Casa de Reyes still eager to serve

One of the sectors hit hardest by the COVID-19 related business shutdowns is the restaurant industry. While still allowed to serve food to go or via delivery, the closure of dining rooms has had a severe impact on the bottom line for countless Oklahoma restaurants, and Casa de Reyes Mexican Kitchen in Broken Arrow is no exception.

La Semana spoke with owners Martin and Veronica Reyes, who said they are down to just four staff – two in the kitchen cooking and two in the front of house packaging and delivering orders to hungry and appreciative customers.

“Business dropped considerably when the order to close came,” Veronica told La Semana, “but now it’s back up to about 50% of what it was before the coronavirus.”

Veronica said the good news is that deliveries are increasing, and the couple remains hopeful this will be enough to sustain them during the worst of the crisis.

“We are so grateful for all of our loyal customers,” Martin said. “They are a blessing helping to support small restaurants such as ours.”

Veronica said most of the customers have been very generous with their tips, knowing that the servers, cooks, and delivery drivers are not working as many hours as usual and have a lot of extra expenses with kids at home who normally get free meals at school.

“Some have tipped as much as 50% of the total,” she said.

Casa de Reyes is open shorter hours than before, currently from 11-7 Monday through Thursday and 11-8 on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant, as before, is closed on Sunday.

Martin wants everyone to know there is no shortage of food or supplies, and most customer favorites are available to go.

The couple, who also own another restaurant in downtown Broken Arrow, said social media has been the key in the moment of crisis, allowing them to communicate with their customers about options for picking up food or having it delivered.

Casa de Reyes is located at 9050 E Hwy 51 in Broken Arrow, just up the road from the Blue Bell ice cream factory. The restaurant offers delivery within a ten mile radius, and orders may be called in and picked up as well. There is a $20 minimum for deliveries.

To place an order call (918) 250-0732. Not only will you be getting a break from cooking and get to try some delicious Latin food, you’ll be supporting a worth local business too. (La Semana)