The coronavirus pandemic has been a tough time on many people, especially those who own small businesses and other companies. Throughout the pandemic , many businesses have had to close their doors over the loss of money and revenue. Many business owners were left with the worry of what to do next and how to continue on with the loss of profit over the last year.
Frank Lyons is a business owner who struggled during the pandemic.
Lyons, who is the longtime owner of the Continental Tavern in Yardley, was forced to close his doors for quite some time due to the coronavirus pandemic shutdowns.
With many restaurants forced to close their doors for a long period of time, it left Lyons at a loss.
Lyons said the holiday season business loss hurt him deeply.
“Last December was a very gloomy holiday season for the restaurant industry in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia. The governor had closed down restaurants on December 14 so that meant no business through the holiday season,” Lyons told NBC Philadelphia .
Many businesses were still doing take out orders.
However, it was hard to promote the business with a lack of opportunity to spread the word in person.
They were looking for a way to promote their restaurant while still having some holiday cheer in their lives, as well.
Lyons’ daughter came up with a cheerful and adorable idea.
Inspired by the “Elf on the Shelf” trend that goes around social media with parents and kids every holiday season, and a Christmas book as well, they brought to life “Boop,” their very own Elf on the Shelf.
“Boop” is really Beau, Lyons’ grandson.
Beau was dressed up as “Boop” the elf, and then was placed in various locations around the Continental Tavern for photos.
Their family shared it all over social media, and it picked up steam almost immediately. People loved the adorable and fun photos.
People in Philadelphia loved Boop.
Boop gained thousands of fans on social media, including Super Bowl champion and former Philadelphia Eagle, Sean Landeta.
Many people loved to see the holiday cheer in 2020. So much so, that Boop was requested to return for 2021.
Back by popular demand, the Lyons family brought Boop back.
For the “25 Days of Christmas,” Boop is found in all areas of the family restaurant.
Each day, he is posted doing something wild or crazy, and outright adorable every single time. And, people cannot get enough of it.
He’s sledding down the stairs.
“Our manager, Marylou, walked in this morning to find all 9 TV’s playing Home Alone and Boop pulling an infamous Kevin McCallister move!! It’s only Day 2 of the 25 Days of Christmas and he’s already deep into his shenanigans,” one post reads online.
Throwing toilet paper all around.
“We knew it was only a matter of time before Boop got himself into trouble again. Boop’s Gigi found him eating red and green @mmschocolate while TPing the bar this morning!! He’s lucky he’s cute—Gigi cannot stay mad at him,” said another.
Boop was even invited to march in a parade!
“He marched with the @washingtoncrossingpark Marbleheaders, played the drums with the fife and drum band, sat front row and caught some candy and then he sang ‘Here Comes Santa Claus’ on the porch with The Golder Family,” the family shared.
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It’s safe to say, we love Boop.
Whether he’s sipping on maple syrup like a true elf, or causing some ruckus around his grandpa’s tavern, Boop is adorable and definitely an amazing way to get into the Christmas spirit.
You can see all of Boop’s fun times here on the Continental Tavern’s Instagram.
