What lies beyond the pandemic? MassForward is MassLive’s series examining the journey of Massachusetts’ small businesses through and beyond the coronavirus pandemic.
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With the idea of going for a meal with friends or family becoming a distant memory, owners of EAT Bistro Bob and Sue Lindesey have developed an idea that would allow people to do just that while still keeping a safe distance.
“EAT Lunch Between 2 Windshields,” where people park nose-to-nose and have food delivered to them in their cars while they call their dining partners facing them.
“Laugh, smile, catch up and we’ll bring your order out to you car side. It’s just like sitting at a table together, but it’s lunch between 2 windshields. It’s that easy,” reads the bistro’s Facebook post.
Bob and Sue have suffered a 75% drop in business since the start of the pandemic and are looking for new ways to get customers back.
“We had our first people do it today,” said Lindesey. “So, we’re really excited. It was two mothers with their children in the car. They hadn’t seen each other for a while, so they loved it.”
Gov. Charlie Baker mandated on March 15 that all restaurants and bars in the state would not be allowed to serve customers on-site and be restricted to serving food and beverages only through delivery and takeout.
They are making plans to restructure their bistro ready for the new May 18 statewide opening. One way is by extending seating areas outside next to the sidewalk where they will serve through the windows of the restaurant. They will also take out some of the chairs and tables from inside to promote distancing.
EAT Bistro’s business model is to feed folks coming out of work and hunger weekend diners. They also get a lot of business from people coming out to eat breakfast and lunch during the week. The capacity in the dining room currently can only fit up to 20 customers. After Baker lifts the executive order the restaurant will only seat 10 people.
“We can’t have them here,” said Lindesey. “So, we were just trying to figure out a way to get them here but not get in trouble.”
People who violate the executive order or the DPH’s guidance could face civil and criminal penalties. A first offense would result in a warning, followed by a $300 fine and a $500 fine or prison time, according to the state’s guidelines.
Lindesey told MassLive that he has had to furlough two of his staff due to the drop-in business. Even with the available grants, he said that there isn’t the need for rehiring until business picks up.
“If it continues, let's say into the summer, I would say two-three months,” said Lindesey when saying how long he could continue if the pandemic lasts longer than expected. “Anything after that, we would have to really consider closing our doors.”
The bistro has already had to reduce its business hours to 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. Usually, the restaurant would be open all week, only closing on Sunday.
MassForward is MassLive's series examining the journey of Massachusetts' small businesses through and beyond the coronavirus pandemic.
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