How Chicago’s Vegan Scene Is Coping With Coronavirus
‘The fact that restaurants have to choose between fully going out of business or doing carry out to sort of stay afloat is horrifying’
On the evening of March 16, Illinois joined a growing list of states closing all restaurants and bars for dine-in services as part of plans to address the spread of COVID-19 and promote social distancing. Suspension of dine-in services is planned to last until April 7, when the “stay-at-home” order in Illinois is scheduled to be lifted.
Both seemingly established restaurants, like the iconic Chicago Diner which has been open since 1983, and newer ventures, like the all-vegan Jewish deli Sam and Gertie’s which opened in January, are grappling with difficult questions about safety, service and ensuring Chicago’s growing vegan community can thrive in the future.
Upton’s Breakroom, a cafe offshoot of the vegan packaged foods brand Upton’s Naturals, is remaining open for delivery, takeout and curbside pickup for now. However, if demand is not high enough to keep Upton’s Breakroom open and staffed, cafe employees will have the opportunity to continue work with Upton’s Naturals, says Natalie Slater, marketing manager for Upton’s Naturals.
