Local restaurants have responded to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic by encouraging patrons to still go out for dinner and lunch but avoid dining in.
Some businesses, like SQZBX Brewery and Pizza Joint, 236 Ouachita Ave., and Will's Cinnamon Shop, 1001 Central Ave., have opted to close their inside dining areas and only offer takeout or pickup orders. Others are still offering inside dining, but implementing heightened health protocols and taking steps to increase social distancing among patrons.
"We're just going day by day this week," Scott McClard, co-owner of McClard's Bar-B-Q, 505 Albert Pike Road, told The Sentinel-Record Monday. "There is no template for this so we're totally winging it."
A post on the restaurant's Facebook page noted they were "taking the necessary precautions and increasing our sanitary protocol in addition to our usual policy." McClard's is still open during their normal hours but were encouraging patrons to place their orders to go and calling ahead.
"In order to keep our staff and patrons happy and healthy during this time, we will be implementing social distancing in our dining area," it stated. "If you're sick, but need a tamale spread for the soul, please order via DoorDash or Chef Shuttle."
Featuring an old photo on Tuesday of a carhop at work, McClard's posted, "The OG of Curbside Service is happy to share that we will bring your to-go orders straight to your car! Just call us when you're in the parking lot and let us know what car you're in."
McClard said it may seem like Americans are overreacting, but in this case, it's for the best.
"Overreacting will almost keep it where we need it to be," he said.
Katie Byrd, co-owner of Will's, posted on Facebook Monday they were switching to pickup only and strongly encouraged patrons to prepay to speed up the pickup process.
"We will be operating in a carhop style of business. You are encouraged to call orders in advance, but if you don't, we will come to your car, take your order and take payment outside and bring your order to you. Please be cautious while driving in the parking lot, as there will be pedestrians, but we also ask you to be mindful of the time. If you are in a rush, please call ahead," the post read.
"Please keep in mind small businesses are going to be very hard-hit during this time. Our focus is not to make a profit during this time, but to ensure rent is paid and our employees are paid. Small businesses run on very small margins. We appreciate your love and all your support over the years, and we will need you now more than ever," it said.
"This is all so weird. I told Will (her husband and co-owner) I don't even feel like this is real life at all," Byrd told The Sentinel-Record Tuesday. "We just sat in silence saying, 'Is this really happening?' over and over. It's just unbelievable."
Byrd said people seem very appreciative of the efforts all businesses are doing during the crisis, noting, "We implemented stronger sanitation requirements for the employees starting last week. Every hour all handles, surfaces and chairs were sanitized (on the customer side) and all handles and surfaces for just employees were cleaned also.
"We also told them to put their phones in their pockets with a 30-minute timer and they were required to stop and wash their hands when it went off. Regardless of what they were doing," she said.
Cheryl Roorda, co-owner of SQZBX, said they noticed an increase in takeout sales "and are grateful for it," and opted to close their dining room beginning Tuesday and go to takeout only.
"We're going to start delivery as soon as I iron out the insurance. I'm waiting to hear the green light on that," she said.
The Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce had urged its members to buy gift cards from businesses to help out and Roorda said that was fine, but "honestly, it's better if they buy product, then I still support my food distributors, and my kitchen guys, and they get pizza!"
She said her main concern was "I just want to keep my staff afloat during this."
Anthony Valinoti, owner of DeLuca's Pizzeria, said Monday he had no plans yet to switch to takeout only.
"I'm taking a wait-and-see attitude, my dining room will be open as per (Centers for Disease Control) guidelines this week," he said. "Last weekend was actually a good weekend at the shop. I did see a slight increase on Saturday and Sunday (in takeout orders).
"For the most part, the dining was packed. Now, this week with no casino and racing it may be a completely different story. I expect it to be slow," he said.
Valinoti said he was happy to see the White House statement encouraging caution and urging people to get takeout more, noting, "We need common sense to prevail right now."
Byrd agreed, noting, "I think if people take responsibility for themselves, we absolutely can get in front of this. That is what we are encouraging the employees to do. Be responsible for themselves inside and outside of work. If people would realize that if we are all a little more considerate and compassionate right now, we will get through this."
Local on 03/18/2020