BUCYRUS — Local restaurants and markets are serving up a different kind of fare for customers these days. It’s their way of staying safe – and trying to stay afloat as the nation grapples with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Carle’s Market in Bucyrus, like other restaurants and bars statewide, was forced to close its dining room under Gov. Mike DeWine’s order last month. But owner Carla Koepke said the longtime establishment wanted to keep people safe and do it well.
Managers, she said, met early on to devise a new way of doing business – a pick-up and delivery system and online order form.
“As an owner, you’re making decisions every day,” Koepke said. “We didn’t know we were ahead of the curve. We just knew what we had to do.”
The result? The March 25 launch of parking lot pick-up and no contact home deliveries. Carle’s famous bratwurst. Popular items from the hot bar. Fresh cut meats from the butcher shop and plenty of deli favorites customers have come to enjoy.
Credit card and debit card orders only are being accepted. But that was fine for Galion resident Chris Boehler who placed her order and drove into the canopied parking lot an hour later for chicken salad, an English roast and three pounds of ground chuck.
“And away I went,” said the longtime customer, who also splurged on a container of broccoli salad before heading home to mix up meatloaf. “I know it’s good. It was really nice because they’re reliable. That’s what you want.”
Ralphie’s, with locations in Galion and Marion, jumped on the bandwagon in March too in response to the governor’s mandate with online ordering and curbside pick-up of “grub you all love,” according to Mark Wallace, corporate director of operations.
The local eatery, known for its handcrafted burgers, is now offering family sized meals such as baked spaghetti and grilled marinated chicken designed to feed four to five, as well as family size trays of chicken chunks and wings with just the click of a button online.
Old 30 BBQ in Bucyrus is only open Fridays through Sundays from 4 to 8 p.m. now, with a limited menu. The pick-up area is limited to one person at a time and curbside service is available upon request, according to part owner and general manager Austin Smith.
Ribs, brisket, pulled pork sandwiches and the restaurant’s popular sides like mac and cheese, baked beans and tater tots are available, he said, along with some appetizers and craft beers.
“That’s about all we can do at this point,” he said. “We’re just taking it one day at a time.”
On the west side of Galion, Phil’s Deli is also switching gears to keep employees and customers safe during the ever-changing dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic with the start of curbside service and delivery only beginning Monday.
Longtime owners Phil and Sue Schreck said the market has added additional phone numbers for call-in orders, with deli meats, cheeses, produce and all of the regular store items available for pick-up or delivery because “we are all in this together.”
Also beginning Monday, Carle’s is gearing up for the debut of its new hot meal menu featuring daily specials. Unlike other entrees and side dishes, which have to be warmed up at home, these choices will be hot and fresh if ordered by 11 a.m. that day, Koepke said.
Even fast-food chains like Wendy’s are catering to customers during the coronavirus crisis, announcing March 25 that free junior Frosty desserts are being given out with every drive-thru order because “little things can make all the difference sometimes.”
“It’s our way of giving back to the community,” said Branden Douglas, manager of the Bucyrus Wendy’s. “It was a corporate idea. They just want to show appreciation.”