Corona-Ville, USA: Drive-ins, Deliveries and Drive-Bys…..
As you discovered, civilization has changed. The coronavirus has taken a hold of local businesses and as a result, has created a shutdown of society. Gone are the stores where people can walk in for retail, food and leisure. The malls are closed, your favorite store in America is probably shut down as well. For comic book shops they are done. But there is a silver lining….if you can find it.
People are coming together. Families are walking more, running more, watching TV together and here’s the kicker…parents are now starting to feel the effects of what it is to be a teacher and instruct their children for almost 24 hrs a day…. (insert joke here teachers).
Welcome to WWC: World War Coronavirus. The New Normal
Now, as of March 2020 a semi-lock down has been placed across certain parts of America. Some states are allowing ‘essential supply stores’ to remain open. For NJ, the following are considered essential:
Grocery stores, farmer's markets and farms that sell directly to customers, and other food stores including retailers that offer a varied assortment of foods comparable to what exists at a grocery store;
Pharmacies and medical marijuana dispensaries (Yaah!!!)
Medical supply stores;
Gas stations;
Convenience stores;
Ancillary stores within healthcare facilities;
Hardware and home improvement stores;
Banks and other financial institutions;
Laundromats and dry-cleaning services;
Stores that principally sell supplies for children under five years;
Pet stores;
Liquor stores (Oh Yeah!!!);
Car dealerships, but only for auto maintenance and repair, and auto mechanics;
Printing and office supply shops;
Mail and delivery stores.
Now, although it’s not mentioned here, restaurants are also open, but only for delivery and take out. Now while many businesses that pertain to the leisure sector are closed, other locations are improvising by providing an outlet for people to either enjoy themselves by eating their favorite foods or watching their favorite movies; Making an attempt to recreate past human experiences.
The Power of Food Deliveries
In the ‘Age of the Coronavirus’, companies like UBEREats, GrubHub, Doordash are the new middlemen institutions profiting from the coronavirus pandemic by having their workers deliver food to consumers to various locations. Already in existence, these companies are in even greater demand as they are the last line of defense for restaurant businesses as they try to keep afloat. While food supply-based businesses might last a little longer, unless local restaurants have a steady supply of cash on hand to keep them afloat, food delivery, right now is their new bread and butter. As Americans quarantine themselves from this deadly pandemic, these servicemen of the food industry are ensuring that your quarantine is a little more flavorful and tolerable.
Drive-ins Theaters
I’ll admit, I’ve never been to one. I’ve always seen them on movies like ATL, Twister and Poetic Justice. As major movie theaters, like Regal, and AMC are closed, the drive-in movie theater, relics of the movie industry, are now the new hubs for on-screen entertainment. Based on where you live, some locations might be closed, however, if one is open, using your car as a social distancing tool, all you need to do is bring your wallet, vehicle and any food item from a drive-by eatery or home.
Drive-By Eateries
Wendy’s, Burger King, KFC, McDonald’s, always had drive thrus, however, small local eateries are creating innovative ways for patrons to eat their favorite local dishes. For example, one local eatery which works as a Bar and Pub allows people to obtain their food around the back. Others are using the hell out of GrubHub and UberEats, just to ensure their businesses stay afloat. I haven’t had the opportunity to try the local delivery service, but I did order a pizza from Dominos….
World War Coronavirus
World War C (Image from The Guardian)
As local governments are battling the ‘bug’, these eateries are doing everything they can to ensure they stay running. I understand what they are doing. When a restaurant takes a week off, the company is manageable; they can survive the shut down. However, if they are closed for a month or more, it’s possible that they could close their doors forever. As the coronavirus spread continues, fast food workers are also getting worried that the exchange of money between customers and workers could also be contaminated as those who might be quarantined are disobeying their doctor’s orders and going out to eat, disregarding everyone’s health.
Overall, as these jobs and forms of entertainment are becoming the new normal, it’s important to note that these businesses are doing their very best to stay up and running. Support them if you can. The coronavirus has changed the way we are eating and for local and major restaurants, delivery and curbside pickup, are components of a new genre of eating out with hygiene becoming the adopted protocol in ensuring that customers are happy, safe and well fed.
