Customers Flock To Ibiza Kitchen's Sidewalk Patio

CHAPPAQUA, NY — As New York shut down in March due to the coronavirus outbreak, Ignacio Blanco and Ben Wallace, the owners of Ibiza Kitchen in Chappaqua, decided to start feeding the community. For free.

They called the project the "Hunger Squad." Despite their concerns about keeping their restaurant opened and staff employed, they wanted to feed people in need of a meal, no questions asked.

The King Street restaurant's Friday dinner project grew and grew. Since early March, the Hunger Squad has provided delicious and nutritious dinners to thousands of people.

Now that the outbreak has subsided in New York and businesses have opened back up under pandemic protocols, their sidewalk "patio" is packed with diners.

Blanco took some time to talk with Chappaqua-Mount Kisco Patch about the pandemic.

Patch: How bad was it financially to be closed?

Blanco: We never closed. We did take-out and meals for hospitals. Some days were good others were not as busy. We also created special family menus for Passover, Easter and Mothers Day.

Patch: How did you cope?

Blanco: Never received any money from government programs. Giving up was never an option.

Patch: How have things been going since you re-opened?

Blanco: Very positive. We are seeing new people in the restaurant. We just opened up on the patio and it's very popular.

Patch: What has had to change?

Blanco: Some employees were let go. Sometimes it was hard to buy items at the market. We created a shorter menu and lowered take out prices by 35 percent. Customers appreciated it.

Patch: What are the challenges?

Blanco: First of all, we have a terrific team and we are all in this together. We had to do whatever was necessary to keep the restaurant open. We knew that once the pandemic hit, we had to switch gears quickly. Sadly, we had to furlough some of our staff. It was heart-breaking. We hope to bring everyone back. They are waiting for it.

Patch: What's new - anything positive?

Blanco: We are lucky and thankful that the worst is behind us. We have new customers coming from all over (CT and upstate New York) We are now a destination restaurant!!

"I would also like to add that we are so appreciative to all of our loyal customers for continuing to support us and ordering dinner from Ibiza Kitchen," he said. "We have all become closer and care for each other even more. We have also made many new friends (customers)."