It’s been a week since BC implemented sweeping new restrictions that temporarily suspended dine-in service in bars and restaurants across the province, prompting business owners to once again re-pivot and refocus their efforts on take-out, delivery and patio-only service.

This quote from Darragh McFeely, Director of Operations at @nubatown’s four Vancouver restaurants and @chanchotortilleria, highlights the importance that everyone in the industry has taken to heart and have made their top priority since the pandemic first began more than a year ago.

While it’s another step back on the road to recovery, McFeely and his teams are taking a positive, ‘onwards and upwards’ approach that showcases the resolve and solidarity that we all feel for all of those long-suffering folks in the hospitality and foodservice industry not just here in BC but across the country.

Until this latest lockdown ends, Nuba will remain focused on offering a safe patio experience at its Mount Pleasant and Yaletown locations, along with its full menu available for take-out and delivery in addition to meal kit packages at all locations, while Chancho will continue to offer pickup and delivery services as well.

Stay in touch with us and tag @breakingbreadnow in your posts so that we can continue to shine a spotlight on your latest updates as they happen as well as all the news that’s fit to print about the clever and creative ways you’re getting by, getting through and getting over this latest hump.

Stand tall. Stay strong. Show love. Support local.

We’ve been focusing on how this latest shutdown has affected restaurateurs, but it’s time to shine a light on the suppliers who are also feeling the pinch now that dine-in service has been restricted for the next two weeks here in BC.

One of those suppliers is Jenice Yu of @freshideasstarthere (also known by its clever acronym FISH), which supplies award-winning restaurants across Vancouver like @askforluigi, @savio_volpe, @stemjapanese and @uglydumpling.ca with an array of premium, sustainable and locally sourced seafood products.

When the latest restrictions were announced last Monday, it coincided with what is always a big order day in advance of the Easter Weekend. When news broke, FISH had already delivered to more than 10 restaurants and caterers but quickly pivoted to allow those outlets the choice to keep or return the products, which some did — especially those without a patio.

“It turned into a crazy day for us, but at the end of the day a lot of restaurants were so grateful that we did that,” she says.

Her message? Focus on local by ordering take-out by ordering directly from your favourite restaurant or take advantage of patio dining possibilities at restaurants that offer it.

“The money you spend on local businesses helps support families and individuals who contribute to our community,” she says.

Despite the latest lockdown, Jenice remains optimistic about the future.

“Our industry is resilient — there are so many good people with so much passion keeping it alive,” she says. “At the end of this tunnel will be a day when we will all be able to sit together to wine and dine like we used to!”

Stand tall. Stay strong. Show love. Support local.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead.

Granted, Maggie was a cultural anthropologist and not a restaurateur, but her words have never rung truer when it comes to the ongoing restrictions and COVID-19 shutdowns that are affecting anew the hospitality industry and those who count on it for their livelihood across the country.

It’s on all of us to continue to show our love and support for small and independent bars, cafes, restaurants, breweries, wineries, suppliers and more by ordering take-out, delivery or meal kits, frequenting patios where permitted or simply sharing the love for our favourite spots via social and word of mouth.

We’ve gotten through this before. Together, we’ll do it again.

Stand tall. Stay strong. Show love. Support local.