NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — It's been a difficult couple of weeks for restaurants amid the coronavirus outbreak, with Metro and the state ordering dining rooms to close -- limiting them only to takeout orders. Many restaurants have been forced to layoff their employees.
But Julie Buhler, the owner Phat Bites in Donelson, has found a creative way to encourage people to still enjoy an evening out while staying safe.
Buhler, who is now the solo cook in the kitchen, put together special "social distancing drive-in" events. Customers order food and drinks from the phones, drive up to the Phat Bites parking lot and then can enjoy the food from their cars while they listen to live music performances.
"Music won’t stop here, food won’t stop here, I think there’s a lot of love around," Buhler said. "We’ve sure felt it here."
Buhler says several customers have been very generous with their tips, which she is using to support her staff.
By 6 p.m. Friday, several cars had arrived at the parking lot, including one belonging to Sarah and Paul Wendel, who brought their newborn son to what turned out to be his first concert.
"We’re trying to support right here in Donelson, these places mean so much to us, so much to our community, Sarah said.
Phat Bites has social distancing drive-ins scheduled for Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 7 p.m. Check their Facebook page for future drive-in dates and times.
