Coronavirus kindness: Livermore restaurant serving up free meals to first responders, front-line workers

LIVERMORE, Calif. (KGO) -- Restaurants and small businesses have had to face many challenges because of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Americano, a restaurant in Livermore, had to change the way they do business by offering take-out and deliveries, but a few things that haven't changed is the size of their staff and its appreciation for their community.

"We live as a family, we work as a family and we share as a family," said Vesna Kahriman, owner of Americano "There is a dozen of us working here. We have employees that have been here with us for years and we are still together and we are not letting anyone go," she said.

RELATED: Costco allowing first responders and healthcare workers to cut the line

Vesna Kahriman and her family credits the "beautiful town of Livermore" and the Tri-Valley for their support during this time of uncertainty.

"Without their support, we wouldn't be able to continue," said Kahriman. "With their support we are trying to continue and to support whichever way we can."

Before the COVID-19 outbreak, many first responders would frequently visited the restaurant.

On Thursday, the Kahriman family and their employees want to reciprocate the favor to local first responders and healthcare workers who are risking their lives.

RELATED: Coronavirus supplies: Bay Area distilleries switch gears to produce much-needed hand sanitizer

"If we can bring them food from the place that they like and it to bring them. Bring them something to feel better," said Kahriman. "Let them know that they are not alone in this. Then, I feel like we did something," she said.

Americano has delivered food to the Pleasanton and Livermore police departments.

Fire departments in the surrounding communities have stopped by to pick-up a "special" prepared meal.

"We made all kinds of sandwiches with our specialty sauces. We made lasagna with a salad and some cookies," said Kahriman.

The Kahriman's gratitude for people who are fighting against the coronavirus continues to grow. They plan to prepare meals for healthcare workers at a local emergency center.

"These people are all on the frontlines and I think that we can all do a little bit to make their lives easier right now," said Khariman. "They are not able to be with their families but to be out there for our families so we can all chip in something."

Get the latest news, information and videos about the novel coronavirus pandemic here

RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:

• Live updates about coronavirus outbreak in US,around the world
• Everything you need to know about the Bay Area's shelter-in-place order
• Stimulus calculator: How much money should you expect from coronavirus relief bill
• What Bay Area tenants need to know about rent payments, eviction amid COVID-19 outbreak
• Live updates about coronavirus outbreak in US,around the world
• Here's how shelter in place, stay at home orders can slow spread of COVID-19
• Coronavirus Timeline: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area/
• Coronavirus and the new normal of livingin the San Francisco-Bay Area -- COVID-19 Diaries
• Happy hour goes virtual as people try to be sociable while social distancing during COVID-19 crisis
• Coronavirus Outbreak: Here's why you should practice 'social distancing'
• DRONEVIEW7: What the Bay Area looks like during the coronavirus shelter-in-place
• ABC7's drive around San Francisco shows empty streets, businesses shuttered
• Symptoms, prevention, and how to prepare for a COVID-19 outbreak in the US
• List of stores, companies closing due to coronavirus pandemic
• Canceled late fees, free services available amid COVID-19 crisis
• Here's how you can help during COVID-19 pandemic
• How to maintain learning during school closures
• No masks but here are 100+ products that may help protect you against novel coronavirus germs
• Here's a look at some of history's worst pandemics that have killed millions
• Asian community fighting racism, xenophobia, bigotry as world fights COVID-19