COVID-19 impacting restaurants
Takeout offered by some businesses after dining room closures
Restaurants in Yarmouth and beyond are taking a day-byday approach to the devastating impact that COVID-19 is having on business.
Gaia Global Kitchen in Yarmouth, owned by husbandand-wife team Sebastien Milot and Hannah Rhyno-Milot, has seen a significant decrease in business over the last week.
“We’ve done a post (on social media) highlighting our increased sanitizing measures, and it got a lot of attention, but it isn’t enough to bring people in if they are concerned about contracting the virus,” said Rhyno-Milot.
In an attempt to minimize the financial impact on both the business and their team, they’re looking at alternative measures to increase sales, such as adding delivery service.
“The response to the idea on social media has been extremely positive,” she said.
As of March 16, the dining room was closed, and the business was limited to takeout and delivery within town limits. Delivery to areas outside of town may be available at a later date.
Lisa and Joey Habib, at Jake’s Family Restaurant, have decided to remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, they will be making several changes to keep customers and staff safe.
On the business’ Facebook page they wrote that due to the ongoing concerns and uncertainty of the coronavirus, they are asking customers to avoid visiting the diner if they have travelled outside of Canada and have recently returned, or if they are feeling unwell.
The diner will be open for
pickup or takeout orders only.
Michael Carbonell, owner of the Shanty Café, says his restaurant is open at the moment but that could change suddenly.
“We have not made a final decision yet as we are constantly reassessing our situation,” he said. “As of this moment, we are operating under a series of measures to keep our staff and customers safe.”
Those measures include seating with respect to social distancing, as well as disinfection. Food delivery and takeout is encouraged and is available between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., along with a 10 per cent discount on any takeout order.
At Rudder’s Seafood Restaurant & Brew Pub, a spokesperson says they are remaining open and taking it “day by day.”
“Trying to stay positive and hoping for the best that everyone will stay healthy in the community. We are sanitizing everything as we’ve always done but doing more of the extra, like the door handles, railings, debt machines ... etc.,” she says.