NJ Coronavirus: Takeout Becomes Main Option In Cinnaminson

CINNAMINSON, NJ — Bars and restaurants in Cinnaminson are reacting after Gov. Phil Murphy announced that non-essential businesses would shut down at 8 p.m. Monday to prevent the further spread of new coronavirus in the state.

Many were already offering discounts on takeout and working to sanitize their businesses as cases of coronavirus continued to be reported in the state.

On Monday morning, Murphy said all movie theaters, restaurants, gyms and casinos in New Jersey will close in an attempt to flatten the curve of the spread. Read more here: NJ Coronavirus: Bars, Restaurants, Theaters To Shut

It's not clear when these businesses will be allowed to reopen fully, but restaurants will be permitted to offer take-out, as many businesses in Cinnaminson planned to.

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The Cinnaminson Dineris taking 20 percent off any takeout orders, according to the diner’s Facebook page. This excludes any online orders. They are also donating soup that is left over at the end of the business day to anyone who might need it.

“Here at the Cinnaminson Diner, we are a family owned and operated business,” owners and brothers Ogun and Emre Karagoz said. “As a small business we have seen a substantial impact on our business with the recent COVID-19 pandemic. We would like to share that we operate on small margins as like most restaurants and this shift in business has made us restructure some of our daily operations for our valued customers who may choose not to dine In with us or to customers who still choose to come dine with us. These changes are meant to reassure our customers that we will continue to make great dishes at affordable prices and continue to employ our wonderful staff so they indeed can support their families.”

Nick’s Pizza and Pasta will close at 8 p.m. until further notice, in compliance with Murphy’s order. Beginning Tuesday, they will offer take out and delivery only.

“Please know that we are not an establishment that typically offers delivery, so please be patient and kind as we navigate these trying times together,” the owners said in a Facebook post. “We advise all customers to call 856-829-0400 in order to place an order.

“Let’s all be reminded that we are one in a world full of billions. Our actions affect everyone and everything around us. Our loved ones in Italy are going through some really difficult times (we have not been in direct contact with them since last summer). Let’s all do our due diligence to not end up in their shoes.”

Pat’s Select Pizza is offering 15 percent off online orders, using the code SUMR318.

“Our team at Pat’s Select has not taken this outbreak lightly and is doing everything in its power in response to this impact with increased cleaning and sanitizing procedures,” the owners said in a Facebook post. “The health and safety of our customers is our top priority and will serve as the primary navigator moving forward. Our team is ready to serve you wherever you feel most comfortable enjoying your fresh hot pie and more.”

The Jug Handle Inn was set to close at 8 p.m. Monday and offer take out and delivery on Tuesday via its Door Dash online delivery service.

“We will also be offering drive up take-out,” the owners said in a Facebook post. “When placing your order, please note your make, model and color of your car, and we will bring your order out to you. The Jug Handle will continue to keep you posted with updates as this situation continues to develop.”

Sweetwater Bar and Grill is offering 15 percent off all takeout orders, which includes beer and wine. It is also offering curbside delivery. This will all be available during normal business hours as much as possible, but the impact of coronavirus has already impacted business quite a bit, owner George Kyrtatas said.

Whistler’s Inn was set to remain open until 8 p.m. Monday. After that, it was unclear if it would offer takeout as the establishment was taking a "wait and see approach."

Burlington County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kristi Howell expects quite a few restaurants throughout the county to feel the impact, and said the chamber would do the best it could to mitigate the impact. She said it was difficult to predict what that impact would be.

“We’ve never dealt with anything like this before,” Howell said.

The chamber was set to meet Monday afternoon to decide how to proceed.