Here’s how Whatcom restaurants are changing in response to coronavirus concerns
With the number of confirmed coronavirus cases rising in Washington state, concern about eating at restaurants continues to increase.
At this point, the Whatcom County Health Department is recommending that residents in high-risk groups avoid large groups of people, including large restaurants. Those at high risk for this virus include people over the age of 60, those with underlying health issues and women who are pregnant.
Since restaurants can have large groups in close proximity, it is something to be mindful of when making eating decisions, said Judy Ziels, spokeswoman for the Whatcom County Health Department. The key is the interaction with crowds of people, so staying more than six feet away from other groups is the recommendation.
In recent years the restaurant and bar scene has steadily grown in Whatcom County. In the third quarter of 2019, sales at restaurants and drinking places totaled $106.2 million, a 3.7 percent increase. That’s according to the Washington State Department of Revenue. According to the Revenue’s report, Whatcom County had 523 different eating and drinking establishments.
For those who want to support local restaurants, but are wary of dining in, ordering meals to go or pick up might be a good option, Ziels said. That reduces the chances of group interactions.
While it’s still the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, Ziels said she has been appreciative of the response from the local restaurant industry. Many have been proactive in asking about preventative measures, such as what other cleaning steps need to be done. With that in mind, Ziels said the health department is taking more of a guidance tone, rather than enforcement. That includes reminding eateries to be quick about sending sick employees home and increasing cleaning.
That certainly seems to be the tone on social media. This week dozens of restaurants have posted on websites like Facebook discussing the extra cleaning steps they’ve taken.
Some restaurants are taking further steps, including reducing the hours they are open. Bantam 46 announced on Facebook that it has reduced the days it is open to Thursday through Saturday, starting at 4 p.m.
“The coronavirus has presented unimaginable challenges to small businesses, including Bantam. With a stark loss of revenue, we have had to implement emergency measures in order to give ourselves the best possible chance of weathering these circumstances to emerge on the other side,” according to Bantam’s Facebook post.
Turning to delivery
Some restaurants have stepped up delivery options and deals. On Wednesday, March 11, Jake’s Lynden posted a 15% discount offer on Facebook for those who place an online order for takeout. Co-owner Brian Poag said it wasn’t in direct response to the coronavirus, but he is hoping that people will find it a useful service.
The Bagelry announced on Facebook that it was streamlining its takeout system and hoping to get online ordering up and running next week. They are also temporarily not giving out samples.
In a Facebook post local delivery service Viking Food said it is adding to its cleaning practices. That includes giving drivers alcohol wipes to disinfect their phones prior to customers signing. They are also willing to accommodate customers who wish to further minimize contact.
Whatcom restaurants
Here are some other notable steps being taking by local restaurants:
▪ Black Drop Coffeehouse has removed some tables and rearranged others to ensure customers are sitting at least six feet apart.
“Let’s get through this together,” Black Drop’s Facebook post said.
▪ The Filling Station has removed all table-top items to prevent customers from passing germs to others. All condiment bottles such as ketchup bottles are available on request and sanitized between users, according to a Facebook post.
▪ The Peace Arch City Cafe & Bar announced on Facebook that it may decline groups larger than eight to help maintain social distancing practices.
▪ ANMLY cafe is putting a temporary halt to its reusable containers program and has stop accepting bring-your-own containers.
▪ Stemma Brewing announced it won’t refill personal glass or metal growlers, according to a Facebook post.
▪ While taking extra preventative measures for cleaning, Mambo Italiano also asked customers to be patient with service because they are operating with a much smaller staff.
“This has been the single largest blow in our 20 years of serving Bellingham. With all of that being said we are doing our absolute best to protect you,” Dominic Tino wrote on a Mambo’s Facebook page.
▪ Naan & Brew has discontinued its lunch buffet for the time being, but is offering a 20% discount on items ordered on the menu, excluding beverages.
▪ Grubhub announced on Friday, March 13, that it will temporarily halt commissions on the meals it delivers from independent restaurants. The delivery service has also pledged to establish a fund to assist drivers and restaurants, according to the website Restaurant Business.
▪ With local officials urging people to avoid groups, local businesses are taking a big hit in terms of sales. For those wary of dining out or visiting a retail store for the time being, consider purchasing a gift certificate over the phone. That would help businesses get a little more cash to help through this slow-sales period.
Some are offering gift certificate specials. Boundary Bay, for example, will give an additional $20 gift card to customers that buy $100 worth of Boundary Bay gift cards.
Sustainable Connections also has a helpful post “7 Thinks You Can Do to Support Local Businesses Right Now.” Along with gift certificates, it talks about canceling events and tips.
What’s your restaurant or business doing in response to the coronavirus? Let us know at newsroom@bellinghamherald.com.
This story was originally published March 12, 2020 at 8:50 AM.
