Takeout is still an option.
Published: April 13, 2020
By: Shannon Pease-Severance
To keep the doors open and workers employed during these uncertain times, many local restaurants are offering limited-time takeout deals and curbside service – and some have even added toilet paper to the menu.
“It’s been interesting to say the least,” said Brian Palmer, general manager of The Egg Spot in Miami. “Saturday and Sunday, we are usually really busy with brunch. We’d have 5 or 6 people on staff to handle the volume … the smell of bacon and waffles in the air. Now it’s myself and maybe one other employee. We are surviving on takeout.”
On a typical day, The Egg Spot, at 228 SE First St., would be packed with patrons filling up on sweet-potato waffles, cage-free egg omelets and tater tots cooked to golden perfection.
These days, though, the dining area sits silent and empty thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. But like many restaurants, The Egg Spot is still able to serve the community on a takeout basis, dishing out breakfast, lunch and brunch to go.
The situation is similar at Bento Asian Kitchen + Sushi, which has locations in Pembroke Pines, Boca Raton and Davie. The restaurant, which specializes in wok-fried noodles, fresh sushi and sweet boba teas, has modified its menu, boxing up Family Meal Deals that feed a family of four for $35. They are also offering a 50 percent discount off Kids Bento Boxes. The offer is valid through May 1 for pick up only. Online orders and delivery are not included.
Mike Jordan-Romero, a general manager at the Pines City Center location, said Bento had just opened its doors a couple of months ago and was still in the soft opening stage. “We were trying to get our ducks in order, and we got hit with this,” he said. “It’s been challenging.”
He said 56 percent of the restaurant’s business was dine-in before the pandemic forced restaurants’ dining rooms to be closed. “We took a big hit, but we are surviving,” he said. “We are trying to get people fed during these times and keep our staff as safe as possible.”
TooJay’s Deli has taken a different approach, adding a Grocery to Go program to its menu. In addition to offering hearty deli sandwiches and other prepared meals, TooJay’s allows customers to order toilet paper, paper towels, poultry, eggs by the dozen, ground beef, hot dogs and salmon to go at many South Florida locations.
Many franchises are offering specials that are hard to refuse – especially for those who have grown tired of cooking.
Olive Garden has a Buy One Take One deal that includes two select entrees, soup or salad, and breadsticks, for just $12.99. Car-side pickup and delivery is available.
Uber Eats, Door Dash and other delivery companies tout deals of their own, but this often cuts into the proceeds of what the restaurant receives. To support your favorite family restaurant to the fullest, see if they deliver directly or offer carryout services.
“If you call or order online, that helps us a lot,” Palmer said.
Before heading out, call your restaurant of choice to confirm they are open. Many businesses have modified hours or have temporarily closed because of the pandemic. Some also prefer that customers order and pay over the phone to expedite the pick-up process.
