'We Need To Keep Our Businesses Strong': HdG Economic Development

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — Downtown Havre de Grace was quieter than usual Monday night, after Gov. Larry Hogan ordered restaurants and bars to shutter at 5 p.m. and remain closed to dine-in patrons until further notice. Businesses can offer carryout, delivery or curbside service to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, and some are changing their offerings.

Hours after the mandate took effect, Havre de Grace Director of Economic Development Erika Quesenbery shared some sobering news.

"Economist Daraius Irani has stated that Maryland could take about a $180-million hit for every day of the coronavirus crisis," Quesenbery reported at Monday night's Havre de Grace City Council meeting. "The analysis was made after Gov. Hogan ordered all Maryland bars, restaurants, movie theaters and gyms to close at 5 p.m. this evening."

Several restaurants in Havre de Grace are offering carryout and delivery services.

For updates on the new coronavirus in Havre de Grace, get Havre de Grace Patch news alerts.

"I ask you to please look online," Quesenbery said, encouraging the public to look at social media pages for restaurants and other businesses in Havre de Grace to get information about their offerings. "A number of our restaurants have built secondary sites, have new platforms so that you can order online," she said, so customers can take advantage of carryout, curbside pickup and delivery services.

Here are some Havre de Grace restaurants offering delivery or carryout:

• Bayou Restaurant — Carryout will be available 2 to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Call 410-939-3565.
• Chesapeake Grill — Carryout is available starting Wednesday, March 18. Call 410-942-0505.
• Coakley's Pub — Carryout with full menu as well as beer, wine and spirits will be available at package store The Cornerstone. Call 410-939-8888. There will be a food truck Tuesday at Hutchins Park from 12 to 7 p.m. offering St. Patrick's Day fare, in collaboration with River City Public House.
• Concord Point Coffee — Carryout is available. Call 410-939-1700.
• La Cucina — Carryout is available. Call 410-939-1402.
• Lin's Hibachi — Carryout and delivery are available. Call 410-939-2828.
• Maria's Pizza — Carryout and delivery are available online.
• Nonnie's Brick Oven Pizza — Carryout and deliver are available. Call 410-939-8081. Delivery only applies to Havre de Grace addresses.
• Pat's Pizza — Carryout and delivery are available online. Call 410-939-6060.
• River City Public House — Carryout and delivery are available online. Call 443-502-5101.
• Tidewater Grille — Carryout is available. Call 410-939-3313.
• Vintage Cafe — Carryout and GrubHub are available. Call 410-939-1333.

Did we miss yours? Tell us in the comments, and we will add it to the list.

"I want to thank our businesses for staying strong," Quesenbery said. "It's unprecedented, and they really are pulling out all the stops to help one another and to help our citizens."

The Havre de Grace Office of Economic Development is offering a compilation of resources printed out from the Small Business Administration in the City Hall lobby for those who don't have internet access, according to Quesenbery. She directed those who can get online to the Maryland Business Express, a website filled with resources for business owners, as well.

"We need to keep our businesses strong and keep one another strong," Quesenbery said, noting the message on the MacGregor's marquee sign — "Havre de Grace Strong" — displayed Monday night outside the restaurant on St. John Street. MacGregor's announced Monday it would be closed until further notice, after the governor's order.

In an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus and stop large groups from gathering, the governor ordered the closure of bars, restaurants, movie theaters and gyms across the state Monday, March 16, until further notice, during the state of emergency. Drive-thru, carryout and food delivery service can continue at restaurants. Food and beverage service providers in health care facilities may remain open, according to the executive order.

Quesenbery said the economic advisory board is canceled for March 18, and she will be representing the city in a webinar March 23 called "COVID 19: Preparing For What Comes Next" that is hosted by the International Economic Development Council.

In Maryland, 57 people have tested positive for the new coronavirus as of Tuesday morning, according to state health data, an increase of 20 since Monday morning. At least two people in Harford County tested positive for the illness, and they are related, officials say.

Related:

• MD Governor Orders Restaurants, Bars, Gyms, Theaters To Close
• Havre de Grace Coronavirus Closures And New Protocols Introduced
• Second Case Of New Coronavirus In Harford County Confirmed