Businesses making adjustments

Monetta Young
Posted 3/21/20

In these trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses have had to make adjustments to how they do business. This is especially true in the food service industry.

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Businesses making adjustments

Posted

ASHTON – In these trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses have had to make adjustments to how they do business. This is especially true in the food service industry.

At the Huddle Café, Lirim Mimini and his family have continued to serve the customers with curbside service. Each day he is offering a different special with each order. On Thursday, he offered a free roll of toilet paper with the purchase of two meals and on Friday it was a piece of pie. 

The Huddle’s hours of operation have changed to 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Sunday.

“People should continue to support small businesses in this trying time,” said Mimini. “We are here offering a full menu to anyone who decides to order.”

Mimini has had a couple friends come in and offer to be runners, taking the food orders from the counter to the curb. Business is slower than usual but as Mimini says we are all in this together.

Ben Mershon at Pizza Pit has expanded his hours during the COVID-19 pandemic. He is now offering curbside or delivery Tuesday through Sunday, from 3 – 9 p.m.

“Things were a little slow on Tuesday and Wednesday as people weren’t expecting us to be open,” said Mershon. “But we are hoping things pick up a little.”

Pizza Pit also offers delivery to Ashton, Franklin Grove, Chana, Rochelle and the surrounding area.

Mershon says to watch the Pizza Pit Facebook page for upcoming specials.

Even Casey’s has had to make adjustments in their food handling service. Donuts, hot sandwiches and pizza are still available, however, you must let the kitchen staff serve you to avoid accidental contact with other food in the warmers or donut case.

“It is just a little different,” said Dana Costello. “We have seen a little fluctuation in our daily business during lunch time. I am not sure about the evening hours.”

Costello noted that the coffee, cappuccino and fountain soda machines have been shut off.

Customers can call ahead for personalized orders of pizza or sandwiches, but there are still items available in the warmers.

Also impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic is Ralphie and LuLus. They are offering curbside service on restricted hours of 5 – 7 p.m. each Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. They will be offering their regular menu items during this time.
“We had a pretty good response to our corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day,” said Dave Balch. “So we are going to continue to do curbside delivery and see where it takes us.”

Please continue to support our local businesses during this time as we are all dealing with the unknown and doing our best to serve.