MIAMI (WSVN) - With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, restaurant owners in Broward and Miami-Dade counties prepared to close their dining rooms, as both local and national chains shift their focus to to-go orders.
BarMeli69 along Biscayne Boulevard in Miami’s MiMo District is known for its Mediterranean food and even more for its ambiance, but starting Tuesday night, owner Liza Meli prepared for the big changes that went into effect at 11 p.m.
“We’ll be offering, for the first time ever, delivery and pickup,” she said.
Thanks to an emergency order, restaurants like BarMeli69 will only be allowed to do takeout or curbside pickup in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
That means small businesses like these are adapting. Meli said she is making deliveries herself, and she is offering a 20% discount to customers in the area.
“We found out we have to close this evening, but I have my staff, and we’re just trying to get to the ‘break even’ point,” she said.
It was a similar story at Padrino’s Cuban Restaurant in Broward County, which has been around for 40 years and three generations.
Diosdado Padrino and Candidad Rosa, his wife, began with their first restaurant in Hallandale Beach.
They handed the reigns over to Mario Padrino, their son, and now, his three children are owners hoping to manage the coronavirus crisis.
“We’re absolutely just trying to figure this out, see how we navigate these times,” owner Laura Padrino said. “There is no procedure, no rulebook. There’s nothing we can look to and say, ‘That’s how they did it before.'”
Although dining room sales are down 70%, Padrino said the restaurant will continue paying their staff at all six locations, and they will not have layoffs.
“One of those ways we’re trying to keep them occupied and just having income during this time is changing our focus from dine-in to carryout and delivery,” Padrino said.
Servers will now become drivers, and their locations will do curbside and carryout, similar to national franchises like Starbucks.
“To our employees, stay positive, we’ll make it through this,” Padrino said. “You’re part of our Padrino’s family, and we’re going to always have your back. To our guests, like I said, stay loyal, keep ordering.”
At a Fort Lauderdale Starbucks, there are no longer tables inside, and at Pollo Tropical, the chairs are not for sitting as dining in is no longer possible — drive-thru and pickup only.
It was much of the same at Dunkin’ Donuts: no eating in.
During the lunchtime rush on Las Olas Boulevard, a lack of crowds could be seen, meaning people are heeding the warnings and staying away.
At a McDonald’s in Miami, takeout only signs could be seen with plenty of cars driving through. It was the same scenario at a nearby Taco Bell.
The restaurants hope these short-term changes will make a huge impact in the long run.
“We’re just going with whatever we need to do to stay open, to keep the jobs here,” said Meli.
Meli hopes she and her staff can deliver some optimism along with their orders.
“I just hope that everyone stays healthy in the meantime, and I want to see everyone again very soon,” she said.
Managers at local restaurants said that many of the servers who are currently making deliveries rely on tips to make ends meet, so even a small tip can make a huge difference.
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