A sign of the time in front of Emmet’s Kitchen & Tap advertises the restaurant is still open for take-out and delivery orders.

Justin Addison

Our local restaurants and other local businesses have always been here for our community, supporting our youth and other events in town. It’s time that we all show our appreciation and support to them during this time of uncertainty.”

Mike Dimond, Executive Director of Fayette Main Street

“If the phone’s ringing, we’re cooking,” said Leremie Shafer during what would be a normally busy lunch rush on Monday. Leremie and his wife, Beth, own Miknan’s Main Street Pub on the downtown courthouse square, one of Fayette’s restaurants forced to adapt to changes with regard to how they are allowed to serve customers during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The restaurant is one of three on that block of Main Street downtown, and only one of two open Monday. The other, fast-food chain Subway, was serving food Monday, also take-out only. Emmet’s Kitchen & Tap is normally busy serving a hungry lunch crowd. But it altered its hours to cope with the new uncertainty of doing business under statewide health rules put in place to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. It is now open just Wednesday through Saturday for carry out and delivery.

Most customers pick up their phones and call in orders. But some restaurants are taking advantage of technology to make it even easier for hungry patrons. Miknan’s is finalizing plans to take ordering online. Customers will be able to order from an app on their phones. Deliveries will be made to those within 15 miles of the restaurant.

Restaurants and bars are facing extremely tough times as new rules for so-called “social distancing” around the world are keeping dining rooms closed. Missouri is one of many states to outlaw gatherings of more than 10 people.

When food and alcohol sales are slow, servers see a reduction in tips, which makeup the majority of their pay. Many have lost shifts as restaurants switch to carry-out only service while finding creative ways to reduce overhead.

The societal changes are affecting practically all businesses, although the bar and restaurant industry is taking the brunt of it. Grocery stores are seeing a boom in sales as panicked shoppers fill up their shopping carts and their freezers. As a response, Missouri Governor Mike Parson recently signed an executive order that allows restaurants to sell “unprepared food” to customers. And C&R Market in Fayette has placed limits on some items, such as milk and eggs, that shoppers may purchase in one trip.

“We hope easing this regulatory burden will not only assist restaurants financially during this time and avoid unnecessary waste, but also help meet the increased demand for food across the state,” Gov. Parson said.

Pharmacies are also feeling the squeeze of tighter regulations. Sam’s Healthmart in Fayette has closed its sales floor and is offering only drive-thru service. Banks have closed their lobbies, forcing in-person business to be conducted at the drive-thru window. Gas stations are seeing reduced traffic, even with plummeting gas prices, as more people are told to work from home.

“Our local restaurants and other local businesses have always been here for our community, supporting our youth and other events in town. It’s time that we all show our appreciation and support to them during this time of uncertainty,” said Mike Dimond, Executive Director of Fayette Main Street. “And remember, when this is over and things return to a more normal pace, continue to show your support of our local businesses. We’ve got a great community and together we can make it even stronger.”