Local SWAT Team Boosts Business For Struggling New England Coffee House

About 50 SWAT team members helped boost business at a New England coffee house hit hard by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The METRO SWAT team, which is comprised of several local police departments, purchased items and made donations to the family-owned Cilla's Coffeehouse in Norfolk, Massachusetts on Tuesday (January 5) morning, WHDH reports.

Owner Mary Ellen Blue told WHDH she was left in disbelief over the support from the local SWAT team.

“It was our typical Tuesday morning, which is usually very quiet, so we were just blown away,” Blue said. “We didn’t know it was happening."

Blue said the coffee house has taken a huge financial hit with less individuals riding the nearby commuter train amid COVID-19 restrictions.

“I’m right by the commuter train and I picked this spot on purpose ’cause I knew I’d get a lot of people jumping on the train, so now with people working at home that kind of has affected my business,” Blue told WHDH.

The Norfolk Police Department also the story on its Facebook account Tuesday, which included a video reaching out to Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy to include the struggling coffee house in his "Barstool Fund," which is aiming to support struggling businesses amid COVID-19 restrictions.

"This morning, the METRO SWAT Team comprised of area Police Departments heard Cilla's Coffeehouse needed some support," the department wrote. "Approximately 50 SWAT team members came and gave some business and donations to this deserving family owned business here in Norfolk!"

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