The ongoing pandemic has curtailed how restaurants in British Columbia can operate leaving owners to rethink their business strategy.

鈥淲e鈥檙e doing curbside pick up right now,鈥� said Chris Roper, owner of Fat Cow and Oyster Bar in 91原创 (20178 96th Ave).

He鈥檚 one of many local eateries that have had to adjust to a new temporary reality.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced Friday (March 21) that all restaurant owners provincewide would have to close their doors to dine-in guests and instead operate only through takeout or delivery services.

READ MORE: B.C.鈥檚 top doctor orders immediate closure of salons, spas and other personal services

鈥淚t鈥檚 been tough. It鈥檚 been hope, it鈥檚 been tears 鈥� literally everything,鈥� Roper said.

The move has had a significant impact on Roper鈥檚 business who says sales are down 66 per cent compared to what the restaurant would typically do on in average week.

鈥淲e don鈥檛 really know how to feel, we鈥檙e just trying to keep up,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e鈥檝e laid off all our staff right, expect for two.鈥�

But amidst the challenges Roper is still finding a way to help seniors in the community.

鈥淲e鈥檙e doing a seniors program right now, so we鈥檙e cooking meals for seniors everyday and delivering them and we鈥檙e covering the cost of that,鈥� he said.

And his efforts haven鈥檛 gone unnoticed, many of sent thank-you cards.

鈥淲e obviously have a limit,鈥� Roper noted. 鈥淥ur sales have to keep up for us to be able to keep providing that service, we can only do so much, but the response has been really good.鈥�

READ MORE: 鈥業t has without a doubt saved us:鈥� 91原创 rallies behind restaurant owners during COVID-19 outbreak

The current economic climate also led the proprietor to get creative. Roper is launching an online grocery store, Fat Cow Essentials.

鈥淲e鈥檙e using our wholesale resources to be able to buy those items,鈥� he explained.

Many local eateries are still operating through takeout and delivery services. It is recommended customers contact a business directly to learn more.

joti.grewal@blackpress.ca
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