CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — South Texas restaurateurs have been forced to comply with the new restrictions or pivot to takeout and delivery operations due to the pandemic.
One local restaurant is not only offering curbside pick up for to-go orders but they are also offering a place to sit and eat.
P.O.E.T.S. restaurant has been around since 1982, and it is doing everything it can to stay open for its loyal customers.
That is why it has opened its patio for customers while following the mandatory safe distance ordinance.
"We just put a few tables out here for people who want to come out and sit instead of going home or eating in the parking lot like some people do,“ said P.O.E.T.S GM Cynthia King.
Many of the independent restaurants typically run on smaller profit margins, and the idea of temporary closures would be devastating to their businesses.
“Very worried about my staff and how we were going to make this work, but we have made it work,” said King.
Customers like Nancy Warren, who are isolated at home, may be growing tired of her kitchen. And for her, POETS' plan is also a great opportunity to support local businesses.
“I am not sure I want to encourage this, and I don’t want to encourage the competition because I like P.O.E.T.S. best. It is a great idea if you have to have some food, and you want to get out and have a little sunshine and not have people breathe on you,” said Warren.
During this crisis, P.O.E.T.S. restaurant did not have to let anybody go. Owners have made hours for everyone on staff to help with deliveries and curbside pickups.
P.O.E.T.S. is offering curbside pick up for to-go orders. Just call 361-991-4574 or 361-993-2170. If you need to see a menu visit Eatatpoets.com.