KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Restaurants in the Kansas City area are working to rethink the way they serve customers in response to the coronavirus.
The Russell, a restaurant on Main Street in Kansas City, Missouri, has switched to "black glove" curbside pickup.
"We have even started to roll all of our silverware," said Amante Domingo, co-owner and chef at The Russell. "We are checking all of our employees' health to make sure they feel good and are healthy every day."
Starting on Monday, customers will order online and pull up to the front of the restaurant to pick up their orders.
The restaurant said it's taking that step to protect not only customers, but also employees.
"Honestly, one of the most sanitary things that we can offer right now is curbside," Domingo said. "Obviously we are calling it the 'black glove' service so that we avoid as much contact with their food as possible."
Ruby Jean's Juicery, which has three locations in KCMO, also is feeling the effects of the coronavirus. On Monday, the owner said two locations have closed until further notice, keeping open the store at 3000 Troost Ave.
"We have closed their downtown location and Whole Foods location until further notice," said Chris Goode, owner and founder of Ruby Jean's Juicery. "We have also moved to only to accepting to-go orders and pickup only."
But the juicery is adding new features as it works to continue serving customers.
"We are also launching our mobile app in order for customers to get curbside pickup and to-go orders from our app directly," Goode said.
Goode is part of a group of small business owners having to make difficult decisions and adjust to keep customers protected. But he said he will remain positive throughout the pandemic.
"We face challenges day in and day out. But this is one you couldn't possibly prepare for," Goode said. "Overall, we have a resolve in our faith and knowing that we all have to work together."
Other local places also are making adjustments. The Restaurant at 1900 in Mission Woods will be open for to-go orders only beginning Monday. It's already closed down the dining room and bar.
