COVID-19 Affects Local Food Establishments

COVID-19 Affects Local Food Establishments

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Some of the restaurants and food establishments in Vegreville have changed the way people can purchase food because of the need to be cautious to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

A&W is one of these restaurants. Manager Catherine Herrera said the restaurant is open for take-out and the drive-through. “This is very sad because we usually had many customers in the morning; we had the coffee people who liked to be in the dining area and now it is kind of slow.”

Another fast-food restaurant, Tim Hortons is only doing drivethrough and online orders through their Mobile App. “After you do the Mobile App order you have to pick it up at our restaurant,” said Carol Maneubat, Supervisor of Tim Hortons. “Also, we wash our hands every 30 minutes; we wear gloves, and use sanitizer. As far as business is concerned, we are still doing well.”

Local food establishments are having to make adjustments amid COVID-19. At the Tim Hortons they only offer drive-through and on-line orders. The did offer some encouragement with their sign that reads, ‘We are Vegreville Strong’.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Nolan Kobelsky, Manager for McDonald’s, said their restaurant is only doing take-out orders right now. “Our lobby is closed and people can just go in to order food and take it out. From doing this, our sales have dropped a fair bit.”

Scott Dixon, owner of Boston Pizza said it is a moving target and has changed about a half dozen times so far. “Right now, we are doing the take-out and delivery for reduced hours. We are on limited staff and limited hours. Please phone the restaurant to make sure when they are open to do this first.”

Joanne Velkamp, owner of Dairy Queen, said the restaurant is open at their regular hours for take-out and drive-through orders only. The dining room is closed. “Our business has been affected because our customer base has definitely gone down because not as many people are driving through town and a lot of others have chosen or been required to stay home. Most of all, I hope COVID-19 doesn’t affect too many people in our community and everyone stays healthy and safe.”