A group of chefs, spearheaded by The Parish’s Travis Gary Peters’ Facebook post and plea for assistance in the face of lost business due to the coronavirus pandemic have published a PSA-style video urging Tucsonans to order take-out.
The Tucson chefs video, which was produced by Scott Litteer of Litteer Films features four local chefs speaking directly to the camera. The chefs and owners include Senae Thai’s Dee Buizer, The Parish’s Travis Gary Peters, Tanque Verde Ranch’s Janet Balderas, and El Taco Rustico’s Juan Almanza.
“If you do takeout once a week it will really help us,” Buizer says in the video. And Peters emphasizes, “we need your help, we need your support.”
The restaurant industry has taken one of the largest blows as they’ve been forced to close their dining rooms to limit the spread of coronavirus. While many have shifted to a takeout and delivery model, some have closed entirely, promising to reopen when appropriate. The restaurants that have elected to stay open versus close, is rapidly changing on a daily basis as some realize the limited feasibility of a completely different business model.
“The day before the mandated government closure, we made the difficult decision to close entirely and that we would not be economically worthwhile to continue operating to-go only,” said Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar’s Mark Erman. “Our establishment was designed and built as a dine-in food and beverage experience.”
Still others have experienced more success than they anticipated, but not at the level experienced with an open dining room in what is typically peak season.
“Regardless of how long you’ve been in business or what type of food and drink you offer, this is an important reassessment of the restaurant industry business model,” said Tavolino’s Justin Fernandez. “We’re just grateful for our guests. Without them we wouldn’t have any takeout. When times are good we rely on our guests. When times are tough we rely on our guests. It’s all about your community.”
You can view the video above or check out the original video on YouTube.
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