at RT’s Restaurant in Del Ray.

“Is business picking back up?” Ralph Northam asked George Christou, the restaurant’s co-owner.

“Every month is better than the last,” Christou replied.

Asked the same question, the owner of Small Cakes Cupcakery and Creamery talked about strong…

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