Restaurants are just one facet of life that have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak – but a partner with one area establishment thinks the industry will boom post-pandemic.
B2 Bistro + Bar locations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania have been closed since 8 p.m. on March 16: Red Bank, Point Pleasant Beach, North Brunswick and West Reading, Pennsylvania.
“We have opted against doing any takeout or delivery service at this time. We have donated to our local churches and food banks all of our perishable food items.
“We have asked all salaried members of our team to take this mandated closing period to focus on our facilities. We will be deep cleaning, sanitizing, completing do-it-yourself maintenance projects and fine tuning every aspect of our operations. We will also be preparing our new spring menu offerings as well as finalizing our business plan for summer 2020. We have also asked our teams to focus on taking care of their families, their neighbors and themselves,” said Stephen G. Valentine, managing partner for B2 Bistro + Bar.
Valentine said the purchase of gift cards for future use “is a great idea” to help businesses survive.
“We are offering our Holiday Season promotion during these difficult times: buy a $100 gift card and receive a $20 bonus gift certificate. All purchases are available on our website,” he said.
Unfortunately though, he said, all of B2’s employees and families have been negatively impacted by this global pandemic.
“It is a financial hardship for all of us, for every American and for all citizens of the world. But, we believe that we at B2 Bistro + Bar will weather this storm. We will re-open on the other side of this better than ever. We hope and pray that everybody does.
“When this crisis is over, and it will end, I anticipate the restaurant industry will be busier than ever. We are where friends and family gather to break bread, drink wine and celebrate life. And once we beat this virus and get back on our feet we will all have a reason for celebration. Until that time of celebration we hope all people take all necessary steps to remain as healthy as possible. Care for one another. We are all in this together,” Valentine said.