As the number of confirmed COVID-19 coronavirus cases rises in Suffolk County, some North Fork restaurants are offering delivery and curbside pickup to reach residents choosing not to leave their residence or enter public spaces.
La Capricciosa Brick Oven Pizza in Greenport was planning on rolling out delivery this summer, but decided to move the service up.
“We are starting now because from what we can see, it may be the only option we will have in the next few days,” manager Elio Foronda said. “Since Monday, the amount of diners [in the restaurant] has decreased by a big percentage.”
Customers who want their orders delivered to their homes can do so for a flat fee of $5. Right now, deliveries are being made from Orient to Greenport, but the restaurant has plans to expand into Southold.
Sunny’s Riverhead Diner and Grill is offering curbside pickup at no additional cost.
Owner Jim Liszanckie said he and his wife, Sunny, have been concerned about the spread of the virus and the effect it could have on their business.
“To prevent spread of the virus and to continue to operate, we felt this was a perfect compromise to help our customers get the product they want,” Liszanckie said. “Without the support of our community, small businesses such as ours will not survive this coronavirus scare.”
Lucharitos announced on its Instagram Thursday that it will begin a pickup service at two locations: parking lot delivery at Little Lucharitos in Aquebogue and front door pickup at Lucharitos in Greenport. The restaurant also stated it would be canceling all after-dinner entertainment and would decrease kitchen and floor staff by 25 percent as a precautionary measure.
American Beech in Greenport still plans to reopen its doors on Wednesday, March 18 with “a revised menu better suited for takeout and delivery,” owner Brent Pelton said.
“We are in the process of removing tables from the restaurant to better accommodate social distancing, and we will utilize our outdoor space at all times possible,” he said in an email.
The Black Llama Bar will be closed during this time so that all restaurant operations can happen in American Beech.
The Giving Room in Southold is open for juice, snacks and supplement pickups only.
Wendy’s Deli in Mattituck has been pushing its texting service for customers, where people can text in their orders for pickup or curbside delivery.
“We are seeing quite a few more people [texting us] now,” owner Wendy Zuhoski said. “[It] reduces their time in the deli waiting in line. Trying to get people in and out is our main concern right now.”
Any other food spots offering delivery or curbside pickup for the first time this week can email [email protected].
