Many stores and restaurants across the state are now operating at full capacity – but is the increase helping business?

News 12 Lauren Fabrizi was at the Sandy Hook Diner in Newtown off Route 25 – known by many as the heart and soul of the town.

“This is a place where everybody knows your name,” said one customer.

At its core is Ellie Lewis, who sold the diner after her boyfriend died several years ago but decided to buy it back last summer amid the pandemic.

She says it has been a struggle to run the business, even with more COVID-19 restrictions being lifted. State Sen. Tony Hwang popped into the diner on Tuesday to offer some help through the American Rescue Plan. 

“I have made a commitment with the commissioner's office to have a direct contact to help Ellie go through the paperwork," he said.

Until then, she has a community of people that are helping her get through these tough times.

"I have great friends and family who pitch in to help, which is amazing,” she told News 12.