The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is starting to take hold in Central Arkansas and is in the beginning stages of what will be several weeks of disruptions to everyday life. Thankfully the local restaurant industry is quickly adapting to the new norms in order to provide exceptionally safe environments to eat.
The CDC and top health officials are pushing for limited social interactions, the local food industry as a whole is adjusting to make sure your dining experience, as well as the health of their staff, is being taken into account in a healthy way to control the spread of the virus.
We took time yesterday to speak with a number of restaurants about measures they were taking with the dine-in experience. Everyone we have spoken with has dramatically increased cleaning procedures within the restaurant. There is a widely available sanitizer that is rated to properly kill the coronavirus on surfaces, each restaurant we visited with are utilizing that on all restaurant surfaces and anything a customer might touch before each service period and at frequent intervals during service.
Additionally, many restaurants are adjusting their use of common items such as menus, silverware, dishes, salt and pepper shakers, and more to allow for safe handling options and limited use. Many restaurants are setting up hand sanitizers and encouraging hand washing before and after the dining experience as well.
To take safe food service during the coronavirus period a step further, a number of restaurants are adjusting their service to allow for increased take out, curbside pickup, and delivery options to allow for even more social distancing. Here is a roundup of changes we have heard back from local restaurants.
Community Bakery – Community Bakery is re-tooling its pickup service to allow for a higher volume of vehicles and faster service. Now you pull up to the window, order and pay, then you will be directed to a parking spot in the adjacent lot for your food or drink instead of waiting at the window for your order. This will allow Community Bakery to service more customers quickly. They also want to remind customers that every food or drink item is available for pickup.
The CDC and top health officials are pushing for limited social interactions, the local food industry as a whole is adjusting to make sure your dining experience, as well as the health of their staff, is being taken into account in a healthy way to control the spread of the virus.
We took time yesterday to speak with a number of restaurants about measures they were taking with the dine-in experience. Everyone we have spoken with has dramatically increased cleaning procedures within the restaurant. There is a widely available sanitizer that is rated to properly kill the coronavirus on surfaces, each restaurant we visited with are utilizing that on all restaurant surfaces and anything a customer might touch before each service period and at frequent intervals during service.
Additionally, many restaurants are adjusting their use of common items such as menus, silverware, dishes, salt and pepper shakers, and more to allow for safe handling options and limited use. Many restaurants are setting up hand sanitizers and encouraging hand washing before and after the dining experience as well.
To take safe food service during the coronavirus period a step further, a number of restaurants are adjusting their service to allow for increased take out, curbside pickup, and delivery options to allow for even more social distancing. Here is a roundup of changes we have heard back from local restaurants.
Community Bakery – Community Bakery is re-tooling its pickup service to allow for a higher volume of vehicles and faster service. Now you pull up to the window, order and pay, then you will be directed to a parking spot in the adjacent lot for your food or drink instead of waiting at the window for your order. This will allow Community Bakery to service more customers quickly. They also want to remind customers that every food or drink item is available for pickup.
Faded Rose – The Faded Rose will offer carry out for their full menu, curbside pickup is available upon request.
At the Corner – At the Corner will begin offering to-go dinner service with curbside pickup next week (starting March 17) between 5-6pm. The dinners are designed to feed a family of 4 and include a dessert for $60. The full daily lineup is available here, text 870.489.5250 by 8pm the evening before to order.
42 Bar and Table – 42 is suspending dine-in restaurant service along with the overall closure of the Clinton Presidential Center. They will offer a limited lunch menu available for curbside pick-up in Celebration Circle between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Orders can be placed by calling 501-537-0042 and more details including the menu can be found at www.42barandtable.org.
Petit & Keet – Petit & Keet is offering curbside service for all to-go orders beginning 3/18.
Pizza D’s – Yes, it may lose a little bit of the dive bar charm by not going in, but the D’s is serving up some delicious food lately. They are increasing delivery options and allowing for call-in orders for pickup.
Count Porkula – Count Porkula is adding family meal packs starting at $50. With that, they are offering curbside pickup at the Railyard and free local delivery for all orders over $100. Full details here.
