It has been two weeks since Zone one moved to the red level of New Brunswick’s COVID-19 recovery plan.
Restaurants were forced to close their dining rooms on January 20th.
Owner of Mexi’s in downtown Moncton Matthew Youden says events like Burger Fest have really helped, “Essentially, it has given restaurants a shot in the arm I think. We have had a surge in business, so we’ve had a very good experience from it, and very happy that it has happened. It has helped us get through the red phase.”
Youden says customers are aware of how much they are struggling, “We’ve had lots of customers, many who have ordered a burger two, three, four times since it started. The common theme is that they recognize restaurants are struggling right now and that getting out and ordering take out once a week can really make a difference.”
When dining rooms weren’t closed due to the red level, Youden says, “With workers working from home and less people downtown, our lunches have suffered for sure, but our evenings have actually been better than expected. I think people work home all day and then need to get out of the house.”
Burger Fest launched on January 14 with over 25 businesses.
Because of its success, it was extended to February 6th.
