The Public Health Department directive to shut down restaurants immediately crippled eateries big and small, and now they are trying to stay afloat in an industry that is difficult even under normal circumstances.
Overnight, businesses went from sit-down affairs to grab-and-go and delivery service only, and some employers are already laying off staff members.
For now and the foreseeable future, the date night, going out for a family meal, and the dinner party are old luxuries, relics of better days.
“We are confident that consumers will be able re-learn how to get the things that they want,” said Mark Ingalls, general property manager at Camino Real Marketplace. “We’re a community. We have been resilient over the years, and we are going to get through this a as a community. Everybody is working together.”
Business owners and community members are banding together to support the industry, from gift cards to donations to positive online reviews and sharing discounts and deals.
The Camino Real Marketplace over the years has emerged as a go-to spot for Goleta and other South Coast residents, for shopping, eating and entertainment.
Restaurants there had signs posted Wednesday letting people know that they are still open, but that there’s no dining inside. Hollister Brewing Company, Starbucks, Chili’s, The Natural Café, Los Agaves, Mesa Burger, O.T.A.-Brophy’s, Anna’s Bakery, Jersey Mike’s and Sushi-Ai remain open to provide curb-side delivery and/or to-go dining options.
The Marketplace set up a platform for tenants to communicate in real time with each other and shopping center management, and created designated spots for curbside delivery.
“We will continue to serve as an information hub and resource center to the community,” Ingalls said. “We are optimistic that we will be able to continue to stay open to serve the community’s needs as those needs change.”
Starbucks was the first to remove the tables on the inside of the restaurant, before the orders came down from local and state government. The Farmers’ Market will continue on Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“We will continue to be open to the public with all the restrictions that have been mandated in order to provide the community access to necessary and essential goods and services,” Ingalls said.
Carrie Kelly, executive director of the Santa Barbara Downtown Organization, is encouraging people to tip higher when they order at restaurants, leave positive online reviews to build social currency, and buy gift cards.
If they can’t buy food in person, she’s also encouraging people to order from delivery services such as Restaurant Connection, Grubhub, DoorDash, Uber Eats and SB Bites, which is another way to support local businesses.
“This is the time to be mindful and protective of our vulnerable populations and follow federal, state, and local directives,” Kelly said.
“It’s also time to get creative and find ways to check in on those around us and lend support where it is needed. Restaurants are in a difficult position. Many have had to layoff beloved staff members, they’ve had to pivot their business model many times over the past few weeks, and they are navigating through uncharted territory. Business owners are resilient, but they need our support more than ever.”
Some restaurants are also offering discounts for customers to encourage take-out orders.
Los Arroyos, Eureka! Ca Dario are offering 20 percent off for takeout; Kyle’s Kitchen has $5 daily hamburger specials; Oppi’z, Pascucci, and The Project SB, are offering 15 percent off for take out. At Ace Rivington, the owner is donating 30 percent of post-tax proceeds to buy meals for Santa Barbara residents impacted by wage loss due from the coronavirus.
Not all businesses are staying open. Dozens of tasting rooms in the Funk Zone have already closed.
Sherry Villanueva, owner of the Lark, Paradise Cafe and six other restaurants in Santa Barbara, decided to temporarily close down the restaurants as of Monday.
“I had the horrible job of laying off 350 people, many of whom work two full-time jobs to live in this county, many of whom are primarily breadwinners for their family,” Villanueva said.
Resources for employees and business owners include the Restaurant Workers Community Foundation; the Economic Development Collaborative; Downtown Santa Barbara; and Women’s Economic Ventures.
The Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce also has several resources for businesses here.
— Noozhawk staff writer Joshua Molina can be reached at jmolina@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.
