We've also been watching what operators are doing with their delivery and takeout programs, and as you might expect there are some outstanding and creative solutions happening all over the country.
Family Meals and Meal Kits:
Our partners at Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (LEYE) are a great one to watch for innovative offerings across their many, many concepts. Lots of ideas to borrow here, from family meals to frozen, to meal kits and build-your-own-at-home options.
Restaurant Etta in Chicago and Che Fico Alimentari in San Francisco both keep it simple but irresistible with their daily rotating family meal options.
We saw more than a few operators including the option to get staples for the home added to an order – from dry pasta to cheese and wine, and yes, even TP. Take Mac-and-Cheese favorite Homeroom in Oakland, CA; and our own Pasta World Champion Accursio Lota's new Cori Pastificio in San Diego, serving up housemade sauces, basil pesto, plus handmade and hand-dried pastas for take home. Bravissimo!
Paying it Forward:
Offering discounted gift cards is another strategy we're seeing – using the cash now to keep employees on payroll and get customers back in the seats when business resumes. There are dozens of examples of operators and distributors serving up meals for those in need, from healthcare workers to foodservice employees on furlough, or their own employees. These acts of goodwill are good all around – both in the now and down the road.
Starbird Chicken Daily Updates
Some Restaurants Are Channeling Their Hardships Into a Way to Feed Health Care Workers
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