Temple Strong: Local Restaurants Serve Amid Coronavirus

Subway employee delivers sandwiches and cookies to Baylor Scott & White Health

With COVID-19 hitting Bell County in March, businesses have been scrambling to keep up with new regulations and restrictions. The City of Temple declared a state of disaster and required all restaurants to close their inside dining but allowing them to still serve through curbside, drive-thru, or takeout.
 
Matt Serna, manager of the Pizza Hut on W Adams, sent complimentary pizzas to the Temple High and Lamar Middle School staff. “It’s everyone’s responsibility to do their part, and If I can relieve an ounce of stress, one pizza at a time, that’s what I’m going to do!” The school was released for spring break on March 9 and has not reopened due to COVID-19’s presence in Bell County.  Serna said, “It is important to give back to the community during hard times.” 
 
Pizza Hut is not the only restaurant to support the community by providing their services. Bird Creek Burgers provided 40 grab and go meals for the 411 House, a youth empowerment house in East Temple. Chick-Fil-A packaged hundreds of meals for the HEB Distribution Center employees who are working extended hours. And La Riv Kitchen & Bar is offering free pasta meals to local families in need.
 
Subway is donating sandwiches and cookies weekly to the ER, Pulmonary & Surgery departments at Baylor Scott & White. John Guthrie, manager of Subway Sandwiches in Temple, spoke on why they decided to donate, “Due to the virus we had to shut down our location inside the hospital, but we didn’t want to abandon the staff. We wanted to give back and we’re a restaurant, so it made sense. It also gives hours to our employees, so it felt good to help everyone involved.”
 
There are multiple ways you can support local restaurants during this challenging time. Take advantage of their curbside, drive-thru, or takeout options. If takeout is not in the budget, be sure to like their social media pages, leave positive reviews, and share their content. Gift cards are also a great way to show support, you can buy now and use later. This is a challenging time, but we will overcome it together being Temple Strong.

​Visit templechamber.com/templestrong-restaurants for a listing of Temple Chamber Member restaurants here to serve.