I’m not sure if this will be a series of posts, but I wanted to call out some local restaurants who’ve stepped up to do more than just provide pickup and delivery during these turbulent times. They’re providing more than food, too.
When non-essential businesses were required to close to the public, many dine-in restaurants quickly saw their business plummet, some by more than 80%. Many decided to close altogether and simply ride it out temporarily. Denim BYOB in Haddonfield did just that.
But after a few weeks, Chef and owner David Murray started to become restless. Accustomed to working up to 90+ hour weeks at his Kings Highway restaurant, sitting around doing nothing isn’t his style. So, he decided to re-open with a revamped daily menu covering both brunch/lunch and dinner options at affordable price points.
“We’re not paying our bills doing this, but we’re trying to offer people inexpensive food,” said Murray.
The menu varies and is posted daily on their Facebook page and includes a la carte and family meal packages. Contact-free pickup is available between 12-8PM and delivery can be arranged within 5 miles of the restaurant.
Not only that, but Murray is also offering groceries and some essential quarantine items such as sanitizers, toilet paper, paper towels, and vinyl gloves in what he’s calling the Denim Marketplace all at very reasonable prices.
“I’m focusing more on the marketplace orders because this is what people need most. I started doing it because people were asking me for these things that I have easy access to. Plus it’s keeping people indoors and that’s important right now,” explained Murray.
When the going gets tough, the tough get going, as the say.
He’s more than ready to open when the time comes and the restaurant will take extra precautions to ensure people are confident about dining out again.
Are you aware of restaurants who are going above and beyond for customers? Let me know and I’d love to feature them!
Marilyn is a freelance writer covering the food and drink scene of South Jersey. You can find more of her writing on Philly Grub and NewsBreak.