African Restaurants Turn to Take-Out Sales
When Minnesota Governor Tim Walz temporarily closed dine-in restaurants and bars on March 18th to stop the spread of COVID-19, and it forced businesses to change the way they operate. The governor’s executive order ends on March 27th, but according to the latest information from Walz, that’s not likely to happen.
Many African restaurants like Milah’s Royal Bistro in Brooklyn Park, are relying on word of mouth to let customers know they are open for take-out.
Milah’s Royal Bistro Relying On Customer Word-of-Mouth
“As customers come in to pick up orders, we’re asking them to spread the message that we’re open,” said owner Milah Kai. “We have a web page, but we’re working on setting up a Facebook page to bring in more business. The African bistro will deliver large orders and hopes to utilize delivery options like Door Dash in the future.
Fried Cassava Leaf from Milah’s Royal Bistro
Kai is a native of Liberia and enjoys sharing traditional foods from her homeland, like Goat Soup, Attieke, and fish. And while the restaurant is trying to bring in more business, Kai is focused on a much bigger issue right now.
“We’re praying everyone stays safe during this time,” said Kai.
African Foods and Gifts Utilizes Delivery Platforms
Marlene Nah is the owner of African Foods and Gifts in Crystal. She says her business has been dramatically affected by the shutdown. The small shop can accommodate 25 people.
“It has impacted our business somewhat because people aren’t able to sit down any longer. Because people would normally order and sit down because they like the environment, they like the atmosphere,” explained Nah. “It has impacted us somewhat, but at least we still have the pickup and delivery options. So, one is greater than zero.”
Nah says the closing is hurting the bottom line, but she doesn’t know how much yet. African Foods and Gifts is known for its sweet potato greens and cassava leaf stew.
The restaurant is offering take out and call for pick up. They also have three different delivery platforms: Doordash, Chownow, and Grubhub.
Jambo Africa Nixes Buffet, Turns to Take-Out
Jambo Africa in Brooklyn Center is changing the way they offer up their Kenyan, Nigerian, and Liberian dishes. The African restaurant typically has an all-you-can-eat buffet, but that’s gone now.
“People are not working, or coming out to eat,” said owner Simone Chambliss.
The restaurant is now offering pickup orders. Staff will run dishes out to customers’ vehicles. People can also call Jambo Africa directly for delivery.
