Brick Restaurants Do Takeout As Coronavirus Concern Halts Dining

BRICK, NJ — Brick Township restaurants are turning to delivery and takeout offers as they struggle with the financial impact of the new coronavirus.

On Monday, Gov. Phil Murphy, along with the governors of New York and Connecticut, issued an order announcing restaurants and bars will close for on-premises service and move to take-out and delivery services only, beginning at 8 p.m. Monday.

It's a move that can strain the finances of restaurants that are working on a tight margin and waiting for the influx of business that comes with the summer tourism season, said Chelle Hulse, executive director of the Brick Township Chamber of Commerce.

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"This is a critical time for the majority of small businesses," Hulse said Monday.

The shutdown was prompted by the spread of COVID-19; as of Monday afternoon, there have been 176 positive tests in New Jersey, and two people have died as a result of the illness. COVID-19 is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that's a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses that have caused outbreaks in the past. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Restaurants were not permitted to offer sitdown service after 8 p.m. Monday, and a number of restaurants posted on social media that they were prepared for the change.

"It is with heavy heart that Meemom’s announces we will be suspending all in house-dining operations at all of our locations," the restaurant, which has locations in Brick, Wall and Middletown, wrote on its Facebook page. "As of Tuesday 3/17, we will be offering takeout only until further notice. Customer and staff safety is our number one priority and we feel this is our best contribution to social distancing. We will be operating at 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please feel to call in your order at any of our 3 locations. We hope to see you soon."

At The Windward Tavern, a similar message was posted on Facebook: "The Tavern was here for you during Sandy! We will be here for you through this crisis! We will be closing the restaurant to dine in at 8 p.m. tonight. We will be open for takeout food and package goods every day from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. as long as we are allowed. Our Saint Patrick's day menu and our full regular menu will be available for takeout!"

Hulse said ramping up a business's presence on social media is one way to help pass the time and stay in touch with customers over the coming weeks.

"Now's the time to build that up, Facebook, Instagram — Instagram is a great place for promoting businesses," Hulse said. And she said the chamber of commerce staff will be able to help over the phone for people who need assistance setting something up or even in providing ideas.

"Whatever happens, maintaining that presence and what they are doing for their customers is important," she said.

Hulse said all of the restaurants who are chamber members are doing takeout and delivery, and the chamber will be doing a "takeout blitz" to its community distribution list, showing what restaurants are offering and putting the takeout menus all in one place.

Restaurants who aren't members can join the chamber and email the chamber directly to get on the list.

Hulse said the chamber will be open to assist any business in need and will be able to answer calls and provide suggestions "because every business's needs are different."

"Even if they just need a calm voice to talk to over the phone," she said.

The chamber's number is 732-477-4949; there's more information on its website.

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