The Library Kitchen + Lounge – The Library is offering call in orders with curbside pickup available and delivery available with all orders over $40. In addition to regular menu items, they are offering smoked meats by the pound. Full details.
Stone’s Throw – Stone’s Throw is adjusting its service point to bar only instead of table service. They will offer increased growler, crowler, and food orders to go.
The Pizzeria – The Pizzeria is utilizing its slice app to allow for online ordering and payment. Orders can be picked up at the front of the restaurant to minimize social interaction.
Three Fold – In addition to normal to-go orders, Three Fold will launch a temporary meal program beginning Tuesday, March 17th. The “Re-heat and Eat” program will offer disassembled versions of their full menu except for guotie and steamed buns and will be available in single meal, multi-day, and even week-long quantities. All meals will come with reheating instructions and they will have videos available as well. They will also launch a number of immunity-boosting teas available by the glass or gallon to go. Full details on this program and all their safety efforts is available on their Facebook.
Graffiti’s – Graffiti’s is bringing back their $55 family meals with a take and bake pasta, salad, and garlic bread for a family of 5. They will also be adding a Bite Squad delivery option for lunch from Graffitis.
La Terraza – La Terraza will be increasing their delivery options through Bite Squad including their paella.
Fassler Hall – Fassler is allowing online ordering and delivery service in addition to call in orders. They will also allow pickup at their patio service window to avoid entering the restaurant if requested.
Flyway Brewing – Flyway is offering pick up to-go orders by calling ahead. You can also include cans and growlers of beer with your order request so that everything is ready when you arrive for pick up.
Cathead’s Diner – Cathead’s is continuing with a planned roll out a number of sandwiches, soup, and appetizer options that are available boxed to-go for pickup orders, we will have more on those next week. For now you can call in orders and have it ready to pickup, and they are exploring mobile ordering options. They are also available as boxed lunches for catering.
Scallions – Scallions is offering delivery services effective immediately. All standard menu items, grab and go items, and daily specials are available. They will offer free delivery to the surrounding Heights neighborhood as well as delivery to other parts of town for a small charge. You can call in an order at 501-666-6468.
Heights Taco & Tamale – Heights Taco is taking full advantage of their drive-thru window, allowing for call-in orders of any menu item.
Low Ivy Catering – Low Ivy is allowing text orders for all menu items for any of their upcoming food sets. 662-297-4393
Abbi’s Teas – Abbi’s Teas is allowing orders of any of their tea blends online if there is a favorite tea blend not available you can call or send a message and they will have it ready for pick up for you.
Prestonrose Farm and Brewery – Prestonrose will shift to outdoor dining only and all food will be served to-go friendly as well as their normal growler sales.
Keith & Co – Keith & Co will take call in and online orders and offer curbside pickup on request. They are also considering delivery within the Jacksonville city limits.
Dugans Pub – Dugans is allowing call in orders as well as orders through Bite Squad. For call-in orders they will allow curbside pickup upon request.
Dizzy’s Bistro – Dizzy’s is allowing call in orders as well as orders. For call-in orders they will allow curbside pickup upon request.
South on Main – South on Main is allowing call in orders as well as orders. For call-in orders they will allow curbside pickup upon request.
Atlas Bar – Atlas is offering online ordering through bite squad through the 14th.
Baja Grill – Baja is offering online ordering for pickup or delivery.
Leo’s Greek Castle – Leo’s is offering takeout options with curbside service for all menu items.
Gadwalls Grill – Gadwalls will offer curbside pickup for all call-in orders.
Copper Grill – Copper is allowing to-go orders and delivery within a 2 block radius of all lunch and dinner items.
Capers – The Market at Capers is fully stocked with quick pickup meal options including soups, casseroles, entrees, and salads.
Tacos Godoy – Tacos Godoy is offering text or call in orders during any sets for quick access. 501-779-0806
Trio’s – Trio’s is offering takeout for any lunch or dinner items.
