Across the United States, communities at the state and local level are inventing creative and effective ways of supporting their neighbors during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Take the recent TP Toss, which began with a surplus of toilet paper in an empty office, and ended with the sharing of this hot commodity with those in need – including retirement communities and local food pantries.
As people’s daily lives change due to state and city lockdown mandates, everyday occurrences that used to be second nature are no longer guarantees. One of the most prominent examples is going to a local restaurant with friends to enjoy great food and better company.
In Atlanta, T/K is lucky to be spoiled with a wealth of dining options in our West Midtown neighborhood, and beyond. COVID-19 is having a devastating impact on the restaurant industry. And, with state and city officials announcing executive orders to shut down on-site dining at restaurants and bars, improvement seems out of reach.
But, fortunately, our Atlantan restauranteurs are nothing short of inventive. Across the city, restaurants are adjusting their operations to provide new ways of serving your favorite dish, or even goods, such as toilet paper, bread, milk, etc.
Read on for a few examples of the new dining experiences offered at some of Atlanta’s hotspots:
Electric Hospitality’s #ATLFAMILYMEAL Initiative
While Electric Hospitality’s restaurants (Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall, Golden Eagle & Muchacho) are temporarily closing service to slow the spread of COVID-19, Michael Lennox, the CEO and Founder, started the #ATLFAMILYMEAL movement, which “is focused on building a virtual dinner table for the community to gather, share ideas, feed and provide support for hospitality workers experiencing distress.”
This initiative takes advantage of open kitchens and existing resources to provide hospitality workers with meals during and immediately after the COVID-19 crisis.
To support this movement, Atlantans can purchase the limited release, original “Stir the Pot” print, designed by Family Bros. 100% of proceeds will go towards feeding and supporting hospitality workers in the Atlanta area.
Restaurants can sign up to participate on behalf of their staff here. And, individuals can opt to deliver meals for the program here.
Hampton and Hudson’s Online General Store
Inman Park’s Hampton and Hudson has converted into a takeout location where patrons can pick up meals, but also stock up on toilet paper, milk, eggs and local produce, with some proceeds going directly to staff.
Customers can order goods and meals to be picked up or delivered from the sports pub’s online general store. In addition, owner Billy Streck established a GoFundMe page for his staff, and the $5 delivery charge and tip from any orders placed go directly to restaurant employees.
Castellucci Hospitality Group
This restaurant group, which is home to many popular Atlanta names, including Double Zero, Iberian Pig, Cooks & Soldiers, Bar Mercado, and more, has established an online ordering platform for all its locations, offering delivery and pick up to all patrons.
But, beyond just fulfilling normal orders, the restaurants are also providing supplies and free meals to their hourly workers who will be severely impacted by the closure of restaurants. The chefs are utilizing their current supplies to help staff workers provide for their families with delicious boxed meals.
And, the restaurants are selling their toilet paper supply to customers.
Storico Fresco Alimentari e Ristorante’s Italian Market
Atlantans can bring the taste of Italy (aka Storico Fresco) home during quarantine. The Italian restaurant offers a delicious To-Go menu that includes some of the menu favorites, including Cacio e Pepe and Tagliatelle alla Bolognese. All orders are 20% off and are available via curbside pickup.
Beyond just the menu offerings, patrons can grab Italian goods and items from the restaurant’s market, which sells fresh pastas and lasagnas, sauces, wine, cheese, olive oil and meats.
8ARM’s CSA Boxes
While 8ARM on Ponce De Leon Ave is no longer offering dine-in or takeout, they are now selling CSA boxes from local farmers, which will include weekly recipes from Chef Maricela Vega. The boxes will include eggs, vegetables, butter, grits, and the option to add wine, beer, 3 Heart Roastery coffee beans, or fresh-made soups and empanadas.
Boxes can be picked up on Thursdays and Fridays and are offered as a $30 box for up to two people, or a $50 box for a group of four. Learn more and order here. Patrons can also opt the contribute to the 8Arm GoFundMe page here.
And the rest
B-Side in Decatur is offering more than just its typical wood-fired bagels for the foreseeable future. While still selling to-go bagels, sandwiches and coffee, the cafe is also equipped to serve as a market – selling water, wine, beer, cheese, grits, cured meats and vegetables.
At the Candler Park and Grant Park Markets, patrons can order takeout from the deli counter. In addition, both markets will offer curbside and delivery for their other items, like wine, beer, paper products and more.
Bell Street Burritos offers takeout and delivery at all locations, and an online market for supplies – including toilet paper.
At Local Three Kitchen + Bar in Buckhead, Atlantans can order family meals that feed up to five people for takeout or delivery. The family meals are posted daily to the restaurant’s Instagram. Local Three was one of the recipients of TP from T/K’s Toilet Paper Exchange.
If your restaurant is in need of TP, please see https://toiletpaperexchange.com/. We have you covered.