People are staying home, but restaurants are still serving up their dishes through takeout and delivery services.
Restaurants all over St. George have had to switch gears and adjust to health measures being implemented by the Utah Department of Health.
The Utah Department of Health has extended the order of dine-in options being closed at food establishments until April 15.
Michele Deceuster, food reviewer and owner of @stg_eats on Instagram, said many restaurants made quick changes during this time, such as adding a drive-thru they didn’t have previously.
Deceuster said she teamed up with the owners of Cafe Sabor and created a website, stgeorgedining.com, where local restaurants are listed along with what their services are right now. People can place their orders online and have it delivered right to their doorstep.
Affogato West has implemented a drive-thru window where customers can quickly stop by and pick up their food.
Restaurants that didn’t originally have delivery services are starting those services now.
Ashely Roger, an employee at The Sweet Tooth Fairy, said the bakery has moved all tables and chairs out of the way, but they are still open for takeout and have even started doing deliveries around St. George for $8.
Rachael Stewart, co-owner of Vuduu Pizza, said employees had to move some things around and they even moved the checkout stand to the front door so customers don’t have to come in.
“We are temporarily doing delivery to help cater to those who wish to stay in their house or maybe just can’t go outside right now,” Stewart said.
Kelsey Hunt, manager of Nothing Bundt Cakes, said the bakery is still operating under the same hours, but it’s now only taking pre-orders over the phone or online for curbside pick-up and delivery.
Deceuster said some restaurants are offering family meals that can be purchased and then cooked at home.
“I’ve seen restaurants get creative and come up with family style meals people can buy at a discounted price, or they are offering specials that they typically don’t offer,” Deceuster said.
While delivery is not the only way to keep your distance, some restaurants have started a quick and easy pick-up method where you place your order online and pick it up for takeout.
Deceuster said there are people in the community who are trying to support local businesses whenever they can by purchasing gift cards to use at a later date and making it a goal to eat out at least three times each week.
For more information on what places are offering takeout, visit stgeorgedining.com.
