Restaurants adapt to closure of dining

The coronavirus spread across the world has impacted almost every part of daily life. Not immune from that spread are local businesses, which are adapting to social distancing guidelines and fears of transmission.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Mon- day that along with New Jersey and Connecticut, all New York restaurants would be required to be takeout or deliv- ery only. Crowds are limited to 50 peo- ple, and all gyms, movie theaters and casinos are closed.

In Patchogue, each business has addressed the situation differently. Many restaurants already offer takeout and delivery (mostly through third-party services), though now they’ll be required to. Del Fuego announced Monday that it would begin offering curbside pickup and 15 percent off for take- out orders. Locale is offering 20 percent off curbside pickup, and every order includes a roll of toilet paper (while supplies last). Arooga’s is offering free delivery with the code “wings2020.” Rhum is also offering free delivery and curbside pickup.

Businesses are also communicating with customers about their efforts to clean and sanitize facilities. Gallo Restaurant said in a statement that it uses industrial-grade food-service cleaning supplies. BrickHouse Brewery said in a statement that it has doubled cleaning efforts in all restrooms, dining rooms and the kitchen. Local Burger Co. also said in a statement that it is monitoring the situation and has increased cleaning and disinfecting.

The Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce is working to share factual information in the community as well as communicate what businesses are doing as it makes decisions mov- ing forward. Executive Director David Kennedy said in a statement to chamber members that he would ultimately leave decisions up to the business owners.

“We have faith in those who hold posi- tions with more direct knowledge and expertise on how to respond to the rise of COVID-19,” he wrote Monday. “We humbly acknowledge our limitations in offering advice or suggestions beyond what is provided by those in higher authority and expertise.”

Kennedy, speaking with the Advance Monday, remained optimistic that the community would get through this time and encouraged people to continue to patronize the small businesses in Patchogue until health officials suggest otherwise.

“I do feel it’s the small business owners that will be the most devastated by this,” Kennedy said.

In Bellport, Avino’s Italian Table is offering 15 percent off takeout orders for customers who would prefer to dine at home. The restaurant added in a statement that it is going “above and beyond” normal standards for cleaning of facilities.