Ciao Italian Restaurant – Ciao is offering delivery of their full menu through Bite Squad and Easy Cater. Also, in addition to their to-go ordering menu, they will offer a family pasta pack, designed for a family of 4, with pasta, meatballs, salad, and bread.
Mugs Cafe – Mugs is offering online ordering through their website for quick pickup options.
Ciao Baci – Ciao Baci is offering curbside pickup of all to go orders upon request.
The Root Cafe – The Root is offering curbside pickup and payment on all to-go orders by request. 501-414-0423 to order.
Mockingbird Bar and Tacos – Mockingbird is offering curbside pickup and payment on all to-go orders by request. 501-313-5413 to order.
Taziki’s – Taziki’s is offering curbside to go at all central Arkansas locations through their app or by phone. List of restaurant numbers here. Additionally, they are adding delivery through bitesquad for all locations.
Brave New – Brave is offering curbside pickup for their full menu, call the restaurant to place orders.
Southern Cravings Food Truck – Southern Cravings is doing text to order for all of their sets. Text 501-765-8608 to order.
Whole Hog Cafe – Whole Hog Cafe offers its entire menu for takeout via phone or online ordering at wholehogcafe.com. Whole Hog’s full menu is also available for delivery through Bite Squad and GrubHub.
Sonny Williams – Sonny’s is allowing curbside pickup on all to-go orders. Pickup can be made in their dedicated valet line, so no need to worry about available parking.
Milford Track – Milford Track is offering curbside delivery for all to go orders. Call 501-225-4500 to place an order.
Buenos Aires Grill and Cafe – Online ordering for curbside pick up and/or delivery. Will still accept call in for take out orders, and BiteSquad.
*Additionally any restaurants looking to allow delivery, BiteSquad has informed me they are allowing quick setup options with no contract and no upfront cost. They can have it set up in 3-4 business days.
**Finally if you are with a restaurant and are making adjustments to allow for pickup during the COVID-19 pandemic and want your information added to the list, please email me at greg@rockcityeats.com or message us on Facebook.
Count Porkula – Count Porkula is adding family meal packs starting at $50. With that, they are offering curbside pickup at the Railyard and free local delivery for all orders over $100. Full details here.
The Library Kitchen + Lounge – The Library is offering call in orders with curbside pickup available and delivery available with all orders over $40. In addition to regular menu items, they are offering smoked meats by the pound. Full details.
Stone’s Throw – Stone’s Throw is adjusting its service point to bar only instead of table service. They will offer increased growler, crowler, and food orders to go.
The Pizzeria – The Pizzeria is utilizing its slice app to allow for online ordering and payment. Orders can be picked up at the front of the restaurant to minimize social interaction.
Three Fold – In addition to normal to-go orders, Three Fold will launch a temporary meal program beginning Tuesday, March 17th. The “Re-heat and Eat” program will offer disassembled versions of their full menu except for guotie and steamed buns and will be available in single meal, multi-day, and even week-long quantities. All meals will come with reheating instructions and they will have videos available as well. They will also launch a number of immunity-boosting teas available by the glass or gallon to go. Full details on this program and all their safety efforts is available on their Facebook.
Graffiti’s – Graffiti’s is bringing back their $55 family meals with a take and bake pasta, salad, and garlic bread for a family of 5. They will also be adding a Bite Squad delivery option for lunch from Graffitis.
La Terraza – La Terraza will be increasing their delivery options through Bite Squad including their paella.
Fassler Hall – Fassler is allowing online ordering and delivery service in addition to call in orders. They will also allow pickup at their patio service window to avoid entering the restaurant if requested.
Flyway Brewing – Flyway is offering pick up to-go orders by calling ahead. You can also include cans and growlers of beer with your order request so that everything is ready when you arrive for pick up.
Cathead’s Diner – Cathead’s is continuing with a planned roll out a number of sandwiches, soup, and appetizer options that are available boxed to-go for pickup orders, we will have more on those next week. For now you can call in orders and have it ready to pickup, and they are exploring mobile ordering options. They are also available as boxed lunches for catering.
