Let’s Drink and be Social Again!

Oh, how I miss a good bar. And a fine restaurant. And the conversations we had with our neighbors while sitting in both.

We are now 8-weeks into curbside delivery and a whole lot of Door Dash. I like my Door Dash as much as the next person, but being social, I have always looked forward to meeting clients and friends at a nice restaurant or bar after a long day of work.

The thing I miss most is sitting close to a perfect stranger and sharing a cold beverage. Recently I was working at one of my shopping centers, when a restaurant owner invited me to step inside for a glass of wine. He wanted to discuss ideas to combat the effects of the COVID-19 shutdown, and lured me in with a fine bottle. As I sat there, I thought to myself, I love this bar. It is so beautiful, with perfect lighting, great attention to detail, fun artwork, and a fabulous backbar! Everything I love in a good neighborhood restaurant. I feel for these businesses. They need our support now more than ever.

We had a great meeting and came up with numerous ideas on how to best work his curbside pick-up to include food and cocktails. Who doesn’t love a guy that will sell you a margarita to go?

I am so thankful for our neighborhood restaurateurs. I see how they are managing the curbside delivery— but I see the fear in their eyes. I take calls from many of them asking what they can do to make payroll. It breaks my heart. It hurts to see the PPP act go to the big guys—see Shake Shack and Ruth’s Chris-- who were not supposed to be the recipients of these government support checks. What about our small mom & pops?

I promise when this is all over, I am going to be more appreciative of our local restaurants. I have always been a good tipper, but now I promise to be even better and more thoughtful and appreciative of our local restaurant owners. They are working so hard to make it through this difficult time.

I can’t wait to UBER with my handsome husband after this is over to a fun night of fine dining and cocktails. Let’s all raise our glasses together and get to the other side of this and remember: shop small and tip big.

California Can Now Sell Cocktails To Go, but Only With Food

Source: Retail Dive