Restaurant channels days gone by with unique event
Stecoah – Even in the most tumultuous of times, small communities still find a way to come together.
A group of 20 citizens found their way to the Stecoah Diner on April 2. Some were there through word-of-mouth; others because their stomaches were empty.
But anyway you chalk it up, “social distancing” could not keep residents from participating in a “drive-in,” where folks ate delicious food, caught up and enjoyed the freedom from the restrictions the coronavirus has placed on everyone.
“It’s wonderful,” said Kathy Cody, who has operated the diner since 2003 and was overwhelmed by the support shown.
The diner is a popular stop on N.C. 28 North. Touting the “Best Vittles in Town” on one of its windows is one thing; delivering the goods is another.
All over the county, restaurants have taken an understandable hit due to COVID-19 protocol. Some places were patrons would gather to socialize, escape the elements and support the local economy resemble ghost towns today. If you wish to “dine-in,” you can, but only at home, as Graham County establishments – and those statewide, for that matter – have had to resort to “drive-through” and “take-out” options.
“Everybody’s working with me,” Cody said of what steps her establishment has taken during these trying times. “We’ve cut back on a lot of stuff.
“Usually by this time of year, I already have extra staff. But I’m taking it one week at a time.”
With a Stay-at-Home order being exercised across North Carolina, it is easy to see why residents might become a little stir crazy. Nothing can replicate the face-to-face interaction you can have with your neighbors, friends and family.
Which is why Deborah Cheney approached Cody with a unique idea. Not a new concept, but a throwback to a simpler time, during a period in history when nothing seems simple anymore.
“It just popped into my head one day,” said Cheney, who also works with the Red Hat Ladies. “I wanted to do something for the community, that meets all the guidelines and rules in place.
“These small businesses are struggling so much right now.”
Cheney later indicated that she wanted to turn this into a monthly event, incorporating other restaurants in Graham County.
Orders for the drive-in were called in beginning at 4 p.m. and the event itself began at 5. Lasting just over an hour, even Sheriff Joseph Jones was present, picking up seven to-go plates for his staff.
With the exception of a select few, restaurants in town have not closed their doors. They are considered an “essential business,” so they won’t be going anywhere.
“I don’t want to bail out,” Cody said. “If they need me, I want to be here.”