Scallions – Scallions is offering delivery services effective immediately. All standard menu items, grab and go items, and daily specials are available. They will offer free delivery to the surrounding Heights neighborhood as well as delivery to other parts of town for a small charge. You can call in an order at 501-666-6468.
Heights Taco & Tamale – Heights Taco is taking full advantage of their drive-thru window, allowing for call-in orders of any menu item.
Low Ivy Catering – Low Ivy is allowing text orders for all menu items for any of their upcoming food sets. 662-297-4393
Abbi’s Teas – Abbi’s Teas is allowing orders of any of their tea blends online if there is a favorite tea blend not available you can call or send a message and they will have it ready for pick up for you.
Prestonrose Farm and Brewery – Prestonrose will shift to outdoor dining only and all food will be served to-go friendly as well as their normal growler sales.
Keith & Co – Keith & Co will take call in and online orders and offer curbside pickup on request. They are also considering delivery within the Jacksonville city limits.
Dugans Pub – Dugans is allowing call in orders as well as orders through Bite Squad. For call-in orders they will allow curbside pickup upon request.
Dizzy’s Bistro – Dizzy’s is allowing call in orders as well as orders. For call-in orders they will allow curbside pickup upon request.
South on Main – South on Main is allowing call in orders as well as orders. For call-in orders they will allow curbside pickup upon request.
Atlas Bar – Atlas is offering online ordering through bite squad through the 14th.
Baja Grill – Baja is offering online ordering for pickup or delivery.
Leo’s Greek Castle – Leo’s is offering takeout options with curbside service for all menu items.
Gadwalls Grill – Gadwalls will offer curbside pickup for all call-in orders.
Copper Grill – Copper is allowing to-go orders and delivery within a 2 block radius of all lunch and dinner items.
Capers – The Market at Capers is fully stocked with quick pickup meal options including soups, casseroles, entrees, and salads.
Tacos Godoy – Tacos Godoy is offering text or call in orders during any sets for quick access. 501-779-0806
Trio’s – Trio’s is offering takeout for any lunch or dinner items.
Ciao Italian Restaurant – Ciao is offering delivery of their full menu through Bite Squad and Easy Cater. Also, in addition to their to-go ordering menu, they will offer a family pasta pack, designed for a family of 4, with pasta, meatballs, salad, and bread.
Mugs Cafe – Mugs is offering online ordering through their website for quick pickup options.
Ciao Baci – Ciao Baci is offering curbside pickup of all to go orders upon request.
The Root Cafe – The Root is offering curbside pickup and payment on all to-go orders by request. 501-414-0423 to order.
Mockingbird Bar and Tacos – Mockingbird is offering curbside pickup and payment on all to-go orders by request. 501-313-5413 to order.
Taziki’s – Taziki’s is offering curbside to go at all central Arkansas locations through their app or by phone. List of restaurant numbers here. Additionally, they are adding delivery through bitesquad for all locations.
Brave New – Brave is offering curbside pickup for their full menu, call the restaurant to place orders.
Southern Cravings Food Truck – Southern Cravings is doing text to order for all of their sets. Text 501-765-8608 to order.
Whole Hog Cafe – Whole Hog Cafe offers its entire menu for takeout via phone or online ordering at wholehogcafe.com. Whole Hog’s full menu is also available for delivery through Bite Squad and GrubHub.
Sonny Williams – Sonny’s is allowing curbside pickup on all to-go orders. Pickup can be made in their dedicated valet line, so no need to worry about available parking.
Milford Track – Milford Track is offering curbside delivery for all to go orders. Call 501-225-4500 to place an order.
Buenos Aires Grill and Cafe – Online ordering for curbside pick up and/or delivery. Will still accept call in for take out orders, and BiteSquad.
*Additionally any restaurants looking to allow delivery, BiteSquad has informed me they are allowing quick setup options with no contract and no upfront cost. They can have it set up in 3-4 business days.
**Finally if you are with a restaurant and are making adjustments to allow for pickup during the COVID-19 pandemic and want your information added to the list, please email me at greg@rockcityeats.com or message us on Facebook.
