Some Bridgeport business owners say Gov. Ned Lamont's decision to tighten COVID-19 restrictions is taking a big bite out of their profits and could force some of them to close.

The owners of Ralph & Richies on Main Street say they were just starting to break even and have been protecting their customers, but having to close early is taking a big toll on their bottom line.

Co-owner Rich Ndini says the 9:30 p.m. curfew imposed by Lamont is taking the restaurant business out of the frying pan and putting it into the fire.

On his busiest nights, Friday and Saturday, he's been keeping the kitchen open until 11 p.m. thereby allowing the restaurant to just break even.

Another factor, he says, is the rollback is coming at the worst possible time. With the weather changing, he says he won't be able to serve people on the patio for much longer.

City officials say the restaurant serves as an anchor for the city, drawing people every day to the vital downtown business district.

Business owners say the curfew could close the door for good on all that business.

The owners say they took out an emergency government loan designed to help small business owners survive the pandemic, but they can't hold on forever.