Fredericksburg Restaurant Shares Tips For Shutdown Success

FREDERICKSBURG, VA – Some local Fredericksburg businesses have been able to successfully transition their operations to support online ordering and takeout, including Cork & Table, which recently shared a video detailing the steps they took to keep up with customer demand during the shutdown.

In the video, Cork & Table owner Jim Fallon said he was anxious, confused and overwhelmed during the first few weeks of the shutdown as he tried to figure out how to keep his business afloat. He realized he had a large inventory of wine, beer, meats and cheeses that he could sell to established customers on his email list.

"I was amazed by their immediate response," he said. "They wanted to support Cork and Table and at the same time they were looking for quality products to cook in their homes."

In order to meet the demands of its customers, the restaurant started a bi-weekly email schedule that rotates their prepared food offerings. Fallon said he has kept track of the offerings that have worked, and those that have not, in order to cultivate the most successful takeout operation.

Fallon said he is concerned for the impact the shutdown will have on his restaurant, so the restaurant is currently working on long-term preparations. He hopes the steps Cork & Table took can help other local businesses find success.

"Although what we've created is still developing, we have found opportunities for growth and sales," he said.

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