Are Detroit Restaurants Essential During a Pandemic? Some Owners Say ‘No’ | Eater Detroit

"I observed chef Reniel Billups open her new Pontiac restaurant, Flavors of Jamaica, and despite initial fears the community came out to support a steady increase in daily carryout sales during its limited first week; still, she chose to close on March 29 until the executive order lifts because safety and responsibility to the public and staff mattered more than making money. During service she asked customers to call in for curbside pickup and posted a menu and instructions on the entrance, but many people didn’t read and wandered inside, requiring staff to guide them back; staff and customers were also unsettled by masks and employees worried about commuting by public transit. Billups said closing temporarily felt like the responsible choice, that she hopes the restaurant will return soon, and expressed gratitude for the community’s understanding." - Brenna Houck