ELIZABETHTOWN — Last Friday, Mayor Sylvia Campbell sent a message of encouragement to residents of the town.
Monday, action backed those words.
Blue tents are beginning to pop up at restaurants, those where the logistics afford the room for them. They’re designated for curbside service, an effort to help commerce as the nation deals with the coronavirus.
“We wanted to do something to help them, so people would know they’re open and they can get a meal there,” said Town Manager Eddie Madden.
The local government response helps considering Monday’s third exeuctive order to come down from Gov. Roy Cooper. Already having closed dining areas in restaurants and bars, he directed the closure of a number of other businesses by 5 p.m. Wednesday to include gyms, movie theaters, sweepstakes parlors, health clubs and other similar facilities, nail salons, barber shops and massage therapists.
Monday’s best news, arguably, came from Italy, which is estimated to be about 1o to 12 days ahead of the U.S. in dealing with COVID-19. There, the percentage increase in cases was the smallest (8.1 percent) since the outbreak began. Italy “locked down” about two weeks ago, and scientists projected two weeks to see results.
The blue tents have distinct signage saying curbside pickup, and the logo of the Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. Madden said its a joint effort to assist.
In her message last week, Campbell told Elizabethtown residents, “Times are tough for our businesses and we are here to help you survive under these unusual circumstances. Please feel free to call the town offices if there is any way that we can help you serve your customers better!
“We are so thankful to have your business in Elizabethtown and we will all get thru this together.”
Thus far they’ve been seen at San Jose Mexican Restaurant, El Patron, Christopher’s Steakhouse and Seafood, Burney’s Sweets & More, Glenda’s and Melvin’s. Giorgio’s already has a drive-thru window; Barefoot’s Sandwich Shoppe has a walk-up window under the pavilion of the farmers market.
One of the first tents rising was at Burney’s Sweets & More, at the Cape Fear Farmer’s Market.
On the other side of the market, Bo and Kelly Barefoot said Barefoot’s Sandwich Shoppe has a covered area and didn’t necessarily need the tent. Bo encouraged the town to get it to someone else who would need it, though they will have a sign.
A slow Monday wasn’t getting them down either. At the end of last week, they witnessed remarkable positives.
“Three people came in and all of them paid it forward,” Bo Barefoot said. “The first guy paid $20 for the guy behind him, he did the same thing, and so did the lady from the Sheriff’s Office.”
No one was behind her, he said, so the tip jar — their staff — got an extra boost.
“And she wouldn’t let Kelly give her the discount for law enforcement, said she wanted to pay it all,” he said. “Ain’t that something?”
Barefoot had some good days last week. He’s optimistic. His opinion was reinforced by a gentleman who came in late last week, bought four sandwiches and then left a significant dollar amount for a number of law enforcement agencies to utilize.
“We’ll get through this,” Bo Barefoot said. “What happened last week, that just brings tears to your eyes. This is tough. But there’s some good things happening.”
A week ago, the bean bags to indicate social distancing at Barefoot’s Sandwich Shoppe were only inside. But some days were pretty good, and Monday, the bags extended outside.
Burney’s Sweets & More was among the first places in Elizabethtown to get a blue tent and signage indicating curbside pickup.