BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Restaurants across the country are adjusting to a new way of business - takeout and delivery only. That's no easy feat when one of your biggest attractions is the dine-in experience. So to beat that lull in business, many local eateries are coming up with new deals, in an effort to keep customers coming back.
“It’s really frightening because as you can see, we’re a big sit down restaurant and now we can’t do that. We’ve had that taken away from us. We’re just trying to figure out how we can stay relevant in this time,” Roseanne Brandon, a manager at Rosemary's Creamery in downtown Bakersfield, said.
With the stay-at-home order, restaurants were given a choice: adjust your business models, or shut down. Rosemary's initially chose the latter, but after about a week, they decided to try their hand at takeout service.
Trying to get used to the whole curbside thing. It’s a very busy and rewarding day," Roseanne said.
Employees say it was a success, because they're able to offer deals that draw people in.
“We have ice cream. And ice cream makes you a little bit happier, so that’s why we’re here.”
They're offering a family pack that include two quarts of ice cream, two toppings like caramel, fudge or strawberry, and a container of nuts and cherries to put on top, for $25.
Less than a mile south of Rosemary's, Chef's Choice Noodle Bar has the same idea.
In addition to daily specials, like their 'feed 4 for $44' deal, they're also offering all alcohol at 20% off.
“We’re able to sell alcohol now through these delivery services. We’re offering that through curbside pickup and takeout service," Nick Panici, the general manager, said.
But Panici said these deals would mean nothing without the community's support.
"Obviously we’re still open for business and all we can do is be grateful for everyone who is calling in and placing orders with us at this point, and they’re just as grateful that we’re open,” Panici said.
Something both restaurant employees agree on, they can't wait for all of this to be over.
“It’s in God’s hands. He’s going to take care of everything.” “We love you. We can’t wait to open up and have you dine in with us," Panici said.
"It pretty much is always a party here, but I think it will be a great party when we can allow people to come back in," Roseanne said.
And many local restaurants have also had to adjust their hours. For example, Chef's Choice Noodle Bar is typically closed on Sundays, but right now they're open from 4 to 8:30 p.m. on Sundays.
Rosemary's is also only open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 3 to 7 p.m.
