Creemore restaurants adapt to limited service options

 In News

Most local restaurants have switched to a take-out and/or delivery following a recommendation from health officials.
This after Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health recommended limiting gatherings to under 50 and urged restaurants to close, or switch to a take out, delivery or drive-through service method.
In response, Dr. Charles Gardner, Medical Officer of Health for the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit said, “I recognize that these are difficult measures for our local businesses, but these are difficult times and avoiding close interactions with others helps reduce the spread of illness. We need to work together to slow the spread and impact of this disease. We are asking people to practice social distancing, which means staying at least two metres’ distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing – that’s difficult to do in restaurants and bars, social places where people are physically in close proximity.”
Many of Creemore’s restaurants are offering take-out, with special menus, but the request to close their dining rooms has hit hard. Some restaurateurs haven’t yet figured out how they will adapt to the new restrictions and how it will affect staffing.
At Chez Michel, owners Milynne Benoit and Winston Barrett are handling all take-out orders. Benoit said they have had to lay off all of their five staff members.
She said they are adding to their regular take-out menu, depending on what supplies are available.
“We’re worried, obviously, about survival of the business,” said Benoit… “We’re not really a take-out restaurant. We always offer take-out but it’s not our mainstay so that will be a little more difficult for us.”
She said they are waiting to see how newly announced aid for small businesses may help.
“But we’re staying positive and we’ll do what we can,” said Benoit. “We’ll continue to offer take-out as long as we can. Until they say not to do that. And I’m sure they’ll be offering some sort of relief or assistance if it’s not because no one can function without income.”
Also focusing on take-out is Malcolm’s Place, Creemore Pizza Co., Pizza Perfect, and Quince Bistro.
On Monday, Creemore Springs Brewery closed its retail store and tasting room until further notice.
The Bank Café announced Wednesday that it would close for two weeks, or until necessary.
“We want to protect our staff, customers and our neighbours,” said owner Nancy Johnston in a Facebook post. “Bank Café will reopen as soon as we feel it’s safe to gather and break bread together again.”
Creemore Village Pharmacy posted, “In an effort to minimize risk of exposure, effective March 18 we will have modified operations. We will continue to fill prescriptions and service our customers by completing personal shopping of essential items for pick up or delivery.” 
Check with local businesses to see if they are offering delivery or pick-up of goods. Some stores are closed but are still filling orders.
Throughout the village, circumstances have been changing daily as businesses adapt to changing expectations. Call restaurants, or check their online menus, for options.

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