Top Stories

Mother, service industry worker impacted by COVID-19 pandemic helping others despite own struggle

PITTSBURGH — Brandi Mikas loves spending time with her two children. She also loves her career as a waitress.

“I’ve been a server for approximately 25+ years,” she said. “It’s gotten me through. I love doing it. I love dealing with people.”

But her career has been crushed by the COVID-19 pandemic. She’s gone from maybe 25 tables to about six on a good evening now. Mikas said she relies on her tips to provide for her family, but what she’s taking home now isn’t anywhere close to what she was used.

“I have responsibilities. I have my bills. I have my children,” she said.

“This just hurts. Not just my mom but everybody in general. It’s just killing the business everywhere,” said Meadow Whatton, Mikas’ daughter.

Despite her own struggles, Mikas said she wanted to help others finding others in similar situations. She started a Facebook group called “Adopt a Server of Pennsylvania” where people who need a little help can post about their struggles along with a list of what they need.

“I just think it’s very generous. She deserves something for this too. I know she doesn’t want anything but she deserves it,” Chase Whatton said.

CLICK HERE if you’d like to help