As businesses are looking for lifelines and essential workers are focused on doing their jobs, the City of Richmond is starting a program to pay small, locally-owned restaurants to feed first responders.
The Camel was a popular spot to catch a show, get a drink and maybe even grab a burger or some tacos. Then the coronavirus changed everything. "Basically we went from a music venue doing live music every night of the week to essentially a to-go, takeout restaurant," explains co-owner Matt Hansen.
Earlier this month he applied to participate in the City of Richmond’s new first responder meals program. If approved, the restaurant will get reimbursed for food they serve to on-duty workers like firefighters and police officers on specific dates. "You know, that extra boost even once a week would help. Like literally anything helps right now," Hansen says.
The program is scheduled to end in June, when Governor Northam’s stay at home order is set to expire. Northam’s plan to gradually reopen the state hinges on a downward trend in positive tests and hospitalizations, but the future is murky. "We’re going to make it through for sure. If this ends in June? That’s cool, we’ll be ok. If it goes through like July? It’ll be a tough time," Hansen predicts.
In the meanwhile, the chef’s still cooking at Camel. And the music? That hasn’t stopped either. The venue is keeping local artists like Justin Golden in the spotlight through a new virtual series called ‘Couchella’.