Locally-owned restaurants are shuttering in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and their owners “don’t know how they’re going make it through.”
As such, Aldergrove Business Association president Jodi Steeves is encouraging people to shop local during the crisis – which will now see the closure of all the town’s dine-in spots after a Provincial Health ban ordered Friday.
Now, you can do this by pre-ordering food from many local restaurants and have it delivered or promptly pick the meal up.
Brick Alley Bistro, a popular restaurant in the heart of downtown, will close its dine-in area starting Saturday to do its part to diminish COVID-19 spread.
Owner and chef Rebecca Olfert said the decision was a tough one to make.
“I know we’re allowed to be open this week but after seeing the news” it just doesn’t feel socially responsible for her to stay open, she told the Aldergrove Star.
In place of that, Olfert has rolled out a discounted to-go menu which includes its most-popular sandwiches, salads, soups, and family favourites like mac and cheese, chicken and waffles, and chicken pot pie.
“We’re offering curb-side pick up as well for those concerned,” Olfert added, and for those worried about having to pay inside, “we’ll let you pay over the phone.”
Olfert wishes Fraser Health and government agencies would have informed business owners sooner so they could have prepared for such a crisis.
“We had a dinner party of 30 cancel in January due to COVID-19,” Olfert said, noting that someone amongst the group must have had insider information on the imminent danger.
Olfert hopes her new to-go menu will keep the restaurant alive so she has “something to come back to” once COVID-19 is contained.
She’s currently taking lunch and dinner meal suggestions on Brick Alley Bistro’s Facebook page.
Local pubs, restaurants ‘slaughtered’ by COVID-19
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry spoke of the hardship as both regular patrons lose the chance to dine-out together with friends and the restaurants lose their business.
“I know it’s going to be hard on businesses,” Henry said during a press conference.
“It’s also going to be hard on people not being able to congregate and not be able to have those special moments together,” Henry added.
On Friday, Henry ordered that all B.C. restaurants close their doors to dine-in guests and move to only take-out or delivery services until further notice.
Aldergrove pubs including the Fox and Hounds Pub and Restaurant, Bob’s Bar ‘n’ Grill, and Station House Pub were closed Friday.
Out of them, only Bob’s Bar ‘n’ Grill remains open for take-out orders.
Several eateries, including the Holy Falafel and Shawarma House, had previously adapted to the social distancing mandate by putting out less tables, increasing the space between each patron.
That’s what Fox and Hounds Pub and Restaurant did too, until it announced a full-scale closure Friday, including 30 employee layoffs.
“Restaurants are going to get slaughtered by this,” maintained Holy Falafel owner Greg Ewasiuk.
“People can still get pickup, takeout, and delivery from most local restaurants,” he added. “We’re here for them when families are hungry and want a break from cooking.”
As such, Aldergrove Indian Bistro implemented a 20 per cent take-out and delivery discount to come alongside locals in their efforts to stay socially distant.
Aldergrove restaurants serving meals to-go:
Bob’s Bar ‘n’ Grill – Delivery orders available at DoorDash.com
Hirame Sushi: – Delivery by phone: 604-381-1004
Brick Alley Bistro – Curb-side pick up, take-out by phone: 604-856-3605 or pre-order online for pickup at brickalleybistro.com
Aldergrove Indian Bistro – Delivery by phone: 604-381-3332; 604-381-3323 or online at aldergroveib.com
Taj Indian Cuisine and Sweets – Take-out by phone: 604-206-8484
Kami Teriyaki and Sushi – Take-out by phone: 604-857-5264
Dragon House Restaurant – Take-out by phone: 604-857-5788
Holy Falafel & Shawarma House – Order take-out by phone: 604-607-0609
StrEATS Aldergrove Kitchen – Order delivery online at DoorDash.com or by phone: 604-625-1115
Sushino Michi – Drive through service, in-car pick up: 604- 856-3248
Tomo Sushi – Ttake-out service by phone: 604-856-8998
Benkey Sushi – Take-out service by phone: 604-626-0333
Maple Teriyaki – Take-out service by phone: 604-856-4818
Closed:
Fox and Hounds – closed Friday
Station House Pub – closed Thursday
TJ’s Restaurant and Steakhouse
We Cafe and Grill
