'I had to adapt’: Father, son embrace new normal amid pandemic

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The coronavirus pandemic continues to change everyone’s lives and forces people to embrace a new normal.

A lot of people have had to put their work on hold or have lost their jobs altogether.

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It’s not exactly what this father and son thought they would be doing right now, but as the world has changed so rapidly, David and Bryce Frankel have pivoted along with it.

David has a kiosk at South Park Mall, which is closed right now.

“We got the unfortunate news that the mall was going to be closing, and I had to lay off my employees, and went home and wasn’t sure what I was gonna do," said David.

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He knew he had to do something in the meantime, especially since the bills haven’t stopped.

“I thought delivery would be one thing I could do, I’m still out and about not stuck at home, but also have very little interaction with people,” said David.

That’s how David ended up at the Papa John’s in Ballantyne and eventually, Bryce joined him, since the restaurant where has been working, also closed.

Bryce has been behind the register and learning to make pizza.

“You still gotta make the most of it I’ve been saving for college for a while now, I had to adapt and make something new of it,” said Bryce.

It’s also unexpected, but quality time together and a real-life example of adapting when life throws curveballs.

“So once he makes the pizzas, it hits the heaters, I grab it and I go. At the same time at least I’m doing something to help and bringing food to someone who can’t go out and get food for themselves,” said David.

Channel 9′s Elsa Gillis also learned that many area Papa John’s locations are hiring at this time.

“I think it’s a good time for all of us to think within ourselves what can we be doing that we’re not doing, how can we help people in ways we’re not helping them now and really start tapping into some of those skills,” said David.

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