BY CAMI KOONS
Amid uncertainty caused by the spread of COVID-19, Eudora business owners said they are trying their best to keep things running as normal.
They want people to still get their daily cup of coffee, prescriptions and be able to eat, but each business has made changes following CDC and presidential recommendations.
Michelle Martin, the assistant manager at Gene’s Heartland Foods, said the store was absolutely crazy over the weekend. Gene’s has not been immune to the toilet paper shortages seen nationwide, and on Tuesday, Martin said they began a corporate-mandated rationing on the commodity.
While canned goods, ramen noodles and cleaning supplies are also flying off the shelves, Martin said nothing compares to the panic she’s seen over toilet paper.
“Most people are understanding, some people make jokes and others act like they’re never going to see a roll again,” Martin said.
Gene’s received a shipment of toilet paper Tuesday morning and Martin said there were two packages left when she came in at noon. Martin said her grocery deliveries, usually done on Monday, were pushed back until Wednesday because of the shortages.
Martin said she normally takes calls from elderly customers and delivers their groceries, but said she thinks it’s especially important right now.
Eric Marx shopped for groceries at Gene’s in preparation for his family's planned trip to a cabin. While most of his grocery shopping didn’t deter from normal items, he said he was stocking up on canned tuna just in case. Marx said he’d normally go to Sam’s Club for groceries but decided to stay in town.
“I thought it’d be good to support local,” Marx said.
AuBurn Pharmacy placed a sign on its door asking that only one healthy member from each family shop for medical supplies. The notice also encourages customers to have their prescriptions delivered. Representatives at AuBurn could not be reached for comment at the time of publication.
Downtown, D-Dubs Bar and Grill has not changed its business plans as of yet, but owner Travis Turner said he will adapt to the situation as needed. Turner said he has seen an increase in call-in orders, but at this time is still offering dine-in services. Turner said he is also looking into delivery options, even if it means he has to deliver.
“We’ll just adjust to the situations,” Turner said.
Zeb’s Coffee House is operating with curbside delivery from 6 a.m. to noon Monday through Saturday to limit social contact. Owner Kathy Weld said Zeb’s plans to operate curbside through the end of March, but said she is monitoring the changes day-by-day.
“Curbside is in order to do our part in social distancing while also serving our customers,” Weld said.
Weld said the shop had some difficulties in adjusting to the workflow and changes but is learning every day. She said she was most amazed at the number of people who came by to support the business.
“I am continually impressed by our community’s willingness to help one another,” Weld said.
Other changes to businesses due to COVID-19 include:
Mutual Savings Association will allow lobby access by appointment only. Other transactions can be made by drive-through only. The business can be reached at 785-542-2123.
Integrity Midwest Insurance is open for business, but physical offices are closed. The business can be reached at 785-542-2000 or at info@integritymw.com.
Subway will not offer dine-in services. It will still be open for drive-through, call-in and online orders.
Torched Goodness will be open for carry-out or curbside orders. The business will only take orders placed before 2 p.m. Wednesday to avoid having several people in the kitchen and wasting food. Call or text 785-766-2877.
Have a business change to announce? Email us at eudoratimes@gmail.com for us to compile a list.
Reach reporter Cami Koons at eudoratimes@gmail.com.
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