GALLATIN, Tenn (WTVF) — The novel coronavirus has closed down many businesses across the state and while restaurants are allowed to stay open, they can only fulfill carry out and drive-thru services. That is presenting a new set of problems for some restaurant owners.
Mama’s Kitchen meat and three owner Jim Clark says he had to close down his second location in Goodlettsville and lay off his employees. They’ve been in business for 10-years and Clark says this has been the hardest year for them so far.
“It’s taking a big toll on the business, our business dropped down to 45, 50%,” said Clark.
Besides a decline in sales, Clark says managing as a "to-go only" business has been challenging as well.
Mama’s Kitchen relied partially on Sysco Nashville but since it was damaged by the March tornado, Clark’s been looking elsewhere for containers.
“We now have to get a lot of our items from Louisville Kentucky or Knoxville, so that has changed a lot,” said Clark. “We’ve met business people from Kentucky loading up their trucks with to-go trays, dessert trays, cutlery, and they’re out by the time we get there, they’re gone.”
Clark says they ran out of supplies once at their Gallatin location, and had to ask another small restaurant in town for help.
Mama’s Kitchen is ready to serve customers again inside once the safer at home order expires, and are still operating from their drive-thru at 495 East Main Street in Gallatin.
Clark says if COVID-19 has taught him anything it was to be prepared for everything.
You can find more restaurants open for business right now at newschannel5.com/open .
