HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – Marlena Pavlos Hackney, owner of Marlena’s Bistro and Pizzeria, 909 Lincoln Ave. in Holland, announced on Fox News’ Tucker Carlson show last night she will close her restaurant per order by Judge Wanda Stokes, who earlier this month issued a bench warrant for Pavlos Hackney.
But Thursday morning, the restaurant was open and bustling with customers. Pavlos Hackney has been operating her nearly 7-year-old restaurant in violation of state COVID-19 prevention guidelines since last year.
She has consistently insisted she doesn’t have to follow those rules. She’s refused to bring a licensed attorney to her court hearings, in violation of court rules. Earlier this week, she announced via Facebook that Michigan State Police had given her a March 18 deadline for shutting the restaurant or face arrest.
Her restaurant was targeted by health officials after they learned she was not enforcing the mask and social-distancing requirements, and she wasn’t limiting the number or customers allowed inside the restaurant for sit-down meals.
“I’m gonna fight,” she told Carlson. “I’m not gonna give up she tried to put me in fear, so I will follow the rules which is, I have to close my place, and follow the rules and restrictions,” adding that this would not be successful. “Because we are the people, small business owners. We have to fight for our survival.”
A GoFundMe account started two weeks ago and aimed at raising $50,000, had been languishing at just over $24,000 until her TV appearance. Just before 11 a.m. Thursday, the account balance showed $31,392.
